A moment of truth for Kentucky’s coal regulators

A striking case of corruption related to mine inspections in Kentucky led to the recent criminal conviction of former Democratic state representative Keith Hall. But questions remain about how deep the conspiracy goes. Will Governor Steve Beshear and the state agencies that enforce mining laws in Kentucky adequately investigate?

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Going to court for clean water

fc-mtrAfter we revealed thousands of water pollution violations at Frasure Creek Mining’s mountaintop removal coal mines in eastern Kentucky, state regulators (finally) took administrative action. Appalachian Voices and our partners are seeking to intervene in that process to ensure environmental protections are enforced, and we have filed our own lawsuit in federal court.

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Déjà vu in Kentucky clean water cases

15813913282_fd4c121114_zFriday, Appalachian Voices and our partners filed a motion to intervene in a case between the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and Frasure Creek Mining to ensure clean water laws are being enforced in Kentucky. To anyone following our lawsuits in Kentucky, these recent developments will sound familiar.

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To protect or prosecute polluters?

FrasureCreek_waterKentucky regulators recently filed an administrative complaint against Frasure Creek Mining for hundreds of violations of the Clean Water Act. As we wait to see if the state is going to take its responsibility to protect the people and water of Kentucky from pollution seriously, Appalachian Voices will continue to do whatever we can to ensure that Frasure Creek and other polluters are held accountable.

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Citizens File Against KY Coal Company for Falsifying Water Pollution Reports

Resources View the Notice of Intent to Sue Here View example duplicated reports and images of some of the mines involved here For more information view our blog post here State regulators ignore clean water protections and enforcement CONTACTS Erin Savage, Appalachian Voices, 828-262-1500, [email protected] Ted Withrow, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, 606-784-6885 (h) or 606-782-0998…

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Endangered Species are New Focus in Legal Case against Kentucky’s Water Quality Protections and EPA

Contact Appalachian Voices: Eric Chance, 828-262-1500, [email protected] Kentuckians For The Commonwealth: Suzanne Tallichet, 606-776-7970, [email protected] Center for Biological Diversity: Tierra Curry, 971-717-6402, [email protected] Sierra Club: Adam Beitman, (202) 675-2385, [email protected] Defenders of Wildlife: Melanie Gade, (202) 772-0288, [email protected] Kentucky Waterways Alliance: Tim Joice, (502) 589-8008, [email protected] LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A coalition of national and Appalachian…

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Groups Challenge EPA Decision to Gut Clean Water Protections in Kentucky

Resources View the Complaint Here EPA Approval Letter Selenium Fact Sheet New Guidelines for Coal Mining Pollutant Fail to Protect Waterways and Wildlife Contacts: Eric Chance, Appalachian Voices 828-262-1500 [email protected] Sean Sarah, Sierra Club 330 338-3740 [email protected] Doug Doerrfeld, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth 606-784-9226 [email protected]| Judy Petersen, Kentucky Waterways Alliance 502 589-8008 [email protected] Louisville, KY…

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Groups Win Latest Round in Frasure Creek Lawsuit

The lawsuits between Appalachian Voices and partners and Frasure Creek Mining read like the most complicated court crime novel, with fascinating — but slow-moving — plot twists galore. Eric Chance, AV’s water quality specialist, leads us through the latest attempts by the state of Kentucky to block environmental organizations from the proceedings.

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Kentuckians Challenge Cabinet’s Order for Failing to Protect Clean Water from Coal Pollution

Resources Citizen’s petition for review (May 2013) Citizens’ Objection Letter (Jan 2013) Cabinet and Frasure’s Agreed Order FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Appalachian Voices * Kentuckians For The Commonwealth * Kentucky Riverkeeper * Waterkeeper Alliance CONTACTS: • Eric Chance, Appalachian Voices, 828-262-1500, [email protected] • Pat Banks, Kentucky Riverkeeper, 859-200-7442, [email protected] • Peter Harrison, Waterkeeper Alliance, 828-582-0422, [email protected]…

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