A call for participation
By Martin Mudd
Spring brings encouraging evidence that the ongoing campaign of grassroots political pressure and civil disobedience to stop Mountaintop Removal (MTR) coal mining is having an effect on the federal level. The EPA announced new rules that could strongly restrict stream impacts by coal mining. The Army Corps and OSM are revising their permitting processes. MSHA is likely to clamp down on mine safety enforcement in response to the terrible mine explosion in West Virginia that appears to have been caused by criminal negligence by Massey executives. Bills to ban MTR are gaining traction in Congress.
However, in response to these developments the industry is marshaling its forces. The fight is far from over.
It is in this spirit that I welcome all readers to join the movement by coming to Mountain Justice Summer 2010. Come hear the stories of MTR and the history of resistance to strip mining; see the devastating ecological and human impacts caused by surface mining in Appalachia. Come learn techniques of resistance, how to organize in the coalfields and elsewhere, how to heal broken land and help build sustainable economies and communities. Come celebrate Appalachian culture in words, music, art and dance. Come join author Wendell Berry in a conversation about what it’s going to take to stop the destruction of our mountains.
The camp will be at Wiley’s Last Resort in Letcher County from May 27-June 6. All ages are welcome. Come when you can, leave when you must, but register now at www.mountainjustice.org.
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