Front Porch Blog
Updates from Appalachia
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.
Tell 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.
Blackjewel 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.
Miners 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.
Utility 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.
