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Blog

Our blogs are written by the staff of the Center for Coalfield Justice, with an occasional guest post. The most recent post appears on top, and others show up below in order of publishing date. You can receive the blogs in your inbox by signing up for our mailing list. Once per month we publish a newsletter, which contains most of the blog posts.

SB 832 and 1058

On the Move: Senate Bills 832 and 1058

The Senate has several bills on the verge of passing and heading to the House. A few could affect the future of energy development and a just transition for fossil fuel workers in Pennsylvania. One of these bills, SB 832, would establish an Independent Energy Office in our state. This office would analyze laws, regulations,…

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What is the Whole Home Repairs Program

What is the Whole Home Repairs Program?

You may have heard a lot about the Whole-Home Repairs program lately – Governor Shapiro mentioned it twice in his budget proposal for the year, CCJ sent out action alert emails to show support for properly funding the program, and Senator Fetterman recently introduced a bill to pilot a federal version of the program. But…

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SB 831 Title Only

Tell Your PA Legislators to VOTE NO on Senator Yaw’s Carbon Dioxide Injection and Storage Bill!

A dangerous bill introduced by Senator Yaw is making its way through the Pennsylvania State Legislature after Governor Shapiro said carbon capture and storage was part of his Energy Plan. SB 831 would allow projects to move forward without the consent of all landowners within the footprint and require landowners to prove that the project…

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Cecil Ordinance Cover Graphic

Cecil Township to Amend Oil and Gas Ordinance on April 3rd

On Monday March 4th, CCJ Organizer Jodi Borello and Organizing Director Heaven Sensky attended a Cecil Township Supervisors Meeting alongside Janice Blanock, a CCJ member and co-organizer of the group MAD-FACTS (Moms and Dads – Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike). The supervisors were slated to discuss and vote on the prospect of holding a…

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Federal WHR Press Release Graphic

Sen. Fetterman Proposes Groundbreaking Whole Home Repairs Program at the National Level

Washington, PA – Most Americans want the same thing: a safe, secure place to call home. But for too long, elected officials failed to prioritize decent living standards – that is, until 2022, when thanks to the tireless organizing of grassroots organizations and coalitions across Pennsylvania, the state added Whole-Home Repairs to the budget. Whole-Home Repairs became the first program in the nation to establish a one-stop shop for home repairs and weatherization while creating family-sustaining jobs in impacted communities.  

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PA state legis

What are Legislative Committees and How Do They Affect You?

Legislative committees are an integral part of the democratic process in the United States. They are groups of legislators assigned to study, debate, and amend proposed bills before they are presented to the full House or Senate for a vote. The PA House and Senate write and enact legislation. Each legislative chamber has mirroring committees…

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WHR Cover Title Only

Tell your Legislator to Support Guaranteed Funding for Whole Home Repairs!

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed $50 million in state funding for the “Whole-Home Repairs” program in his 2024 budget proposal. Last year he did the same, only for funding to be blocked because of partisan politics. The Whole Home Repairs program allows homeowners and small landlords to make necessary home repairs, including weatherization, water or…

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Main Street Cannonsburg 4 scaled

Governor Shapiro’s Ten Year Plan Fails to Envision a Just, Sustainable Economy

On January 30th, Governor Shapiro released his administration’s Ten Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development in Pennsylvania.  Governor Shapiro could have used this moment to champion a vision for Pennsylvania that invests in sustainable industries that protect the health and financial stability of residents across the Commonwealth. Instead, his plan maintains the status quo by propping up extractive industries for another decade.

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Mingo 46 scaled

The Ram Mine Has Been Denied

Mingo Creek taken by Allison Evans The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) accepted an application for a new underground mine – the Ram No. 1 Mine – on February 25, 2015. Ram Mining, LLC (RAM), a Kentucky-based company with a history of coal mining in West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, submitted the application. RAM’s…

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Ramaco News Post 1920 x 1080

Ramaco Withdraws Appeal, Ram No. 1 Mine will NOT Be Developed in Washington County!

Washington, PA – In November 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) denied the permit for the Ram No. 1 underground mine in Washington County. This was the DEP’s first denial of a mining permit since 1994. 

Yesterday, Ramaco Resources withdrew its appeal of this decision before the Environmental Hearing Board (EHB). With no more pending appeals or permits, it’s official: a mine is actually going to stay closed in southwestern Pennsylvania!

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