Front Porch Blog
Confronting acid mine drainage: A conversation with Rural Action’s Marissa Lautzenheiser
In this conversation, Marissa Lautzenheiser of Rural Action lays out the basics of the acid mine drainage challenge, discusses the unique funding needs for AMD clean-up, and talks about some of the innovative work Rural Action is doing to tackle this problem.
Read MoreTell White House officials that coal mine cleanup must be a priority
Insufficient bonding systems and decades of poor enforcement of mine reclamation law have led to a severe backlog in abandoned mines — and a new wave of coal bankruptcies is exacerbating the problem.
Read MoreBlackjewel mine creates emergency road hazard in Russell County, VA
Heavy rains caused debris from an inactive coal mine to block portions of VA State Route 632 in late August — an event that might become all too common with climate change-fueled rainfall likely to intensify.
Read MoreMiners with black lung call on Congress to protect benefits
In an August webinar, advocates and representatives of the Black Lung Association discussed the critical importance for the passage of a permanent 25% increase to the Black Lung Excise Tax on coal companies.
Read MoreUtility disconnection protections: Let’s make it permanent
Shutting off electricity and other vital utilities of families who can’t afford their bills is unjust. During a pandemic, it’s barbaric. Appalachian Voices offers solutions.
Read MoreUpdates in the fight against MVP and MVP Southgate
Catch up on updates about the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline and its Southgate extension with upcoming events, regulatory developments and the latest news about construction of these projects and the communities fighting back.
Read MoreHighlights from the Energy Democracy in Action webinar series
Advocates from across the country shared stories of how they gained control over how and where their power is produced during the first two webinars of the three-part Energy Democracy In Action series. Read the highlights and register for the third webinar.
Read MoreWhat the bipartisan infrastructure bill means for Appalachia
The Senate’s nearly 3,000-page infrastructure bill would bring major investments in programs that support Appalachian communities, including abandoned mine cleanup and broadband. But the bill also has its flaws.
Read MoreSenate passes victory for abandoned mine lands – On to the House for improvements
The Senate just passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that includes the LARGEST-EVER investment in abandoned mine land clean-up. Now we need the House to pass this bill with a few small changes that will make a big difference for local communities.
Read MoreA new wave of abandoned coal mines?
As coal collapses, the industry is leaving behind thousands of acres of mined lands in various states of environmental destruction. A new report seeks to understand the scope of the problem and outline potential solutions.
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