Posts Tagged ‘appalachia’
New maps reveal yearly footprint of surface coal mining in Central Appalachia
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — In a peer-reviewed study published today in PLOS ONE, researchers from SkyTruth, Duke University, and Appalachian Voices released the first-ever maps of the year-by-year footprint of surface coal mining, including mountaintop mining, in Central Appalachia. Among the key findings: Surface mining, including mountaintop mining, has been responsible for clearing 2,900 km2 (~720,000…
Read MoreHow can TVA claim to support energy efficiency and renewables even as they implement policies that discourage them?
TVA is using its already-obsolete 2020 Integrated Resource Plan as an opportunity to cut funding for energy-saving technologies that it claims are driving down revenue.
Read MoreAlpha Natural Resources wants to use Coal River Mountain as a tire dump
The case of Republic Energy makes it clear that the deck is still stacked in favor of the coal industry. But that has never dissuaded Coal River Mountain Watch from challenging the industry and the agencies that enable it.
Read MoreStill on hold: Few answers on review of mountaintop removal health impacts
More than a year into the Trump administration, a director for the Office of Surface Mining has yet to be confirmed. And it’s unlikely that Trump’s pro-coal pick will reinstate a review of the human health impacts of mountaintop removal.
Read MoreEnergized by Efficiency: SOCM members and their dedication to reducing energy waste
Over the last two years, SOCM’s Cumberland County Chapter has advocated for on-bill financing program for energy efficiency at their electric co-op, Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
Read MoreTrump’s war on reality
To revive coal and ignore climate change, the White House must wage war on reality itself.
Read MoreThe National Mining Association doesn’t speak for coal communities
The National Mining Association shrugged when a review of research linking mountaintop removal to human health impacts was halted. But the NMA does not speak for coal communities.
Read MoreMassive mountaintop removal mine threatens Clearfork Valley
The Clearfork Valley of Tennessee has been intensely surface-mined going back decades. Now, Kopper Glo Mining is moving forward with a nearly 1,500-acre mountaintop removal mine on nearby Cooper Ridge.
Read MoreHouse Committee approves the RECLAIM Act with bipartisan support
On Tuesday morning, the House Natural Resources Committee passed the RECLAIM Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at revitalizing coal mining communities. The legislation would direct $1 billion over five years to restoring abandoned mine lands. Committee members also approved an amendment put forward by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) to require projects that receive funding under…
Read MoreCitizens discuss environmental threats and economic priorities during Congressman’s visit
People from coal-impacted communities across Central Appalachia recently gathered in Wise County, Va., to share their concerns and ideas with U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva.
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