Mountaintop removal is a relatively new type of coal mining that began in Appalachia in the 1970s as an extension of conventional strip mining techniques. Primarily, mountaintop removal is occurring in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. Coal companies in Appalachia are increasingly using this method because it allows for almost complete recovery of coal seams while reducing the number of workers required to a fraction of what conventional methods require.
The US Environmental Protection Agency defines mountaintop removal as follows:
%u201CMountaintop removal/valley fill is a mining practice where the tops of mountains are removed, exposing the seams of coal. Mountaintop removal can involve removing 500 feet or more of the summit to get at buried seams of coal. The earth from the mountaintop is then dumped in the neighboring valleys.%u201D
Tell President Obama that this has to stop.
Mr. President.
We the undersigned, are appalled at the willing and legal destruction of the Appalachian Mountains by mountaintop removal. This is devastating and entire region, and many diverse ecosystems. Entire mountaintops are being leveled and local waters are being destroyed by coal ash sludge. Waters are polluted and people forced to ship in water just to drink. This simply can not continue.
We urge you to put a stop to this practice, before more of the earth is destroyed forever. Make Mountaintop removal illegal, with hefty fines and penalties for the companies that do it. Help us, the people, clean up our great country.
Thank you,Charles Graves
