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Mountaintop Removal in West Virginia

Case Number # 3713

Mountaintop removal is one of the most environmentally destructive activities in the country. The Army Corps of Engineers has issued permits for four mines that will dump millions of tons of rock and debris into nearby streams and valleys, burying them forever. The permits were issued without the required environmental studies and impact statements. On March 23, 2007, a federal judge agreed and rescinded the permits.

In February 2008, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the ruling by the judge. Earthjustice requested a rehearing by the full court, which denied the petition. Earthjustice has asked the Supreme Court to review the case.

Coal River Mountain Watch
Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
West Virgina Highlands Conservancy
Jennifer Chavez
Steve Roady

Press Releases

Groups Petition U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Water Quality Standard in Appalachia to Protect Communities from Mountaintop Removal Mining Pollution
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Appalachian communities need EPA to set a water quality standard to protect them from mountaintop removal mining pollution
United Nations Working Group Concludes U.S. Visit Exploring Human Rights Cost of Mountaintop Removal Mining
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Court Upholds EPA’s Power To Protect Communities From Mountaintop Removal Mining
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
D.C. Circuit rules against coal industry on Spruce Mine veto
House Representatives Introduce Bill To Protect Public Health in Appalachia
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
ACHE Act calls for scientific studies on health impacts of mountaintop removal mining
Mountain Heroes and Citizens Gather at White House To Call on Nation's Leaders To End Mountaintop Removal Mining
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A Solidarity Day at White House and historic photo petition delivery to save communities, public health, and mountains
Two Major Decisions on Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Appalachian communities win challenge to state permit, but still seeking federal protection from devastating mines and pollution
New Congressional Report Reveals Dirty Mountaintop Removal Coal Exported
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Adds insult to injury in Appalachia
House Leaders Introduce Legislation To Protect Families and Communities from Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Bill addresses community health emergency in devastated mountaintop removal mining areas across Appalachia
Mountain Heroes, Supported by Celebrities and the Public, Join Earthjustice Campaign To Stop Mountaintop Removal Mining
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Edward Norton, Woody Harrelson, John Slattery, Wendell Berry, Leilani Munter, and more join Appalachian heroes and American public in standing up for mountains, communities, and water
EPA Strongly Defends Its Veto of One of Largest Mountaintop Removal Mines Ever Proposed
Monday, May 14, 2012
Agency files appeal to persevere in protection of Appalachian waters, communities