Mineral rights and property rights: Point/counterpoint
Readers are asking, why did Virginia legislators pass a law expanding the authority of mining companies to use vacant coal shafts for storage of waste and other activities in support of active mining sites nearby?
Sandi Saunders weighs in:
And sure enough questions that the governor’s office would/could not answer was met with “He referred further questions to the Virginia Coal Association“.
Now, who do you think “wrote” that bill? Was it lawyers representing the interests of Virginia property owners or lawyers representing the Virginia Coal Association?
May 7, 2012 - 6:24 AM
Does anyone know exactly when “conservation” was booted out of the “Conservative” philosophy? I missed the memo, but I certainly see the “rewards” it is “reaping”. I’d ask if they have no shame, but I know the answer. Business first.
The only reason that the right wing republicans passed this legislation is the financial influence of the coal industry and the industries efforts to rape, pillage, and pollute the world for their greedy benefit. Forget public health, forget clean water, forget that the communities where these open mines exist.
LOL, I hope you folks can find a way to enjoy your electricity when you turn the lights on this evening.
1 – is this a conservation issue or a private property rights issue?
I see it as a multi-faceted issue, conservation (i.e. pollution to ground water, earthquakes, underground displacement), an economic issue, a business issue, and a property rights issue.
I do not “enjoy” my electricity more when it comes at the expense of the environment, property rights or a better albeit more expensive alternative. But that is just me.