This week a UCC environmental justice leader from Tennessee named Pat Hudson travelled with a delegation to Washington, DC to meet with their Senator. For years, Hudson has fought to bring an end to mountaintop removal, the coal mining practice of using explosives to blast away enormous portions of mountains. More than 500 Appalachian mountains have been devastated and desecrated in this way. Nearly 2,000 miles of streams have also been damaged or destroyed as a result. The health impacts for surrounding communities include increased rates of birth defects, cancer, heart disease, and early death. Few environmental sins have marred the soul of our nation to such an extent.
Hudson and her delegation asked Senator Alexander to introduce the Appalachian Community Health Emergency Act to the Senate. A version of the bill (H.R. 912) has already been introduced in the House. Among other measures, this act would halt new mountaintop removal permits as well as the expansion of existing permits until the Department of Health and Human Services determines that such mining does not present health risks to surrounding communities.
General Synod 29 called us to act is solidarity with Appalachian communities who are harmed and displaced by the practice of mountaintop removal. Join in solidarity with Hudson and the people of Appalachian mountains. Urge members of congress to co-sponsor the ACHE Act.