Posted on 01/14/2011 4:30:09 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
The Obama administration revoked a permit on Thursday for Arch Coal Inc's (ACI.N) proposed Spruce 1 mountaintop coal mine in West Virginia, effectively shutting one of the biggest in the United States. "The proposed Spruce No. 1 Mine would use destructive and unsustainable mining practices that jeopardize the health of Appalachian communities and clean water on which they depend," said Peter Silvan, an assistant administrator for water, at the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA's final ruling under the Clean Water Act came after a scientific study, a public hearing, and a review of more than 50,000 public comments, the agency said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had approved a permit for the mine in 2007, but it had not been fully constructed.
Lawmakers from West Virginia said the EPA's move would hurt the state's economy. "Today's EPA decision is not just fundamentally wrong, it is an unprecedented act by the federal government that will cost our state and our nation even more jobs during the worst recession in this country's history," Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat, said in a release. Senator Jay Rockefeller, also a Democrat, wrote a letter to President Barack Obama, that said: "as a nation we must not fall into the trap of forcing unnecessary choices between protecting the environment and having good paying jobs that support energy independence." St. Louis-based Arch said it would vigorously defend the permit in court. EPA's revocation of the permit blocks an additional $250 million in investment and 250 jobs, the company said. It was the latest move by the Obama administration to crack down on mountaintop mining, in which companies blast high peaks to uncover coal seams and often toss the resulting rubble into valleys....
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
What BS.
Arch Coal should immediately file suit against the EPA to recover their project costs to date.
How are we supposed to power our electric cars?
There have been enormous natural gas discoveries in the US recently, enough for 100 years at current consumption rates. We don’t really need coal anymore and mountain top mining is one of the more destructive methods. No great loss.
Setting a new tone for the Environmental Protection Agency, administrator Lisa Jackson directed the agency to review 150 to 200 permits for new or expanded surface mines. In letters to the Corps, she voiced particular concern with three proposals — involving miners like Massey Energy (NYSE: MEE) and Patriot Coal (NYSE: PCX) — over worries about water quality and the continuity of existing streams.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009/03/26/obama-vs-coal.aspx
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More bad things to come. This is what happens when we’re so distracted with congress, we neglect to watch the other hand. This has been impending since before March 2009.
Solar T-tops or a wind turbine on the lid of the trunk, naturally. Or if you like Mexican food, perhaps methane.
I have concluded that part of the Obama game at the highest level is a war on commodities. Oil, coal, food, etc. If allowed to continue, it will ultimately force business and voters into a position of increased dependency on government.
You realize of course we’re all gonna wind up needing Federal Permission slips to use the shower......
This is a setup by the K St lobbyists for Manchin to help “sell” a solution....
You overlook one fact. The number one enviro cause is stop Fracking. They are working night and day to kill the gas industry to. Since it is new they have a better chance of killing it because there is not a mountain of precedent.
You seem content to roll over and die. The solution is to make the other son of a bitch die. The enviros must be crushed, ground into the dust, if America is to survive.
You do not need energy, Citizens. Please shut up, get back to work (if you have a job) and pay your taxes, Move along, Citizen.
“The proposed Spruce No. 1 Mine would use destructive and unsustainable mining practices that jeopardize the health of Appalachian communities and clean water on which they depend,” said Peter Silvan.
Hey, Peter! Isn’t that for the Appalachian communities to decide for themselves? After all, the mines are in THEIR communities (and state), not yours, you green statist! Ever hear of the 10th Amendment?
Sorry, fellow FReepers, for my less than civil tone toward leftists. According to President Obama, I really need to work on that...
Or civil war/insurrection/rebellion/revolution. Unlike Europe, South America or much of Asia, we are HEAVILY armed and know how to operate our weaponry. We also have millions of veterans, military, reservists, LEOs, hunters, shooting enthusiasts and others who understand small and large unit tactics, strategy, intelligence gathering, analysis and survival skills. Admiral Yamamoto was right.
Since you’re alright with it, I guess it’s OK for the EPA to tell other people what to do with their property, eh? No great loss, eh?
Dear Virginia,
The EPA and Obama will do and are doing everything possible to destroy your Economic Survival, They have just told you point blank that it is not your State, it belongs the the Feds. Maybe somebody in the Virginia Legislature should Man-Up and grow a pair. Immediately implement plans to SEIZE ALL FEDERAL PROPERTIES IN THE STATE as Well as Private Property owned by Federal Agents and Employees, All properties to be sold at Auction to Virginia Residents Only, with the Proceeds to help the People of the State of Virginia purchase ENERGY. The KELO Decision GAVE YOU THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO TAKE THEIR PROPERTY FOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITY. Everytime a Federal Employee or AGent purchases any Real Property, Seize it and Sell it. Using The KELO Decision as Justification.
Have you noticed that EVERYTHING done or being done lately is for the “health & safety of the public”? From salt and smoking bans to helmets and oil drilling/mining bans?
The new buzz words to replace “social justice”.
People will die because of this decision ~
Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat....has just become another political stooge for Dumbo.
If what you do on your land poisons my land, you’re damn straight I do.
“...we don’t really need coal anymore...”
Why don’t you go back to bed
until you can think of something intelligent to say.
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“...mountain top mining...destructive...”
West Virginia needs to convert more of its unusable vertical real estate to usable horizontal real estate, even if coal was not involved in the debate.
Big government continues to tighten its strangle hold on our throats.
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