Greetings to all:

In my opinion banning or severely restricting mountain top mining is completely uncalled for in West Virginia. At the present time and under present laws, I feel, that mountain top mining is safe for the environment, important to the economy, an important producer of high quality fuel for generating electricity, and a land developer for what would otherwise be next to useless property. There seems to be controversy over permitting large areas of land to strip mine with concerns about large valley fill areas as well. The concerns are unwarranted because any mining in West Virginia is very strictly regulated. If run off water does not meet specifications, mining operations are shut down until compliance can be attained. If reclamation standards are not met; mining operations are shut down until compliance can be attained. The mine operators can not run from their obligations because they must put a large amount of money in a bond or escrow account for land damages in case they go bankrupt for reclamation. It is near impossible to be an irresponsible mine operator in these times. The company I work for, Arch Coal, Inc., is a responsible coal mining company and they have a track record of environmental responsibility that can be verified. I think that every time an environmental impact statement is issued for a project; an economical impact statement should accompany it. I think there is a balance that should be kept between keeping nature and its elements pure and keeping families financially stable and prosperous. Not burdened. Some people tend to forget what the cost of clean air and water is in terms of suicide, higher crime rates, and drug addiction. I think the family is a precious national resource. A family that can’t support itself soon dissolves and will turn to other means of support. As desperation increases, risk seems to diminish. I truly think this is the cutting edge of our difference of opinion. I’ve worked for Arch Coal, Inc. for some 14 years now. They have told me good things and bad. I can’t think of a time when they were inaccurate. If they say they can mine an area large or small with valley fills large or small, responsibly, I believe them. They can do what they say because they have done what they’ve said in the past and that is why they exist now as a responsible mining company. Thank you for your time.

Kenneth R.Sullivan, Lyburn,WV October 22

I plan become a member of your organization.

I live in southern West Virginia, a place called Rum Creek. We are surrounded by Arch Coal’s mining. Even though I recently lost my job due to the slowdown of issuing mine permits ( and even signed a "pro coal" petition) it hurts me down to my very soul to see our mountains raped and leveled.

I fear that big money and a shortsighted view by many people in the southern part of this state will allow Big Coal to rule.

Thanks for caring.

Mike Bias October 22, 1998

Rum Creek, WV

Editor

As an educator, I have always believed the purpose of education is not only to provide the students information, but to enable and to encourage them to form opinions and make decisions based on this information. In order to fully understand and develop an opinion about an issue, students must hear both sides of the issue. Such was not the case in Logan High School when a group of students were given a coal company’s view of the impact of mountain top removal mining on their communities and on their lives. When questioned about the validity of this approach by Secretary of State, Ken Hechler, the principal of Logan High school said he felt Mr. Hechler was wrong to question the educational process. However, he did say on television and in the newspaper that he was looking for someone to invite to give the opposing view.

I immediately called the Logan County Superintendent of Schools to offer my service. I explained who I was and gave my credentials. I am a retired teacher with a Master’s plus 45 degree and 31 years of teaching experience in the public school system. I further explained that I would give a factual, unbiased presentation. The superintendent was out for the day, and the assistant superintendent was on another line. I was promised that someone would call me back immediately. When I received no return call, I called again only to hear the same story.

Two days later, I called again and still could not speak to anyone in authority. Everyone was, again, conveniently unavailable. Yet again I was told that someone would call me back. No one called, and I received no message on my answering machine.

Thus, it became obvious to me that the Logan County School System is not interested in allowing their students to hear a presentation of any viewpoint other than that presented by the coal company. It seems that they are in the business of indoctrination, not education.

Is it any wonder that many people living in the coal fields of Logan County lack the necessary information and tools to fight back against the devastation of their mountains and the destruction of their communities?

Janice Nease October 24, 1998

Poca, WV