RockingChair

Front Porch Blog

Updates from Appalachia

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Unreclaimed Aily Branch Mine

Bond-forfeited Virginia Blackjewel mines may finally have a buyer

Three Virginia strip mines, neglected in the wake of the Blackjewel bankruptcy, may finally have a buyer. But it remains to be seen if the new company would be able to reclaim the land.

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view of disturbed mine land at Hobet Mine

“Environmentalist” Tom Clarke abandons mines in West Virginia

With the failure of coal operator ERP’s unconventional scheme, West Virginia must contend with the company’s environmental violations and mines in need of cleanup.

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Dark runoff from a mine contaminates a Virginia creek

Companies play hot potato with unreclaimed Blackjewel mines

Virginia regulators, a surety insurance company, and two coal companies are playing hot potato with 22 of bankrupt Blackjewel’s coal permits — and none of them want to be left with the responsibility of reclaiming the sites.

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public utility and state responses to Covid-19

Utilities must suspend service disconnections and waive late fees

Millions of Americans have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They should not have to worry about having their power or water turned off as a result.

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normal human lung compared to diseased lung

Black lung service providers shift in the face of COVID-19

As coal miners with black lung disease have a heightened risk of complications from coronavirus, black lung healthcare providers work to respond to the global pandemic.

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