Blog Archives

Coal Companies Point Fingers as Local Residents Contend With Flood and Home Damage

Autumn leaves dot the surface of a creek that seems to have a dark discoloration.

Geysers, dry wells, damage to buildings and strange slime in creeks have residents near Wolf Pen, West Virginia, looking for answers. Meanwhile, coal companies dodge accountability by blaming each other.

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Dozens of coal community advocates back new safeguard to strengthen community oversight of mining

Image of a mountaintop removal mining site.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2023 CONTACT: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com COAL COUNTRY – Last night, 28 groups formally submitted comments in support of a new proposal by the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE) that ensures action is

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Crowded lame duck session in D.C. brings dangers and opportunities for Appalachian communities

With just a few weeks remaining in this session of Congress, we’re fighting one alarming bill, working to pass two positive measures, and urging the Senate to confirm key appointments. Our Legislative Director Chelsea Barnes shares what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

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Backed by bipartisan momentum, STREAM Act advocates urge leadership to advance legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 2022 Contact: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com, 202-904-9187 READ THE LETTER APPALACHIA — With the clock ticking down on the current session of Congress, 87 organizations are urging leadership of both parties to not miss an opportunity

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Confronting Rising Black Lung

Amid an ongoing surge in severe black lung disease among coal miners, federal lawmakers have introduced a number of bills aimed at assisting affected miners and their families. The Inflation Reduction Act shored up funding for benefits, and advocates are pushing for additional measures.

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No Easy Answers on Coal Ash Cleanup

10 people raise their fists in front of a bronze statue

To protect groundwater and community health, coal ash ponds must be cleaned up. But, as communities in Tennessee have learned, safely removing the toxic waste brings its own set of challenges.

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Interagency Group Aims to Get Federal Funds to Coal Communities

Two men sitting in conversation

The Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization has a guide to help coal-impacted communities access federal funding opportunities.

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The Tennessee Valley Faces Crossroads Between Methane Gas or Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Under TVA's plan, smokestacks at the Cumberland Fossil Plant would continue to spew pollution into the air. Photo by Angie Mummaw

The Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan to transition away from coal has generated significant push-back from environmental and community groups because of its reliance on methane gas instead of renewable energy.

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Major progress for action to address acid mine drainage crisis as STREAM Act passes House with strong bipartisan support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2022 Contact: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com, 202-904-9187 COAL COUNTRY — Today, advocates for abandoned mine clean up and clean water across the country celebrated as the U.S. House passed the Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of

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Community organizations applaud action in Congress to advance bipartisan bill to address acid mine drainage crisis

Orange water in a shallow stream

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2022 Contact: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com, 202-904-9187 APPALACHIA — Today, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources held a mark-up of the Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines (STREAM) Act — bipartisan

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