Archive: Economic Justice
In February, Contura Energy, the owners of the Cumberland Mining Complex near Waynesburg, contemplated its need for a $60-million coal-refuse impoundment in order to continue production, and the owners cited current finances and market conditions as being a major issue of concern. In June of 2020 Contura announced that it is actively marketing the mine […]
As the general election gets closer so do the campaign ads, endorsements, and conversations on who to vote for and why. In Greene and Washington counties, it means seeing and hearing big bold rhetoric about the importance of voting to save coal and gas jobs. These jobs are critical to our region. However, protecting our […]
There is a word for this in Japanese, shinrin-yoku (森林浴), which translates to ‘forest bathing’. I’ll think of this when I am out in the woods sometimes, when being immersed in the forest does literally feel cleansing. So there you go! In case you needed another excuse to get out of the house. Veronica Coptis […]
The word “politician” can leave a bitter taste in some people’s mouths. What we are experiencing in Pennsylvania these last couple of weeks only perpetuates this reaction. If any of you follow environmental blogs or receive updates from those who cover the environmental political field in this state, then you have read or heard about […]
COVID, Courts, and the Commonwealth: What are the reappreciations if the emergency order is removed?
With very little surprise, our elected officials are at it again. This time the legislative argument has gone to the courts for clarification. The General Assembly, which is currently Republican-controlled has passed a resolution that would eliminate the emergency disaster declaration (in response to COVID-19) that led to the closure of “non-life-sustaining” businesses, bans on […]
From Appalachia to the Navajo Nation, the people and communities hit hard by the changing coal economy are facing a profound and urgent crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic decline have only made more difficult. Coal facility closures, layoffs, and cuts to vital services like health care and education are accelerating, devastating those that […]