Subterranean blues
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Why would homeowners in Richmond get frazzled over a bill related to coal mine disputes in far Southwest Virginia? Some of them received letters asking them to sell their mineral rights to coal companies interested in use of empty mine shafts beneath their property. The letters were part of a publicity campaign by opponents of a new law that gives coal companies greater access to vacant mine voids. Mine companies say it was a scare tactic that falsely suggests the impact of the legislation extends beyond areas with active mining operations.
This week’s Point/Counterpoint features guest columnists discussing the possible effects of the law. They are Dan Radmacher, former editorial page editor of The Roanoke Times, and Thomas Hudson, president of the Virginia Coal Association. Be sure to look for it in Sunday’s Horizon section.
Meanwhile, you can read an article about the mailings in Richmond Magazine.
May 3, 2012 - 11:17 AM
I was already not a fan of fracking, and after reading this article this morning, I am even less so. The idea that the industry is going to tell us what is safe, acceptable or without long term problems is akin to that “oceanfront property in Arizona”, or that famous bridge someone always wants to sell us.
http://www2.nationalmemo.com/new-study-predicts-frack-fluids-can-migrate-to-aquifers-within-years/
“A new study has raised fresh concerns about the safety of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, concluding that fracking chemicals injected into the ground could migrate toward drinking water supplies far more quickly than experts have previously predicted.“
And sure enough, in the link you offered, 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?