coal mining
Eighteen months after a fatal explosion, Alabama rolls back its commitment to monitor explosive gases above coal mines
In a letter to federal regulators, the director of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission wrote she has “indefinitely suspended” methane monitoring requirements her agency agreed to in 2024. Experts say the “astonishing and reckless” move leaves residents at risk.
Coal miners’ health care hit hard in job cuts to CDC
The CDC unit that dramatically reduced Black Lung Disease among coal miners has been fired in Trump's sweeping overhaul of health agencies. Mining communities must now grapple with its disappearance.
For the first time, Alabama says methane ‘likely’ caused fatal home explosion above coal mine
State officials have ordered tighter monitoring of methane gas above coal mines in the state after a slap on the wrist from federal officials. Will it be enough to mitigate the risks?
Federal regulators say an Alabama coal mine’s plans may violate law, leaving citizens at risk
A “ten-day notice” issued to Alabama officials aims to mitigate risks to citizens living above Oak Grove Mine. It comes after months of state inaction and community outrage.
