In an effort to address the longstanding health concerns of communities impacted by coal mining activities in Central Appalachia, House Democrats recently introduced legislation to restart a federal study on the impact of surface coal mining on public health in the region. The research, which was previously halted under the Trump administration, will be conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
House Natural Resources ranking member Raúl Grijalva of Arizona and Rep. Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky introduced the bill, known as H.R. 8614, which aims to uncover how Appalachian surface coal mining affects human health. The study will focus on the health risks posed by proximity to coal mining operations, including unreclaimed, idle, and abandoned sites, in communities surrounding these areas.
McGarvey emphasized the need for the federal government to prioritize the well-being of people in Kentucky and the broader Appalachia region over the interests of fossil fuel executives. He believes that this research is crucial for protecting public health and addressing longstanding concerns of communities impacted by coal mining activities. McGarvey succeeded mountaintop mining opponent John Yarmuth in the House last year and has continued to advocate for stronger protections for public health and environment in his new role.
