A key federal mine reclamation program is up for reauthorization in 2021 — and the work is far from finished.
Blog Archives
The Ongoing Cleanup of Abandoned Coal Mines
TAGS: abandoned mine lands Acid Mine Drainage aml AML pilot program AML reauthorization Cheat River Gorge SMCRA
Response to Spill Leads to Action Against Coal Polluter
Our Appalachian Water Watch team was able to document the spill of acidic water on Pine Creek as it occurred in real-time, spurring public outcry and state action against the mining company.
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.
A “golden opportunity” in disguise
In 2013, federal funds derived from a per-ton fee on mined coal were distributed to Central Appalachia states for restoring abandoned mine lands. The result was $182 million in economic benefit and 1,317 jobs–plus cleaner streams, and a healthier future for nearby residents. A new report out shows how the federal program should be fixed to yield even better results, and sooner.
TAGS: abandoned mine lands acid mine Acid Mine Drainage aml Coal mountaintop Mountaintop Removal restoration Virginia
Sewanee Coal Seam Prohibition Bill Introduced in TN
Tennessee State Senator Berke and Representative McDonald Introduce Legislation That Will Protect Tennessee’s Mountains, Waters, and Public Health. Appalachian Voices Urges TN Legislature to Support This Bill. Appalachian Voices and other allies across Tennessee, including “Statewide Organizing For Community eMpowerment”…
TAGS: Acid Mine Drainage Appalachian Voices Coal Environment Health Tennessee Tennessee State legislature
