Front Porch Blog
Updates from Appalachia
A decision point for abandoned coal mines
An accurate inventory of abandoned coal mine lands is imperative for understanding the scope of the problem, where funding needs to be directed, and how much funding is necessary.
Bond forfeitures begin on bankrupt Blackjewel and Revelation mine permits
An unreclaimed coal mine has sent mud and debris onto a neighboring property. The mine is one of five Virginia permits owned by bankrupt Revelation Energy and Blackjewel that are now facing bond forfeiture, which means the state or the mines’ insurance companies could take over the cleanup.
Blackjewel’s black lung problem
Bankrupt coal company Blackjewel owes nearly $10 million in taxes to the fund that provides benefits to miners with black lung disease whose employer has gone bankrupt.
Citizen scientists uncover water quality violations in Kentucky national forest
Citizen scientists discovered that acid mine drainage is causing a creek in Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest to flow a bright orange, and they spurred state regulators to issue citations to the mine operators. But mining company Revelation Energy is in bankruptcy, which leaves big questions about who will clean up the mess — and when.
Old Dominion Power rate proposal would harm Southwest Virginia communities
Old Dominion Power is seeking a massive rate increase, which would increase average residential electricity bills by nearly $29 per month and make it more difficult for Southwest Virginia businesses and residents to access solar power. Now is your chance to speak up!
