Coal mining expansion rejected for now - Colorado

Coal mining expansion rejected for now - Colorado
97 times viewed. Thursday, 16 Feb 2012Regional US Forest Service officials this week rejected a coal mining expansion that would have had significant impacts on roadless wildlife habitat in the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near the West Elk Wilderness.
The 1,700 acre mine expansion proposed by the Arch Coal Company was approved last year by the forest supervisor despite concerns about impacts to the Sunset roadless area. Conservation groups appealed the decision and regional foresters found that the approval violated federal environmental laws by failing to explain why the plan weakened environmental protection.

Mr Jeremy Nichols Climate and Energy Director for WildEarth Guardians one of the groups that challenged the decision said “This is a win for Colorado’s forests and wildlife, streams and clean air. The Forest Service should protect these roadless lands and habitat by putting this damaging mine expansion plan to bed permanently.”

The appeal was filed by Earthjustice on behalf of the Sierra Club, High Country Citizens Alliance, WildEarth Guardians and Defenders of Wildlife. Though the coal mining is underground, the operation requires methane venting wells be drilled above the mine. According to environmental groups, the West Elk mine spews millions of cubic feet of methane pollution every day.

Mr Ted Zukoski an attorney with Earthjustic said “It’s good news for Colorado’s forests that this destructive proposal was sent back to square one. The Forest Service should not have been trying to pave the way for an incursion into roadless lands when a court recently upheld its authority to protect those lands.”

Mr Matt Reed Public Lands Director of High Country Citizens Alliance based in Gunnison County said “This coal mine expansion would have paved the way for industrial development in a beautiful natural area, cost taxpayers millions in potential royalties from methane that is wasted instead of captured, and caused significant air pollution. We’re pleased that Colorado’s forests, wildlife and clean air won this round.”