Although doomed, bill to end mountaintop removal mining in West Va. draws big crowd at hearing

Earlier this month, West Virgina state Sen. Jon Hunter (D-Monongalia County) introduced a bill that would effectively ban mountaintop removal strip mining for coal, a major and controversial activity in the Mountain State. He admitted the bill had no chance of passing, but as acting chairman of the Energy and Mining Committee, he called a hearing on the issue this week. It drew a large crowd of supporters and opponents, reports West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

In addition to providing a sampling of opinions from speakers at the hearing, the state network also provided an update on the Blair Mountain battlefield, near which Massey Energy and Arch Coal have been trying to mine. Recently, the State Archives and History Commission nominated the area for the National Register of Historic Places. Blair Mountain was the site of huge labor uprising in 1921, when more than 10,000 coal miners sought recognition for their labor union and clashed with troops. If Blair Mountain joins the list, mining could occur there but would be subject to review.

To watch the 3-minute video report, go here.