Letter: Mountaintop removal coal mining is danger

Saving taxpayer dollars is a key to any Republican platform.

The College Republicans at Central Michigan University see mountaintop removal coal mining as a burden to the taxpayers as well as the residents of Appalachia.

The co-sponsor of the Appalachia Restoration Act, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., laid out our fundamental views in regards to the matter: “Coal is an essential part of our energy future, but it is not necessary to destroy our mountaintops in order to have enough coal.”

Continuing mountaintop removal coal mining could cost taxpayers millions in federal emergency funds, as well as health care costs resulting from the dirt sent into the air that harms the people of Appalachia.

Most importantly, some of the flooding caused by the buildup of sludge ponds, damming or rivers has caused the deaths of several hundred people over time.

In conclusion, mountaintop removal coal mining is seen by the College Republicans as a non-sensible solution for our coal needs, and we encourage the passage of the Appalachia Restoration Act.

John Porter

Vice chairman of the College Republicans and Coleman freshman