Coal and Water Campaigns

Mountaintop Removal and Strip Mining

The Appalachian Mountains are among the oldest mountains in the world and one of the most biologically diverse locations in this hemisphere. Our communities here are culturally rich. Most importantly, they are home.

And there are some people focused on destroying them.

Community Science & Public Health

The Community Science and Public Health Project is a critical initiative that puts power in the hands of people directly affected by water pollution in eastern Kentucky.

Health impacts of mountaintop removal

Since 2010, nearly 20 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown strong links between coal production, including large-scale surface mining, and impacts on human health in Central Appalachia.

Just Transition

Floyd County KFTC members hosted a mushroom hunting and growing workshop in October 2011.

Coal Ash

Coal ash is a residue left over from the burning of coal. The smokestacks and furnaces of coal combustion plants are required to have filters that keep coal ash from spewing directly into the air; however, this leaves a leftover deposit (also known as coal combustion waste) that contains concentrated amounts of toxic heavy metals. This residue is then either stored in landfills (dry storage), in impoundments (wet storage), or is reused in various daily products.

Coal ash is the largest industrial waste stream in the U.S. and has never been regulated to protect the public.

Coal ash rally in Louisville 2010

Even as we work for laws that would do a better job of protecting our health, homes, land and environment, we know that our current laws need to be enforced if we are to have any protection at all.

Communities Taking Action

All across the commonwealth, Kentuckians have a vision for New Power, with healthy communities, good jobs that don’t destroy our land and water, and a place where our children will want to stay and raise their families.

In counties where coal is mined, that means we have to work to protect ourselves, our neighbors and the land we love.

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