Harlan County | Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

Chapter: Harlan County

In Harlan County and eastern Kentucky, we have a rich culture, natural beauty, valuable resources such as mountains, forests and water, and a history worth preserving. We are a chapter of KFTC because we believe that these assets and characteristics define who we are, and in preserving and protecting them we are defending a way of life and leaving what is most special about this place for future generations.

Harlan County residents helped create KFTC, and we are one of its earliest chapters. Our local chapter was built on the dedication and struggles of many who came before us, and since 1981 we’ve continued their efforts. Through the years, we have been involved in successful campaigns to save the upper elevations of Black Mountain (Kentucky’s highest peak) from strip mining and logging, help communities win water lines and a new bridge, and so much more.

Today we are working to build new power in the mountains to protect the water and a way of life threatened by destructive mining methods, while  supporting KFTC’s broader efforts to make coal mines safer for miners, fully fund schools and keep college affordable, bring clean energy jobs to this area and expand voting rights.

Recent Activities

EKY chapter meetings start the year out on strong, positive notes

In January and February, two eastern Kentucky chapters have started the year off with a bang.

Harlan County chapter members met on January 25 and did some deep visioning on what they want the chapter to be working on over the course of the next year, bringing long-time members as well as folks new to KFTC together.

KFTC benefit show in Harlan County

Dozens turned out to a KFTC benefit show in Harlan County hosted by local music scene organizing group From The Ruins on November 3rd.

"I believe the show we had on Friday was exactly what we set out do. It was local bands that have formed in the past year, all from Harlan, and the scene of people that came out to enjoy it was better than expected. We hope to see continued growth and unity within the music scene as it comes together more," said Adam Peace, a member of From The Ruins and new KFTC member.

The show featured Brooklyn Collins, Mandela, and Swamp Rat.

Just Transition gets a boost with approval of RECLAIM Act by congressional committee

There was a significant step forward today when a Congressional committee added a key amendment back into the RECLAIM Act and then approved the bill, sending it to the House floor.

Stanley Sturgill talks of MTR mining consequences and moving to a Just Transition

New local jobs! Better health! Just Transition! Here's how.

There is a clear path forward for creating thousands of new Kentucky jobs in the energy industry while cutting pollution, lowering electric bills and investing billions of dollars in workers and communities affected by the decline in fossil fuels.

The plan for doing that was released Wednesday by KFTC members during a press conference and with the launch of a new website (www.empowerkentucky.org).

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Chapter Feature:

DSC_0931"Many of us are working to create a better future for our children and grandchildren - and we've got lots of possibilities and real ideas about how to do that. We've got a bright future if we want it."

- Carl Shoupe, Benham, KY

 

Visions from Black Mountain coverVisions from Black Mountain

Residents of Benham, Lynch and Cumberland share their visions for the unique Tri-Cities area.

Regular Meetings:

We meet every other even month on the second Thursday at 6 p.m. We move our meeting locations around the county. Check the calendar!

Chapter Organizer:

131 N. Mill Street
London, KY 40741
606-261-4955