US Supreme Court sides with coal miners

The U.S. Supreme Court recently refused to consider if the U.S. government improperly loosened rules for underground coal mining operations. Environmental groups had argued that 3,500 acres of national park, wilderness lands and historic properties could be hurt by underground longwall mining unless the court intervenes.

The groups have been opposing the government and the Washington, D.C.- based National Mining Association (NMA), which argues that longwall mining is safer for workers and ensures affordable electricity for millions of Americans.

At issue is surface damage caused by underground coal mining and whether federal mining laws protect national parks, historic sites, and other “sensitive” areas from such damage.

The opponents say the mining is destroying historic homes and other properties situated above the mines.

Lawyers for the NMA say there is no proof of a “parade of horribles” from so-called longwall mining, in which large panels of coal up to 1,200 ft. wide and 15,000 ft. long are removed with a giant shearer. The mining work is quick and controlled, the group’s attorneys told the justices.

Opponents asked the Supreme Court to consider overturning a ruling last year by an appeals court, which said the Department of the Interior acted reasonably in loosening certain restrictions on mining operators.

The Citizens Coal Council, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and other groups told the justices that mining-related damage “can crack apart homes, threaten lives through release of flammable and explosive gases, and contaminate or drain away drinking water.”

The appeals court, based in Washington, said the law was ambiguous.