CYA? Or,...

We have seen recently a step, and I do mean a step, toward holding longwall mining outfits like Consol Energy responsible for their actions. Pennsylvania's DEP has said that Consol's mining operation was the direct cause of the destruction of Ryerson Lake in Greene County.

What that proclamation suggests is that, at least in PA, those who are charged with protection of the world at large from the criminal element that is longwall mining, may be slowly awakening to the fact that they have been negligent, and perhaps criminally so, for a very long time.

Having said that, I must give them an "atta boy" for making even this most obvious declaration. It must have taken some bit of courage, political and otherwise. And, it is appreciated by all who have worked so diligently to make it happen. Specifically, the activists in the area who have stood against Consol Energy.

DEP has taken the first step. But, now what? Having stated publicly that Consol Energy was the direct cause of the destruction of Ryerson Lake, what remedy do they intend to call for? Is the dam to be rebuilt? The lake restored to it's previous condition? Is Consol to pay for not only the restoration of the lake, but the damage they have done, and continue to do to the farmers who have lost their water due to longwall mining? Late to the dance? Of course. Governments tend to be reactive rather than active. But, what happens next is of great import to not only Greene County, but the world at large. Is DEP going to begin providing meaningful oversight? Not just rubber stamping permits, but actually looking to see what damage might be caused by the longwall mining process? Not just slapping wrists, but levying stiff, and progressive fines for damage that is done?

So, what have we seen? A CYA step? Or, can we expect DEP to begin following it's mandate to protect the ecosystem both small an large? I know what I am hoping for. And, by and by, we will all know.