From the Inbox: How can we stop mountaintop removal?

Tell your Senators to support the Appalachia Restoration Act! Photo by Matt Wasson Dear Friend, The good news on mountaintop removal (MTR) coal mining is that in response to intense pressure from RAN and allies, the Obama Administration recently issued strict new guidelines on MTR, making it much harder for corporate coal execs to get permits for blowing apart mountains for cheaper coal. These guidelines are a bold step, but to take this further and abolish MTR, we need a U.S. law. Contact your Senators today and urge them to support legislation that can legally prevent most MTR mining. Two U.S. senators from coal producing states - Cardin (D-MD) and Alexander (R-TN) - have introduced the Appalachia Restoration Act (S 696) to prevent the dumping of toxic waste from MTR mining into rivers and streams. This would prevent a significant amount of MTR mining. Senator Cardin introduced the legislation by saying, "My goal is to put a stop to one of the most destructive mining practices that has already destroyed some of America's most beautiful and ecologically significant regions. This legislation will put a stop to the smothering of our nation's streams and water systems and will restore the Clean Water Act to its original intent." Please contact your Senators today and ask them to co-sponsor the Appalachia Restoration Act! Senator Alexander stated, "It is not necessary to destroy our mountaintops in order to have enough coal. Millions of tourists spend tens of millions of dollars in Tennessee every year to enjoy the natural beauty of our mountains - a beauty that, for me, and I believe for most Tennesseans, makes us proud to live here." Senator Alexander has it right. Saving the environment and a thriving economy can go indeed go hand in hand. Putting our mountains and the health of our nation's communities on the line is not necessary and should no longer be an option. Tell your senators to co-sponsor this crucial bill. America's mountains and Appalachian communities depend on it. For the mountains, Amanda Starbuck Global Finance Campaign