Ashley Judd, in D.C., hits mountaintop removal

Actress and Eastern Kentucky native Ashley Judd told a National Press Club luncheon Wednesday, "I am here to tell you, mountaintop removal coal mining simply would not happen in any other mountain range in the United States." Her remarks were reported by Rob Perk at the National Resources Defense Council Staff Blog. (Jesse Hamilton photo)

"It is utterly inconceivable that the Smokies would be blasted, the Rockies razed, the Sierra Nevadas flattened, that bombs the equivalent to Hiroshima would be detonated every single week for three decades," Judd said. "The fact that the Appalachians are the Appalachians makes this environmental genocide possible and permissible."

"I am very proud to be a Kentuckian," Judd said. "And, of the many things my Creator has seen fit to allow me to accomplish, being an Eastern Kentuckian is the simple fact that brings me the most honor, the greatest sense of self. I love and am proud of being a hillbilly." You can see Perk's post here or watch C-SPAN's video of Judd's speech here, or on the press club site here.

UPDATE, July 4: Political leaders in Eastern Kentucky are upset with Judd, WYMT-TV in Hazard reports. News Director Neil Middleton posted excerpts that generated many comments objecting to Judd's speech.