US update
Published by MAC on 2007-05-08
US update
8th May 2007
UN Asked To Take Stand Against Destructive Coal Mining
By Neil Relyea
8th May 2007
UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Environmental groups are calling on the United Nations to take a stand against what they call ecologically destructive coal mining practices in Appalachia. The groups from Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky say that state and local governments aren't paying attention to their cause.
So today they went before the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, which is holding its annual session through Saturday.
The delegation asked the commission to shun coal in favor of policies promoting renewable energy and cuts in fossil fuel consumption.
The delegation told reporters outside the UN that coal extraction has destroyed more than a million acres of forests, 500 mountains and 1,000 miles of streams in recent years in Appalachia.