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We had a lively discussion about home-schoolers and sports last week as part of our Point/Counterpoint feature. In fact, the debate is still going. Our next Point/Counterpoint topic will be less familiar to readers, but it covers a cross-section of interesting and timely issues, including energy, environmental protections and property rights.

During this year’s General Assembly session, legislators passed a law that gives mining companies greater authority to use coal mine shafts for storage of wastewater or for other purposes related to active mining operations on adjoining property. The legislation didn’t get a lot of attention, but it does make a substantial change in the balance of power between the owner of mineral rights and the property rights of the surface landowner. It also opens another front in the battle between mining companies and environmental groups.

Look for commentaries on this topic in Sunday’s Horizon section from Dan Radmacher, former editorial page editor of The Roanoke Times, and Thomas Hudson, president of the Virginia Coal Association.

In the meantime, you can learn more about the issue by reading the legislation, House Bill 710. We’ll post articles from other publications throughout this week so you can find out what people around the state are saying about the law.