coal industry

EPA proposes rollback in coal ash regulations

November 7, 2019

Environmental groups are reacting angrily to the EPA’s announcement this week of a proposed regulation that applies to the management of coal combustion residuals (CCR) from electric utilities, while coal-producing states are supporting the job protection they say will result. If enacted, the regulation would amend a 2015 Obama-era rule establishing a set of solid waste requirements for the management of CCRs.

EPA relaxes coal ash regulations

July 19, 2018

The Trump announced yesterday that it is rolling back regulations on how power plants can dispose of coal ash – a move that environmental groups say will threaten drinking water. The coal industry petitioned for the change, which extends by 18 months the time that the industry can use unlined coal ash ponds and groundwater-adjacent sites for dumping.

Ludlow Massacre archaeological project celebrates 20th anniversary

Story of workers’ rights remains important part of history more than a century later

October 11, 2017

It’s been more than 100 years since approximately two dozen miners, including women and children, were killed in what is known as the Ludlow Massacre (or the Colorado Coal Field War). The tent colony in Ludlow, Colo., was inhabited by some 1,200 striking coal miners — some of them recent immigrants — seeking safer working and better living conditions and better pay.

EPA to repeal Clean Power Plan to fight climate change

October 9, 2017

EPA chief Scott Pruitt announced Monday that he will sign the paperwork to repeal the Clean Power Plan, an Obama administration rule to combat climate change rule by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants.

Retired miners risk losing health care, pensions

May 25, 2016

Health care and pension funds covering tens of thousands of retirees throughout the Appalachian and Midwestern coalfields are “rapidly deteriorating,” according to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).

Bankrupt coal company to pay millions to its top executives

January 21, 2016

Coal miners who are being stripped of medical benefits due to a string of coal company bankruptcies are furious over one firm’s plan to pay millions in bonuses to the executives who managed the company as it failed financially.

Retired miners left out of 2016 spending bill

"What is it about these senior citizens Congress doesn’t like?"

December 23, 2015

Retirement security for tens of thousands of retired coal miners and their dependents failed to make it into the $1 trillion+ spending bill recently passed by Congress – an omission that angers the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).

Coal co. bankruptcy could deprive retirees of medical benefits

November 24, 2015

A coal company’s bankruptcy filing will set the stage for “a harsh future” for thousands of retired coal miners, predicts United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts.

Clean air versus jobs

Coal workers object to anti-coal initiative

May 11, 2015

Recent contributions totaling $60 million dollars to the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign -- including a hefty donation from former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg -- are angering the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), which calls the campaign an attack on coal miners and their families.

Court upholds EPA’s limits on pollution limits for power plants

April 17, 2014

A legal challenge to the EPA’s rule limiting mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants was shot down yesterday by the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.