One Anti-Longwalling Tent

In my last post, I said that the ranchers and small town folks are fighting a losing battle against the large mining operations. Are those people fighting the Consols of the world? Of course. In fact, they have been fighting for years and years.



For the most part though, they fight as individuals. They can fight for a short time, 5-10 years perhaps, but they are finally beaten by virtue of longevity. The large mining operations have very deep pockets. As well as Congressmen, and state Environmental Agencies. You might win. But, the odds are vanishingly small.



However, we may begin to see something a little bit different coming down the road. Bud Shields of Harrison, Arkansas brought this item to my attention. In Madison County, Illinois, a resolution was passed that states that they are against any longwall mining. Will it make any difference? Can't say for sure at this moment. One rural county may not have much more sway with those folks as an individual.



But, suppose several rural counties were to decide to pass resolutions? That would bring a great deal more light to bear on this fight. Together, they could begin to file suits against the longwall mining operations and force them to slow and perhaps stop this destruction of the planet.



There are individuals fighting this fight in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In Wyoming and Montana. They are for the most part quite separated by their rural locations. It seems to me that what is needed is to bring all of these folks into one anti-longwalling tent. Connect all of these people, and counties, into a single group and suddenly you have more of a chance of getting the ear of both the Legislators/Agencies and the energy companies.