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Blue Ridge Mountains

Now one might ask why I need to care about mountain top removal or mountain mining. I will tell you because the Appalachian Mountains are a treasure to our nation. They make our West Virginia and Ohio Valley what it is and make our land beautiful. When you see our state for the first time your breath is usually taken away, because the rolling lush green hills and scenery are one of a kind. The mountains are our states trademark they make West Virginia what it is today.

Coal companies deface the mountain tops for the sake of profit even though it’s been proven that you can mine coal and still be environmentally friendly. Mountain top removal is however cheaper and quicker. Protesters in West Virginia can be found at earthjustice.org. They have worked long and hard to stop mountain mining.

Mountain mining is when you literally blast away the entire top of a beautiful mountain to get to coal. This also causes the dirt, rock, and vegetation to bury the streams running through the land.

Dr. Margaret Palmer in the report released by the University of Maryland on January, 7, 2010 said, “The scientific evidence of the severe environmental and human impacts from mountaintop mining is strong and irrefutable,”. Scientists urged the U.S. administration to avoid using outdated coal mining techniques and use a process that is eco friendly, based on sound science, and economically viable.

You can take action against mountain top removal by visiting earthjustice.org. Ask congress to pass the Clean Water Protection Act and stop the destruction of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water caused by mountain top removal.

During the past decades, over 2000 miles of river and stream have been buried. The issue caused tons of people to search elsewhere for a water source.  If you would like to see for yourself you can view the documentary Coal Country on Planet Green an environmental channel related to the Discovery Channel.

Our ancestors would not want us to destroy the natural beauty of our home. We should cherish our land and protect it from people looking to make a profit. When you look back at coal towns from the past, the coal usually bleeds a town dry. Do not risk it. Mine coal the environmentally safe way. Your town’s life is not worth it.

Protect West Virginia by keeping the mountains that make us so famous and safe. They are our legacy treasure. Look past the present and think about the big picture. Think about your child never witnessing the majestic beauty of the Appalachians. Think about all the joy the mountains have brought you. Is blasting them the answer? Even if you haven’t witnessed the beauty and wonder of the Appalachians, view one picture and tell me it’s worth it to crush a mountain that has stood tall and proud for this long.

Can you bury a river or a stream that has provided water for thirsty people? Can you rob the nation of enjoying one of the most amazing sites in America’s almost heaven West Virginia as John Denver would say.