News of KFTC and our issues
Finally, a victory against mountaintop removal
November 30, 2012
This article reviews a recent court settlement in which Patriot Coal agreed to phase out large scale surface mining operations in West Virginia and decommission its enormous draglines so they cannot be used in other locations in Central Appalachia.
GAO: Expect significant changes for coal electricity
November 29, 2012
A new report out November 28 from the Government Accountability Office says coal will remain a key fuel source into the future, but its share of generation is going to continue declining. The report adds to the fairly common notion that less coal will be burned for domestic electricity production
Building a new economy from the ground up
November 28, 2012
This article gives a shout out to KFTC as one of many groups working to build a new economy that creates good jobs, curbs inequality and addresses urgent threats to our environment and democracy.
Kentucky Mine Flagged by MSHA, Placed on Special Status
November 28, 2012
The federal Minew SAfety and Health Administration has given four mines – including Pike Floyd Mining Inc.’s No. 3 Mine in Pike County – a warning that if they don’t make strides in health and safety, they could be put on a “pattern of violations” status.
Reform tax code without hurting poor, middle class
November 26, 2012
KFTC member JoAnn Schwartz has been participating in and following the conversations of the Kentucky Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform. In this piece she reflects on the reasons Kentuckians can feel both hopeful and concerned as the Commission develops its final recommendations. And she urges us all to stay engaged.
Building a climate movement here at home
November 20, 2012
Matt Wasson makes a powerful case for organizing around issues of climate, clean energy, and an economic transition in the mountain counties of Central Appalachia. He argues, "We also need a ground game in the remote corners of swing states where national elections are won and lost, where campaign narratives are targeted and where climate activists rarely tread."
Germany charges ahead with solar power boom
November 16, 2012
Kentucky often has been compared to Germany for solar potential. But Germany has charged ahead in developing that potential, employing about 100,000 in the industry. Now experts are predicting the slow times of the last couple of years are coming to an end – for Germany, at least.
'Coal Blooded': New Report Slams Coal Plants for Poisoning Communities
November 16, 2012
Coal plants in the U.S. are "killing low-income communities and communities of color," according to a new report, "Coal Blooded: Putting Profits Before People."
Energy efficiency, wind and gas could replace obsolete coal plants and provide affordable, reliable electricity
November 13, 2012
As much as 18 percent of the country’s coal generating capacity should be considered for closure because the electricity it produces will be more expensive than energy from lower cost natural gas or wind power, according to a new independent analysis
Fiscal Cliff Talks Will Likely Target Medicare, Social Security, Programs For The Poor
November 11, 2012
Both Democrats and Republicans are disproportionately putting social programs on the chopping block as they try to figure out solutions to the "fiscal cliff" situation they put themselves in.
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