A new Tennessee law that changes the way surface mining is regulated in the state will force Tennessee taxpayers to prop up the industry and make it easier for coal operators to walk away from mine reclamation.
Blog Archives
New Tennessee law is a giveaway for coal companies
TAGS: Coal Coal mining mine reclamation Office of Suface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement primacy self-bonding Tennessee
Justice family mines pose massive threat to Virginia reclamation fund
Satellite photos taken years apart reveal that little reclamation has taken place at several Virginia mines owned by the family of billionaire West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.
Virginia issues new enforcement actions for Justice family mine violations
Mining companies owned by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and his family have chronically violated environmental standards and failed to pay fines and fees. Virginia regulators recently issued notices of mine permit revocation and bond forfeiture for two of the family’s companies.
TAGS: bond forfeiture Coal environmental violations mine reclamation self-bonding Virginia Virginia DMME West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice
Federal negligence allowed coal companies to shrug off their responsibility for black lung benefits
For decades, coal companies ignored a federal requirement to provide enough funds for black lung benefits — and the government let them.
TAGS: Black Lung black lung association black lung disease Coal self-bonding U.S. Department of Labor
Cost of Coal Mine Cleanup
Despite problems with the current system, coal companies are being granted more leeway in paying for mine reclamation.
Report calls for improvements to coal mine bonding in Central Appalachia
The Alliance for Appalachia, a coalition of 15 organizations, today released a report on the state of surface coal mine bonding in four Central Appalachian states. Bonds are used to ensure reclamation of mine sites should a company be unable…
TAGS: bankruptcy bonding Central Appalachia coal companies Coal mining Mountaintop Removal self-bonding
Reclaiming Mined Mountains to Beneficial Use
More than one million acres across Appalachia have been disturbed by surface coal mining. These formerly mined lands offer many challenges, but could also become focal points for economic development and reforestation.
Agency Announces Coal Bonding Reform, Health Research Review
Federal surface mining regulators are revising measures to make sure coal companies have the resources to reclaim mined lands, and are funding a review of surface mining’s impact on human health.
Spurring Civic Involvement for Clean Water, Mine Reclamation
In late July, several federal agencies held public comment periods regarding critical clean water and coal mining issues. Appalachian Voices submitted comments and called on mountain lovers to add their voices.
