Residents from Knott and Letcher counties turned out at a permit conference to express concern about the impact of a proposed 6,000 acre underground mine on their water quality and health. Streams and water wells in the area are already severely contaminated by past mining operations.
This op-ed describes the impact of recent court rulings against the EPA's stepped up enforcement of water quality laws in Central Appalachian mining communities.
Sen. Rand Paul’s letter responding to the recent news stories about the alarming increase in black lung disease — coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP) — among Appalachian coal miners and disputing the need for regulations proposed to reduce the level of respirable coal mine dust requires a response.
The Obama administration used appropriate scientific studies and analysis when it proposed to toughen the limits on coal dust to fight a resurgence of deadly black lung disease, a federal government audit made public Friday concluded. Despite this, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul and others oppose using their findings increasing protection for coal miners.
The folks on Mill Creek and surrounding areas of eastern Kentucky are once again fighting to protect their homes, water and health. Mill Creek is a small, close-knit community in Letcher County where much of the land has been passed down from generation to generation.
This article is the latest in a series by Chris Ritchie of the Hazard Herald about economic trends, especially coal employment, in eastern Kentucky. He shines a light on the need for a public conversation and real leadership to promote an economic transition in the mountains.
While toxic air emissions decreased nationwide, they increased in Kentucky. Meanwhile, Kentucky politicians are voting to make sure our air stays unhealthy.
