Mountaintop Removal

[CBR]

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/04/02/new_rules_to_limit_mountaintop_mining/

"The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday released stricter pollution limits that could sharply curtail “mountaintop’’ mining, the lucrative and controversial practice that is unique to Appalachia.

The decision, announced by Lisa Jackson, EPA administrator, is expected to end or significantly cut the use of “valley fills.’’ At these sites, mining companies fill valleys to the brim with rock and rubble left over when peaks are sheared off to reach coal seams inside.

“You’re talking about no, or very few, valley fills that are going to meet this standard,’’ Jackson said."

As a native West Virginian, this brings tears to my eyes. One of my biggest personal issues is mountaintop removal and its destructive outcomes for the environment, public health, and local communities.

[get the red out]

1. But this isn't getting any press

and the environmentalists are going around all pissed. So irritating.

I have seen bald mountains here in Kentucky, not a pretty site. And the massive sludge spill that happened in Inez, Ky a few years back was easily washed out of people's minds with "Friends of Coal" license plates and bumper stickers. Huge battle, say one thing about cleaning up the coal industry here and people say you want to take all the jobs. Pure brainwashing at its finest.