Search Results: south fork coal
New Growth on Former Coal Mines
Independent farmers and entrepreneurial groups are looking to abandoned mine land sites and seeing potential for agricultural projects, both large and small.
D.C. sends a ray of hope to Southwest Virginia
Through the dark clouds of the Trump administration’s agenda for rolling back or killing off programs critical to the health of Appalachian communities and the environment, a bright spot has emerged — $10 million for repurposing old coal mines in Southwest Virginia for new economic opportunities.
Congress includes $10 million for Southwest Virginia coal communities in spending plan
Contact: Adam Wells, New Economy Program Manager, 276-679-1691, adam@appvoices.org Thom Kay, Senior Legislative Representative, 864-580-1843, thom.kay@appvoices.org Gerald Collins Coal Mining Engineering Services LLC, 276-220-0150, gerald1951@comcast.net Norton, Va. — A proposed federal spending bill that took shape in Congress over the weekend includes $10 million in funding for economic development projects to help communities in Southwest…
Southwest Virginians Challenge Mine
On Nov. 7, community members voiced their concerns about the proposed Doe Branch mountaintop removal mine to the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.
Southwest Virginians speak out against Doe Branch Mine
“God gave us the water so we can stay clean, and so we can drink it. I don’t want poison in the water.” Those are the words of 6-year-old Levi Marney, spoken to representatives of the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy at a public meeting about the proposed Doe Branch mountaintop removal mine in Haysi.
Navigating the Russell Fork
The Russell Fork River was recently added to American River’s 2016 list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers because of threats from mountaintop coal removal mining.
Southwest Virginia Environmental Movement Loses Two Leaders
Southwest Virginia lost two environmental leaders when Vivian Owens and Tim Mullins passed away in August.
A growing mine is a growing problem for the Russell Fork River
The history of the Doe Branch mine in Southwest Virginia is long and complicated, and its future remains unclear. A bankruptcy saga with the mine’s previous owner stalled development in the past year, but things appear to be getting back on track — putting the Russell Fork River at risk.
Clean Water Laws Wrestle With Coal
America’s environmental regulations have hampered the coal industry to varying degrees for decades, and though those rules can protect communities from pollution, the law alone is often not able to secure clean water. Here are some of the trouble spots.