Earth Day Events in Morehead

Morehead State Environmental Science Club presented the documentary Black Diamonds, a documentary about mountaintop removal, to an audience of 40 students and community members. After the film, there was a panel discussion that included KFTC members Teri Blanton, Sue Tallichet, and Cody Montgomery.  A representative from the coal industry and a Morehead State professor were also present on the panel.

Later that same evening, members of KFTC's Rowan County chapter held a party and fundraiser in Morehead to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Bluegrass rock music, food, and festivities were in abundance. Rowan County chapter member Doug Doerrfeld spoke to about 100 people in attendance about the importance of citizen involvement.  He noted that this was the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and that citizen activists in the 1970s were the force behind the passage of  federal laws like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act  and the Endangered Species Act.  He went on to say Appalachian citizens were the driving force behind the passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act in 1977. He told the crowd that the work was far from finished and that the winds of change were again blowing.  He challenged them to get involved to ensure that recent successes to address abuses continue.