Water Quality
More illness in mining areas, new research finds
A new study has affirmed what most people in Floyd County already know: living in an area where there is coal mining is bad for one's health.
The study published last week in the Journal of Rural Health found that Floyd County residents were more likely to report higher incidences of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, illnesses involving multiple organs, and general illness than residents in non-mining communities. Residents also reported more serious illness and cancer deaths in family members.
More Asthma, Heart Disease, Multiple Organ Disease, Cancer and General Illness in Kentucky Mountaintop Removal Community
Resources
The Journal of Rural Health article, Personal and Family Health in Rural Areas of Kentucky With and Without Mountaintop Coal Mining, can be found here.
Health risks high for eastern KY residents in mining communities
A new health report by Dr. Michael Hendryx finds that people who live near mountaintop removal mining sites in Floyd County have significantly higher cancer death rates and suffer a higher incidence of other diseases than residents in other Kentucky Appalachian counties where mountaintop removal doesn’t occur.
Jobs and cost-savings possible from renewables and efficiency, panel told
Compelling testimony about the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency incentives and programs was delivered to the House Tourism Development and Energy Committee on Thursday morning.
“This [bill] is a recognition that there are alternatives;,” said House Bill 170 sponsor Rep. Mary Lou Marzian. “It’s about jobs , jobs, jobs. We need to start looking at the future and building on what we have in terms of renewables and bio-fuels … [and] making Kentucky residents and Kentucky businesses less vulnerable to rising energy costs.”
Take action to protect Kentucky's waterways
On February 26, a bill passed through Kentucky’s House that could have lasting negative impacts on Kentucky’s water and land. HB 165 would deregulate some quarrying and extraction of rock from waterways. It creates a loophole that allows people to mine rock and non-coal minerals from waterways without regulation, as long as they own the property and use the material for “on-farm purposes.” Under current law, any such activity is subject to state regulation to protect public safety, property and the environment.
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