Thursday, October 22, 2009
Speak now on strip mining rules
From the RoundTable blog
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Devan Malore
Malore is a contractor, writer and naturalist living on the edge of Lexington.
Recently, I attended the Army Corps of Engineers hearing at Big Stone Gap in Southwest Virginia, just a few hours south of Roanoke. This public event was to collect comments about proposed change in the rules regulating permits for strip mining. The changes would allow each mining site to be individually evaluated for environmental impact and community concerns. More than 400 locals, coal miners and activists from all parts of Virginia filled the community college auditorium. Hundreds more listened outside as each person wishing to speak was given three minutes before turning written comments over to the Army Corps representative.
I faced the terror of public speaking, lots of big angry men and fear of being in a small minority of outsiders labeled as liberals and tree-huggers to deliver a personal statement.
I'm not going to quote more facts that many of us already know. But I did grow up in a strip mined area of Pennsylvania and had some direct experience of land damaged by mining.
Beyond the visual impact of mining, what I think we often forget about is the personal and cultural legacy of areas damaged by destructive mining practices.
Revisiting Hazleton, I'm reminded of the many lives damaged, I believe, by the legacy of strip mining in that area.
That area of Pennsylvania has a high degree alcoholism, drug abuse, obesity, odd cancers, depression and mental disorders. At one time it would be pushing it to link personal problems to environmental damage. But it's becoming more clear we are affected by the quality of the environment we live in and how we care for it. Poor physical, mental and spiritual health continues to plague many in our country. Even science is confirming the complex links between health and the environments we live in.
The neglect and destruction of more land for short-term profits and out-of-control consumerism can no doubt have serious future effects on our children and grandchildren.
Like everyone, I use my share of electricity and have benefited a lot from the energy produced from coal and fossil fuels.
But we're living in a time when we can honestly look at how our energy is produced and consumed and imagine better ways for us to do it. I'm glad to have my share of energy, but am increasingly aware of the other costs involved besides the monthly bills.
I was, from an early age, the one in my family going around turning off lights and putting on layers of clothing. Not because I was concerned for my parents' bills. But because it was obvious to me the other costs of coal. Big holes in the ground where nothing grows, water with no life, it and wounded men trying to get black-lung benefits while dealing with other personal and family problems.
Please consider the long-term effects of mountaintop removal.
The time when we can consider ourselves simply producers and consumers of goods and energy is winding down. We're called upon to play a new role as caretakers and creators of healthy environments.
We're smart and caring people who can do about anything we set our minds and hearts to do. Let's take advantage of this challenge. Let's begin the process of ending this destructive practice of mountaintop removal mining.
We owe it to ourselves, our past and future generations. We should all be able to live in healthy environments -- not simply as good producers and consumers of goods and energy, but as good and wise caretakers of the Earth.
If you are interested in this important issue, the Corps will take comments until Oct. 26.
Comments can be submitted online under docket number COE-2009-0032 or mailed to Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: CECW-CO, 441 G. Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20314
Please take the time to look into this issue and make an informed comment. Information, pictures and movies can be found online. Democracy works only if more of us make informed comments and participate in change. Thanks for your concern. Your children and grandchildren will appreciate it, too.
