Massive Strip Coal Mine Expansion in Utah Proposed

We just added a new Campaign page on our site: “Massive Utah Strip Coal Mine Expansion.”

Here are some Excerpts:

Threats to Utah’s Clean Air, Water, Public Health and Tourism.

A proposal to dramatically increase strip coal mining operations in central Utah near Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks threatens tourism, local community health and water resources.

The Bureau of Land Management is considering a proposal to expand a strip mine coal operation to more than 3,500 acres, an increase of nearly 500 percent over the existing mine. The new operation would run for 25 years, 24 hours a day, six days a week, drive 300 tractor trailer trucks through the town of Panguitch each day, and remove 50 million tons of coal.

Short Sighted Energy Policy and Revenue Streams

Utah Governor fast tracked existing operation:

The Coal Hollow Mine was originally expected to operate for three years. Its approval was granted last year despite opposition by the National Park Service and many local residents, and Utah Governor Gary Herbert was criticized for pushing regulators to fast-track the deal after accepting $10,000 from Alton Coal Development for his re-election fund.

Within weeks of commencing operations, Alton Coal Development was cited for two environmental violations by the state Division of Oil, Gas and Mining.

A $10,000 dolar donation and a promise of short sighted stare revenue is apparently all it takes for a project like this.

Local Jobs and Nearby Towns Benefiting?

A nearby town, Alton, Utah near the Coal Hollow Mine has experienced a massive increase in semi truck traffic and gained zero jobs for local residents. The jobs provided by the mine have gone to specialists and out of state and area drivers.

Area residents opposed to the mine say promises of a road being built to avoid Alton and other towns have not been built. Instead mined coal is hauled in open semi truck loads right through town.Coal dust is now becoming a significant problem for residents and businesses along trucking routes.

Lured with the potential for new subdivisions for mine workers have not manifested rather, most employees of the mine are not buying homes in the area. Increases in crimes have also been reported.

Far from benefiting local residents, land owners and business, the existing mine operations and future expansion threatens to disrupt a tranquil way of life area residents have enjoyed and expected.

Environmental Impact

• Archaeological/Native American Artifacts lost
• Air quality disruptions
• Water pollution
• Massive Semi truck traffic through many small area towns
• Public health
• Public Safety

Check out our Campaign page for all the details.

Central Utah Needs Your Help!

The BLM is accepting comments on the proposal through January 6, 2012. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to UT_Kanab_Altoncoal@blm.gov letter to the address below, or by letter to Attention: Keith Rigtrup, Bureau of Land Management, Kanab Field Office, 319 North 100 East, Kanab, UT 84741. There also are five public meetings in Utah over the next two weeks, including one in Salt Lake City on December 7.

Time is Limited and your comments will be heard and considered if submitted!

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