Coal and Water News

Declining coal production is hurting Appalachia’s economy, which was already in rough shape. Scholars are looking at Wales, which lost its coal economy in the 1980’s, for examples for how Appalachia might address its economic future. These authors, along with several public leaders from Wales, will speak at the upcoming Appalachia's Bright Future conference, April 19-21 in Harlan, KY. 

Eastern Kentucky's economy is changing fast, and our future is unwritten. We believe we have the opportunity to move forward together, to build a new economy here in the mountains – a diverse, home-grown economy good for all people. We can generate new jobs, new businesses and new opportunities for the workers, families and young people of eastern Kentucky. It won't be easy, but we can have a bright future here, if we build it.

We believe it's essential that the transition to the new economy is a just transition – one that celebrates our culture and invests in communities and workers who depend on the old economy. We have many assets here.

This gathering is for anyone who cares about the future of eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia and is interested in a positive, constructive conversation about the challenges and opportunities we face. Please join us whether you are already working to build a more diverse and sustainable economy or simply want to learn more about what a just transition means and ways to move forward together.

Details and registration information is available at www.kftc.org/abf

Schedule

Lodging/Logistics

Registration

Cost: a sliding scale of $5 to $100. Lodging and some meals not included. Some lodging scholarships available
(apply when registering).

Don’t delay in registering for this exciting event. Many of the hotel rooms we’ve reserved will only be guaranteed through March 19. You are encouraged to make your arrangements as soon as possible!

Our goal is to develop opportunities for our people, for eastern Kentucky, to thrive. We hope you’ll join us for a conversation about the opportunities and challenges we face in our state and region as we work together to build the next economy in eastern Kentucky.

The program features positive stories and examples about economic transition from eastern Kentucky and many other Central Appalachian communities. We’ll also hear from invited guests from places that have been through major economic upheaval, including speakers from Wales, the north Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and rural Pennsylvania, to name a few. The program has been designed to engage participants in many ways, including through art, music and theater as well as more traditional conference formats.

More than a dozen workshops will focus on promising pathways for job creation and community development in areas like renewable energy, land and stream restoration, arts and culture, broadband internet access, sustainable forestry, and energy efficient affordable housing. Additional workshops will explore what a just transition in eastern Kentucky means, and what it will take, from the perspective of journalists, workers, and young people in the region.

A primary goal throughout the weekend is to foster an honest, constructive conversation about economic transition. We don’t pretend that we (or anyone) has the answer. But there is a lot we can learn from each other about what’s possible and what’s needed.

Find out more: www.kftc.org/abf

This editorial points out criticisms raised by KFTC members and many ally organizations about the Beshear Administration's effort to rush through new, weaker standards for selenium pollution. "If there's one thing we can count on from the Beshear administration, it's a willingness to sacrifice Kentucky's water to the coal industry."

The Foot Prints for Peace march, which protests mountaintop removal mining and promotes a sustainable future,  is a 200-mile march from Prestonsburg to Frankfort and ends at I love Mountains Day each year.  We were treated very nice this year by residents along the march route.  The marchers were interviewed by Lexington Channels 57, 27 and channel 18 along the way.