Posts Tagged ‘Coal’
Appalachian Voices statement on White House coal actions
President Donald Trump ordered a series of actions this week intended to prop up America’s declining coal industry. Trump announced that the Department of Energy will pay electric utilities $175 million for upgrades to aging coal plants in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia. Trump also ordered the Pentagon to buy more coal-generated power, though did not specify where such power might be purchased.
Read MoreCoal company owned by Sen. Jim Justice releases financial statement contradicting its previous sworn testimony
A recent financial disclosure by A&G Coal Company asserts that the company has substantial positive net assets, contradicting the recent sworn testimony of its general counsel asserting that it was over $9 million in debt and therefore unable to comply with its obligations under a court-approved 2023 settlement agreement.
Read MoreTVA cuts the public out, keeps expensive and dangerous coal plants operating indefinitely
In a staggering reversal, the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously today to continue operating its Kingston and Cumberland coal plants indefinitely, instead of retiring them as it brings new gas power plants online at the same sites.
Read MoreTennessee Valley Authority goes back on commitment to retire dirty coal plants
In an extremely disappointing reversal, the Tennessee Valley Authority announced it is planning to keep its Kingston and Cumberland coal plants operating for the foreseeable future, blowing by its upcoming deadlines to close the polluting facilities.
Read MoreTrump administration to reconsider black lung protection rule, costing more miners’ lives
The rule should have gone into effect to start protecting workers last April, but in a filing Wednesday, the administration said it is starting a new, “limited” rulemaking.
Read MoreA black water spill, precarious permits, a contempt hearing and a new Justice company enters the scene
West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice is the richest senator in the country, according to recent reporting that also highlights his substantial debts. In light of this news, we thought it appropriate to provide an update on our team’s continued work to deal with the ongoing impacts of his family’s coal empire, and their decades-long track record of environmental destruction.
Read MoreTrump administration announces new efforts to increase electricity prices and pollution
Today, the Trump administration announced a number of new initiatives to prop up coal mining and coal-fired power plants.
Read MoreAdvocates alarmed over Army Corps blanket ‘permission to pollute’ proposal in West Virginia
Appalachian Mountain Advocates submitted comments on behalf of six environmental organizations to the Army Corps of Engineers in opposition to a proposal that attempts to skip the agency’s typical review process for certain types of energy projects in West Virginia.
Read MoreHouse subcommittee to vote on cuts to mine safety tonight
On Labor Day, a House Appropriations Subcommittee released its draft funding proposal, which would cut funding levels for key mine safety agencies.
Read MoreThe state of coal community protections 48 years after landmark mining law
On Aug. 3, 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act into law. This anniversary presents a good opportunity to discuss SMCRA’s intent, where it’s fallen short over the years and how the Trump administration is undermining SMCRA’s protections.
Read More