News
Mountain Lovers Storm Capitol Hill on 1st Day of New Congress
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
An update from Appalachian Voices’ legislative associate, JW Randolph:
Last week, the 112th Congress was sworn in. This Congress will present new challenges and opportunities for those of us fighting for change in Appalachia, as it includes more than 100 new members from every corner of the United States, many of whom will have never heard of mountaintop removal.
iLoveMountains.org partner organizations were able to speak with every single freshman office on the day they were sworn in, ensuring the they know mountaintop removal is an issue they will have to deal with in the upcoming year. The following day, on the first full day of session, we were able to speak with the offices of a record 143 returning cosponsors in the House and 12 in the Senate. We were eager to let them know that we are continuing to grow the movement to end mountaintop removal and intend to pass federal legislation to ban valley fills.
All in all, at the opening of a new Congress, our team spoke with more than half of the members of the United States House and Senate, making sure that they are hearing from the people of Appalachia about building a better future for our region while ending the horrific practice of mountaintop removal mining.
Here is a short video I put together summarizing our amazing progress:
Thanks so much to Katey Lauer, Lenny Kohm, Kate Rooth, Austin Hall, John Humphrey, Kate Finneran, and Doug Aus, who made it possible to speak with more than half of Congress in just two days!
January 14th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I am excited to learn that the E.P.A. vetoed the Spruce No. 1 Mine permit. Thanks to all of you who worked so hard, and please keep it up! I’m a Midwesterner, but have traveled through Appalachia many times and am always in awe of its beauty. I have experienced one mission trip in WVa and learned a little about the beauty and strength of the Appalachian people as well (and remember that we did NOT drink the tap water in that town). You are doing such important work; thank you.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Remember this is only one mine, and this veto has already been challenged and the judge was not supportive of our cause. We still have a long row to hoe. We need to constantly flood Congress with our outcry, we need to communicate and convert, and we need to get in the streets. The law is implemented by the bureaucracy which is governed by politicians who are bought by corporation but are also at the mercy of the concerned populace.
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Facebook.com/Onepalawan
We are campaigning against mining in our small town too. Help us sign the petition to our government. We are gathering 10 m signatures to say that no mining to our small island. We are against big mining companies.
Please at least help sign.
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:10 pm
I am from Palawan Philippines and we are seeking help to stop mining in our small island province. The president has already gave his word that if the community would not want the mining, then he will have it stopped. We are trying to gather 10M signature for support, a voice that says mining is bad for our province. Thanks you.
March 17th, 2011 at 11:34 am
To read the words, “we have a long road ahead” is disgusting for such a so-called developed society. It saddens me that we must work so hard for basic, such common sensible necessities. God bless you Appalachians! I will help in whatever way I can.