West Virginia: Still suffocating in coal dust.
Face it: There is no such thing as clean coal.
Yet West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller is pissed that President Obama’s budget ignores West Virginia’s coal industry in favor of cleaner energy alternatives.
This from a reader…
“The trend towards the mass mechanization of coal production…where one giant earth-moving machine replaces 100 men …will soon render the traditional underground miner useless. Thousands of Appalachian communities endure the blasting, coal dust, ruined water and environmental destruction caused by MTR…mountain top removal. They are living in what some call, the ‘Energy Sacrifice Zone’. The coal industry remains the sole economic force of the state, reaping billions in profits every year, while residents of West Virginia remain among the poorest of the nation. In the coalfields, the imbalance is amplified: while Boone county produces the most coal in the state, 20% of its residents languish below the poverty line.”
The coal mining issue in America is not just about continuing the scorched earth policy of the industry…but more the need…finally…for the respect due an entire, under privileged economic region of our nation…it’s hard working laborers who’ve endured decades of corporate tyranny…and ultimately the sacrifices they’ve made and continue to make in their personal and community well being.
The Blimp Crew suggests you visit this link for more info on the current state of the coal industry in America…and mountain top removal.