NOTE: This alert is adapted from alerts issued in October by the Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club and Kentuckians fro the Commonwealth.
THE ISSUE:
Currently, companies can apply for streamlined permits for mountaintop removal coal mining from the Army Corps of Engineers. However, on July 15, 2009, the Corps announced its intention to prohibit these permits, known as Nationwide Permit 21, in the Appalachian region. Ending streamlined mountaintop removal coal mining permits is the first step toward ending this destructive practice all together--send a message of support today!
ACTION:
Help stop Mountaintop Removal Mining by sending your comments supporting the suspension of the NWP 21.
WHEN TO WRITE:
The official deadline for letters is Monday 10/26. Please try to act by then. Letters will be accepted until the Corps of Engineers makes as decision, so write even if you miss the 10/26 deadline.
BRIEF BACKGROUND:
The Corp of Engineering is requesting comments on two proposals:
1) The agency’s first proposal is to put an end to the use of a "fast-track" system that coal companies have traditionally used to get permits to create valley fills in the Central Appalachian region. The agency would no longer allow companies to use a shortcut process called the “nationwide permit 21” or NWP 21 for valley fills. Instead, coal companies would be required to obtain individual permits. Unlike the NWP 21 process, these individual permits require a case-by-case environmental assessment, closer agency review, and an opportunity for public comment.
2) The second proposal is to stop using the NWP 21 process soon, even before the agency has evaluated public comments or reached a final decision on the first proposal. Instead, coal companies would be required to obtain individual permits even before the first proposal is finalized.
Click here to go to the KFTF's website for additional background and talking points.
WHEN TO WRITE:
The official deadline for letters is Monday 10/26. Please try to act by then. Letters will be accepted until the Corps of Engineers makes as decision, so write even if you miss the 10/26 deadline.
HOW TO WRITE:
Click here to use the Sierra Clubs online letter generator - Clicking the "Take Action" button will send your letter to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Public Register.
Or, mail your comments to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Attn: CECW-CO (Attn: Ms. Desiree Hann)
441 G. Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20314
