Stay updated with breaking news from Raleigh County Based. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Raleigh County-based Coal River Mountain Watch has urged the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to step in to address Lexington Coal Company's ballooning delinquent state environmental penalty debt. The group says the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has failed to effectively enforce Lexington compliance.
The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has announced changes to its Ten-Day Notice rule poised to make it easier for citizens to report concerns with coal mining operations. Environmental advocates hailed the rule update.
Gov. Jim Justice's business failures and unmet obligations have drawn grievances from banks and foreign companies. But they've also affected members of some of West Virginia's most vulnerable communities, including company Justice company retirees like Pinkey Mullens enduring company drug coverage interruptions and southern coalfields suffering environmental and property tax revenue losses.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection renewed the permit, on Jan. 12, 2024, for Lexington Coal Company’s Crescent #2 Surface Mine in Boone and Raleigh counties after it issued two letters on Jan. 9 demanding payment of delinquent civil penalties totaling $5,562 to Lexington on that permit.
The 2014 Elk River chemical leak showed West Virginians they'd have to fight hard for basic environmental health protections. 10 years after the water crisis, advocacy continues.