Veronica Coptis
Veronica Coptis joined the CCJ staff in March 2013 as a Community Organizer and is now serving as the Executive Director. She grew up in western Greene County near the Bailey Mine Complex and currently lives in the eastern part of the county. Before joining the CCJ staff, Veronica served on the Board of Directors for CCJ and organized with Mountain Watershed Association. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology from West Virginia University. She enjoys hiking and geocaching at Ryerson State Park and other areas around Greene County with her husband and daughters. Read more about Veronica in a New Yorker Magazine profile at https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/07/03/the-future-of-coal-country.
Contact Veronica at veronica@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org.
Blog Posts by Veronica Coptis
The Center for Coalfield Justice is excited to announce a new blog series written by our staff: Examining Climate. This year, CCJ staff members will be sharing their favorite (or least favorite) climate solution, looking at the benefits and the costs in the hope of sparking an honest conversation about how we address the climate crisis and […]
Center for Coalfield Justice member’s complaints and recordkeeping precipitated DEP investigation and criminal charges Washington, PA – December 2nd, 2021, CNX Resources Corporation signed a no contest plea to criminal violations of the Air Pollution Control Act resulting from an investigation into air quality complaints by a Center for Coalfield Justice member determined to protect […]
A few weekends ago, Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 and decimated communities, causing many people’s homes to be destroyed and millions to be without power and clean water and with limited access to internet/cell service. In Pennsylvania, many of us felt the impacts as Hurricane Ida downgraded to a tropical […]
“This is a good first step, as it will help to provide important information to the public; however, it still keeps the burden of testing waterways for hazardous waste on us, the taxpayers. It is imperative that the oil and gas industry bear the cost of ensuring clean waterways. Protecting health and taxpayer money can only happen if and when Governor Wolf closes the oil and gas waste loophole.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2021 View as Webpage Media Contact: Trey Pollard, 202-904-9187, trey@pollardcommunications.com Infrastructure Bills Led by Five Senators Work Hand-in-Hand to Restore & Reclaim Abandoned Mine Sites to Create At Least 13,000 Jobs in Coal-Impacted Communities With coal communities more in need of support and investment than ever before, today Senator Joe […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jodi Hirsh, jodi@sequalconsulting.com, (412) 326-9832 WASHINGTON, PA — We envision a future where the communities hit hard by the decline of the coal industry have vibrant, resilient, and equitable economies with thriving, local businesses and quality, family-sustaining jobs. This future sees workers and communities on the frontlines of our nation’s energy […]