As climate talks began in Copenhagen today, a rally to save Coal River Mountain was being held in front of West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection. Activists from all across the region and other parts of the country called on the WV DEP to stop the blasting by Massey Energy on Coal River Mountain.
Coal River Mountain is the last intact mountain range in the Coal River Valley. The mountain range became a sign of hope for local residents when a wind potential study showed the range was capable of supporting a wind farm that could provide permanent jobs indefinitely and provide clean renewable energy to upwards of 70,000 homes while still allowing for underground mining.
The concerns are not only centered around the loss of clean energy and a sustainable future on Coal River Mountain to mountaintop removal coal mining but also to the integrity of the Brushy Fork Slurry Impoundment located just a few hundred feet from the blast zone.
The impoundment holds back approximately 9 billion (9,000,000,000) gallons of toxic coal slurry and by Massey Energy’s own admission, an estimated 998 people will die should the dam fail. Without a doubt it would be a man-made disaster of phenomenal proportions.
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Before starting this blog I was not an activist in any sense of the word. Were it not for witnessing the devastation of mountaintop removal coal mining I could safely say I still would not be an activist. However, I do witness the destruction on a daily basis and having a pretty high moral standard I was propelled into action fueled by a need to do the right thing. Now… I am proud to be an activist fighting for the sanctity of the Appalachian Mountains right along side my friends and neighbors.
The following photos are from the rally in front of the WV DEP and this marks the third rally I have attended since becoming an activist. The second in direct support of saving Coal River Mountain. One thing is evident, we will no longer be ignored.
Kennedy calls mountaintop removal mining in W.Va. a crime against people, nature
It was no surprise the friends of coal had their own contingent present at the rally doing what they do best, attempting to disrupt an otherwise peaceful rally. I have to give credit this time to the West Virginia State Police for keeping a neutral zone between the two groups. At least someone is doing there job, even if reluctantly.
A prominent sign from the friends of coal was the inevitable reference to coal keeps the lights on or variations of that such as “don’t like coal? turn off your lights.” I have said many times I will gladly turn my lights off if you stop blowing up the mountains. And therein we come to an impasse. No matter whether my lights are on or off mountaintop removal will go on. Mountaintop removal is not about energy, it is about corporate greed and political corruption.
There is nothing good about mountaintop removal coal mining. There is no justification whatsoever for mountaintop removal coal mining.
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The video below is going to be presented at the climate talks in Copenhagen. It is proof that the destruction of Coal River Mountain is a local problem with worldwide implications. The battle for clean renewable energy begins on Coal River Mountain.
fantastic. any word on the DEP response?
They were nowhere to be seen today but that was expected. I would be shocked if they acknowledge it at all.
Great post Denny on yesterday’s action. Their stupidity continues to grow among the “Friends of Coal”. Are they ever capable of understanding? Oh, to me, you have always been a activist, ever since I’ve come to know you. Thanks for all you do