Enforcement of strip mining laws

Book · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:7213491

Fritsch, A J; Morgan, M L; Yanik, G G; Conry, T J; Taylor, D E

Coal strip mining has affected Appalachian life, peace of mind, livelihood, and environment, but not to the extent that citizens are helpless; they can act. This report is meant to inspire citizens to employ proper methods to ensure the enforcement of state strip-mining laws. The study looks at Appalachia's three leading coal producing states--Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The methods can be used in any state--East or West--affected by this massive land disturbance and environmental threat. Forces regulating strip mining are more responsible in some states than in others, but even greater responsibility can be obtained through active citizen pressure and vigilance. No state laws are perfect. Nowhere in Appalachia does an agency ensure that lands that cannot be reclaimed will not be mined, and that lands that are mined are reclaimed. Insights into the state agencies' shortcomings as well as their virtues are provided. Specific recommendations are presented, many involving little or no budgetary increase, that will aid in the enforcement of strip-mining laws. While the problems dealt with focus on Appalachia, they extend to all regions where forests, farms, and towns are being stripped to exploit the minerals beneath. Strip mining affects human lives whether in Appalachia or in the Northern Great Plains, but its effects are better seen in the ravaged eastern mountain region. In Appalachia, coal is king and has been so for years. The coal companies are ruthless, their profits vast, their pressure overwhelming, and their footprints gigantic. Only enlightened and dedicated citizens can protect themselves from these forces.

• OSTI ID: 7213491
• Report Number(s): NP-22251
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
012000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
017000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
COAL MINING
ENFORCEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
KENTUCKY
LAND RECLAMATION
LAWS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NORTH AMERICA
PENNSYLVANIA
PUBLIC OPINION
SURFACE MINING
USA
WEST VIRGINIA