Coal River Mountain Watch

Winter 2011

Coal River Mountain Watch Messenger www.crmw.net Volume 5, Issue 1 “You are the ones you’ve New, safe Marsh Fork Elementary to open in been waiting for!” 2012 In inspired, loving memory of Judy Bonds By Debbie Jarrell In school year 2012 I’ll be watching as By Vernon Haltom my two young grandsons begin the school year at the new MFE school. Not only will there be laughter in the classrooms and It is with great sorrow that we mourn the “thousand hillbilly march” in Washington, hallways but also in each home and hol- passing on Jan. 3 of Julia “Judy” Bonds, DC (see story, p. 3). In 2010, that dream low that has children attend this school. Executive Director of Coal River Moun- became a reality as thousands marched A veil of dread and doubt will be lifted as tain Watch. Judy on the I realize that these children no longer will was more than a White be attending a school underneath a sludge co-worker, friend, House for impoundment, or downwind of a chemical and mentor: she Appala- laden processing plant. became fam- chia Ris- ily. She inspired ing. The little ones will be going to a school thousands in the that is not only physically better for movement to end Judy them, but mentally as well. I can only mountaintop re- endured moval and was much per- MARSH FORK cont’d on p. 2 a driving force in sonal suf- making it what fering for it has become. her leader- In the words of ship. While Inside this issue... CRMW co-director people Appalachia Rises...... 3 “You are the ones you’ve been waiting for!” -- a favor- Vernon Haltom, of lesser Welcome New Staff!...... 3 ite quote of Judy’s (photo by Johnny Kilroy) courage Sludge Safety Slurry Ban Bill...... 4 I can’t count the would can- Sustainable Energy...... 6 number of times someone told me they got dy-coat their words or simply shut up and Land Ownership Challenges...... 6 involved because they heard Judy speak, sit down, Judy called it as she saw it. She Defending Blair Mountain...... 7 either at their university, at a rally, or in a endured physical assault, verbal abuse, DEP Subverts Regulatory Process..7 documentary. Years ago she envisioned a and death threats because she stood up A Bird’s Eye View of the for justice for her community. I never met a Coal River Valley...... 8 MISSION more courageous person, one who faced Remembering the Past, The mission of Coal her own death and spoke about it with the Working for the Future...... 10 River Mountain Watch is same voice as if it were a scheduled trip. to stop the destruction EPA Vetoes Spruce Mine...... 12 of our communities and Aurora Lights Mapping Project...... 13 environment by moun- Ultimately, Judy did all any one person Supporting WV Youth...... 14 taintop removal mining, to impove the quality of life in Mark Your Calendars!...... 15 our area and to help rebuild sustainable communities. JUDY cont’d on p. 2 (from JUDY, p. 1) gy’s airborne toxic dust and led to the can- the name of justice and love for our fel- could conceivably do to stop mountaintop cer that wasted no time in taking its toll. low human beings. When we prevail, as removal. One of Judy’s last acts was to we must, we will remember Judy as one go on a speaking trip, even though she Judy will be missed by all in this move- of the great heroes of our movement. We was not feeling well, shortly before her ment, as an icon, a leader, an inspiration, will always remember her for her passion, diagnosis. I believe, as others do, that and a friend. No words can ever express conviction, tenacity, and courage, as well Judy’s years in Marfork holler, where she what she has meant, and what she will as her love of family and friends and her remained in her ancestral home as long as always mean. We will tell stories about compassion for her fellow human beings. she could, subjected her to Massey Ener- her, around fires, in meeting rooms, and While we grieve, let’s remember what she any place where people are gathered in said, “Fight harder.”

Left to right: Judy in front of the CRMW office, inspring Kathy Mattea, standing up for people over profit.

“Do not let her passing be in vain. Let her be an example for you to stand and speak out and say, ‘Enough is Enough.’ The price we pay in the Appalachian Coalfields, as you can see by the passing of this young lady, Judy Bonds, the price is far far too high. And so when you’re wondering what you can do, take a stand; give her her voice back. Don’t let her voice die, you be the voice she had.” -- Larry Gibson, Keeper of the Mountains Foundation

For the rest of the year, we will print photos and stories of Judy Bonds in each newsletter. You can find and share more memories of Judy Bonds at www.judybondsmemorial.com.

(from MARSH FORK, p. 1) seed, we can move mountains. Manchin and other state officials to present their concerns and evidence. The Gov. imagine the thrill that will ring in our com- It is with that faith that I will be standing pledged to create a team to investigate. munity once those doors open wide. and watching as my grandsons begin their July 5: Ed Wiley, whose granddaughter own journey of history in our new Marsh attends Marsh Fork Elementary School, It has been a very tumultuous journey for Fork Elementary staged a sit-in on the steps of the Capitol the community, six years of anguish over Building in Charleston. After five hours the what to do when you realize the very thing Governor agreed to meet with Wiley and in you want for your children (a good edu- The Long Road to a press conference following their meeting, cation) could be the very thing that hurts the Gov. scheduled a tour of the school them the most. I can recall the days when Victory: In 2005, CRMW began to and meeting with citizens. I attended Mt.View Elementary and how approach and alert a number of govern- July 7: Governor’s representatives and secure I felt there . I wish my grandsons ment agencies to address parents’ con- heads of DEP and DHHR met with mem- to have the same good memories of a time cerns. For a detailed timeline of the 2005- bers of CRMW. The Gov.’s staff repeat- when the only thing you had to worry about 2006 campaign, visit http://www.crmw.net/ edly expressed the Gov.’s concern for the was who was going to lead the ‘Pledge of crmw/marshforkelementary. Here is an children and promised a multi-agency in- Allegiance’ or who got in line first once the excerpt of the dedicated organizing over vestigation regarding the health and safety bell rang. less than 2 months in 2005: of Marsh Fork Elementary children. May 24: Two Coal River Valley residents July 7: Dept. of Education conducted first Pennies of Promise was started as a were arrested while attempting to deliver “air quality investigation” at MFE with no pathway to a brighter future for our children a list of demands to the superintendent of concerned community members present. in 2006. We started out walking into the Goals Coal during a rally at the gates of the They did not test for coal dust or airborne hallways of our state’s leaders and ended Goals processing plant. chemicals; particulate count gave no units walking to one of our greatest leaders of May 26: Over 50 people spoke out against or reference. our time in Washington DC. Honorable the permit for the second silo planned for July 15: DEP suspended the permit for Sen. Robert C. Byrd gave us the courage the Goals plant at a DEP hearing. the second coal silo due to boundary dis- to keep going and let us know ...the Bible June 22: CRMW members met with Gov. crepancies on the permit. teaches that if we have faith of a mustard

2 “Thousand Hillbilly March”: Appalachia Rising Elevates the Movement to End Mountaintop Removal By Andrew Munn and others were among the speakers and zens demanded that Ken Salazar and the workshop leaders in DC. Office of Surface Mining put their money In September, thousands of people from where their mouth is and honor Salazar’s across the country piled into vans, a bus statement, “Every American deserves a and carpools, heading to Washington, healthy environment in which they can live, D.C. for Appalachia Rising – a conference learn and play.” Thirteen people were re- and mass mobilization against mountain- moved from the building after a sit in. This top removal. group was organized in part by Climate Ground Zero and Mountain Justice and “We went to D.C. because our families’ was largely composed of youth. health, our communities’ survival and our heritage are at stake,” said retired deep At PNC Bank, “Appalachia-louia!” rang miner Chuck Nelson of Glen Daniel. through the halls and four were taken away by police, while protesting PNC’s financing We joined thousands of Appalachians the coal industry’s pillage of Appalachia. and folks from across the nation converg- Since then, PNC has made a policy to ing in our nation’s capital for Appalachia phase out funding to mountaintop removal Rising, which was organized over a pe- operations. riod of eight months by Coal River Valley resident Bo Webb, Coal River Mountain At the Environmental Protection Agency, Watch’s Andrew Munn, Mountain Justice thousands stood at the doorstep demand- volunteer Katey Lauer and dozens of oth- ing that the EPA do their job: follow the ers. More than 100 groups and many ce- science, protect the health and safety of lebrities joined Coal River Mountain Watch America’s ecological and human commu- in endorsing the event, which began with nities! This was a stop on the march. a massive conference held on September 25 and 26. Appalachia rises outside the White At the White House, a delegation of 114 House in D.C. (photo by Rana Xavier) Appalachians, many from Coal River and At the conference, CRMW members and The event culminated on Monday, Sep- West Virginia and their allies delivered a staff co-led and participated in workshops, tember 27, with the Appalachia Rising Day message to President Obama, backed by training sessions and meetings in which of Action. It started early at the Army Corps a crowd of two thousand supporters. The people educated one another about the of Engineers. Forty citizens led by two re- delegation refused to leave until they were challenges Appalachia now faces. Focused tired coal miners from Kentucky sat in at heard and all 114 were arrested for their on building a sustainable, just and prosper- the Army Corps of Engineers, demanding act of non-violent civil disobedience. ous future for Appalachia, the weekend of they end the war on Appalachia and cease strategizing also featured plenty of moti- permitting valley fills and the destruction of Watch for more from Appalachia Rising: vating speeches, amazing art, films, poet- Appalachian headwater streams. www.appalachiarising.org. ry and music. CRMW members Bo Webb, Junior Walk, Debbie Jarrell, Adam Hall, At the Department of the Interior, 30 citi- Welcome new CRMW staff members, Debbie Jarrell, Cathy Kunkel, and Jen Osha! From Debbie Jarrell, new Community molly moocher or the first bloomed Organizer (photo on left, with Judy trillium of the spring. It’s the simple Bonds): things that little ones get the most joy working with a cou- “My roots run deep in these mountains. My from and when older, it’s the simple things ple of landowners to mothers’ and fathers’ families settled these that you hold dear.” help them explore the feasibility of putting hollows and mountains in the early 1700’s wind turbines on ridges that they own. I’ve as farmers. I hold the same value they held From Cathy Kunkel (photo on right): started to work with a coalition of advocacy deep in my soul, that if we take care of the “I was recently hired as Coal River Mountain groups in Charleston who are pushing for earth it will take care of you. It would only Watch’s Renewable Energy and Economic the state to adopt stronger energy efficien- be a natural fit that I do all in my power to Development Intern to explore small-scale cy programs that would provide more finan- see that my grandchildren and their fami- renewable energy options for the Valley. cial incentives and assistance for people in lies are able to enjoy what the good Lord So far, I’ve been working with Danny and weatherizing their homes to save energy put on earth. A soft summer rain, a walk in Kay Howell to promote the solar hot wa- and winter heating bills. I can be reached the woods, the cool quenching drink from a ter system they installed on their home a at 304-854-2182 or [email protected].” creek, and to be able to work the warm soil few months ago and providing more infor- with your own hands and watch the miracle mation to interested residents about how of life sprout through. The joy of finding a to get solar and finance it. I’ve also been MEET JEN OSHA, p. 13! 3 Sludge Safety Project bill to ban coal slurry enters WV House, Senate

By Stephanie Tyree

Good news! House and Senate bills are identical. The Alternative Coal Slurry Disposal Act The slurry bill that the Sludge Safety prohibits new permits, modifications and Bill sponsors are Senators Kessler, Project has been working on with legisla- renewals of existing permits for under- Browning, Snyder, Foster and Yost; and tive leaders was introduced January 25 in ground injection of coal slurry. This means Delegates Caputo, Manchin, Fleischauer, the House and Senate. no more slurry injections. It also creates a Moore, Ferro and Wells. tax incentive program for companies to put in place new coal processing tech- What Can You Do to Help Get a nologies. Ban Passed? The bill will go before the Judi- Our first goal is to get the bill passed out ciary Committees of the Judiciary Committees. and then before the Finance Com- See whether your representative is on mittees. these committees for the Senate, and for the House. If they are, call them and let This bill was them know that you support this bill and drafted and expect them to support it as well. Check passed by the out www.sludgesafety.org for talking points Interim Judiciary and factsheets on the bill. Subcommittee A, with recommen- SSP will be hosting lobby days and a dation that it be Meet-and-Greet day with Legislators later A legacy of hard work: Sludge Safety Project citizen lobbyists passed into law in the session. Contact us for more infor- stand with Randy White (right), former WV Senator and sponsor of during the 2011 mation, and watch your email for a notice the bill to ban slurry injections. The displayed map shows the loca- session. The about the meet-and-greet. tions of slurry injection sites in the state.

How did we get here? The stories behind Sludge Safety Project’s newest step towards victory

3-Part Summer Slurry Hearings done, the Sludge Safety Project reminded 2.) Second the subcommittee that just a few decades Slurry End with Dept. of Health Finding ago, many processing plants were using Presenta- that Slurry Injections Cannot be dry filter press and other technologies that tion by DEP Proven Safe created less waste and kept communities on Drinking Over the summer interim sessions, a safer. Water Dangers of Slurry joint legislative subcommittee held three In July, the subcommittee held their sec- meetings looking at the issues of coal slur- Dr. Roe-han Yoon from the Virginia Tech ond hearing on coal slurry. This hearing ry and the safety of underground injections Center for Advanced Separation Technolo- saw presentations from scientific experts and storage. gies described technologies that his cen- Dr. Ben Stout of Wheeling Jesuit Univer- ter has patented and taken to commercial sity and Dr. Scott Simonton of Marshall 1.) First Hearing on Dangers of and Al- scale – dry processing technologies that University. Nick Shear from the WV DEP ternatives to Slurry Injections have been tried as pilot projects at WV also gave a short update on the agency’s In June, the legislature heard from the prep plants as recently as two years ago. slow progress in implementing the recom- Sludge Safety Project, the WV Coal As- While the information on these technolo- mendations from its SCR15 (Senate Con- sociation, and Virginia Tech experts on gies was technical, the basic point of Dr. current Resolution 15) report. new dry coal processing technologies. Yoon’s presentation was that the technol- While the Coal Association argued that we ogy is ready and economical for compa- Shear’s presentation raised a critical should continue with slurry injections be- nies to implement. And so we asked the point about the safety of slurry injections. cause that’s the way it’s been always been Legislature, “What are we waiting for?” Senator Snyder, the subcommittee Chair-

4 man, asked for clarity on what was actually 3.) Third Slurry Injection Hearing Finds likely to be unclear even after multiple being injected underground. the DHHR Cannot Say Slurry is Safe years and millions of dollars. Instead, the The third and final hearing on slurry, held DHHR report recommended that the state “It’s not black coal slurry being injected in August, focused on a presentation by use the precautionary principle and restrict underground, right?” he asked. the Department of Health and Human or eliminate the use of slurry unless it could Resources (DHHR) on the findings of its be definitively proven that it was safe for Shear responded, “No, it is black coal SCR15 report. The DHHR was mandated human consumption. slurry being injected underground, but it through SCR15 to examine the potential meets safe drinking water standards.” health impacts of coal slurry. While the subcommittee legislators were appreciative of the work that Dr. Ducatman Senator Snyder asked, “How do you The final finding of the agency’s report and his colleagues had done for the report, meet drinking water standards with black was that the DHHR couldn’t assure the the frustration in the room was palpable coal slurry?” safety of slurry, and it also couldn’t defini- as the legislators tried to figure out how tively say that there was a health hazard the agency had failed so completely in its Shear answered, “Because drinking wa- created by slurry. mandate to determine the health impacts ter standards don’t cover of slurry. what’s in coal slurry.” “This is the key point as to why coal slurry injections are so dangerous – our federal regulations do not protect citi- It is no mystery why This is the key point as the DHHR and DEP both to why coal slurry injec- zens from what is in slurry. Many of the metals, toxins and failed in their mandates tions are so dangerous – chemicals that are in slurry are not regulated under federal to study slurry injections. our federal regulations do drinking water standards. So while the toxic soup of slurry Each agency intention- not protect citizens from ally limited the scope of what is in slurry. Many might meet safe drinking water standards as they are writ- their studies so that the of the metals, toxins and ten, it is not necessarily safe to drink.” question could not pos- chemicals that are in slur- sibly be answered. The ry are not regulated under DEP only studied six federal drinking water standards. So while slurry injections sites, refusing to study ar- the toxic soup of slurry might meet safe And so, after three years and hundreds eas where the most significant community drinking water standards as they are writ- of thousands of dollars, the State does not impacts had been documented. The DHHR ten, it is not necessarily safe to drink. know whether slurry is safe, and it does created a contract for health researchers not know what the environmental impacts that specifically required them to only use To drive this point home, Senator Sny- of slurry injections are. data already collected, prohibiting them der asked for a definition of drinking wa- from collecting their own data, and fatally ter standards and then the most important limiting them to DEP’s narrow scope. question: “Is the water [being injected un- A Failed Health Study derground] safe to drink?” Dr. Alan Ducatman, the lead researcher And so the state agencies have failed of the DHHR report, acknowledged that to protect the environment and health of Shear of the WV DEP answered, “It the researchers were presented with the West Virginians, again. Our state agencies meets safe drinking water standards.” impossible task of analyzing something have failed to put the health and safety of that has not been sufficiently studied by our people before the profits and desires of Senator Snyder clarified, “So, it would be state agencies or private researchers, the coal industry. OK for me to drink slurry at the point of in- and being restricted from doing their own jection if they are meeting drinking water independent scientific data gathering and The Legislature has seen this, and is clear standards?” research. that the help and protection available from state agencies continues to be unavailable Shear hesitated before responding, “Well, Dr. Ducatman found that without more to the people of West Virginia. I wouldn’t recommend that.” data, it was impossible to say what the potential health hazards of slurry are – and Sludge Safety Project allies in the WV What, then, DEP would you recommend that a real study of slurry health impacts Legislature are energized and ready to infor communities that live near and down- would require federal agencies and mil- troduce a bill to ban slurry injections – a bill stream of underground injection sites? lions of dollars. that has a chance of passing this year.

While the DEP limited its study under Importantly, Dr. Ducatman noted that It is time to come together, support our SCR15 so much that almost no informa- West Virginia has not even done enough allies like Senator Kessler, Delegate Many- tion could be gathered from the report, it preliminary research to gather the health penny and so many others in the legisla- cannot hide from the basic fact that black data that we would need to submit to the ture who are ready to stand up and say No coal slurry is not safe to drink, not safe to federal government to request a study on More to slurry injections. Join the Sludge inject into or near aquifers, and not safe to slurry. Meaning, we are not even at step 1 Safety Project this legislative session to store near areas where people live, work of starting to study how slurry is impacting help us finally make a ban on slurry injec- and play. Because of the limited scope of the health and safety of West Virginians. tions in West Virginia a reality! federal safe drinking water standards, it For more information email Stephanie@ may not violate regulations, but that does Beyond that, he recommended not pur- sludgesafety.org or call 304-360-2110. not mean that it is safe. suing a larger study of the potential health impacts of slurry as the findings were still

5 CRMW supports, explores sustainable energy projects By Cathy Kunkel

Coal River Mountain Watch’s Sustainable Energy Program has been working on assessing the feasibility of a community wind project in the Coal River Valley area. After commissioning a professional analysis of the wind resource in our area, we have identified a possible site and will be working to secure landowner support and hopefully have an anemom- eter installed this spring to measure the wind resource in more detail.

Coal River Mountain Watch is working with the new Energy Efficiency West Virginia coalition to develop energy efficiency policy proposals that would reduce electricity demand and save consumers money.

Left: Mountain View Solar and community volunteers install the area’s first solar thermal system, at Kay and Danny Howell’s home in Naoma. CRMW contributed to the project, to serve as a model for other residents interested in installing solar. Was this land made for you and me? Land ownership determines future of community renewable energy prospects By Cathy Kunkel

Coal River Mountain Watch hired me a that their land held. According to the last energy development in Appalachia. But couple months ago to work on developing comprehensive study of land ownership this still does not solve the problem that CRMW’s renewable energy program, and patterns in Appalachia, done in 1981, near- profits from the wind development would particularly on promoting small-scale com- ly 60% of West Virginia’s land is owned by flow to large corporations rather than local munity-owned renewable energy projects landholding corporations. These landhold- residents. in the Valley. As I’ve quickly realized, one ing companies don’t pay their fair share of of the less-talked-about challenges fac- property tax, leading to lower tax revenues Reforming land use in Appalachia so ing renewable energy development, and for the counties. that communities can regain ownership of especially community-owned renewable the region’s wealth is crucial to reducing energy, in Appalachia is the issue of land The fact that West Virginians for the most poverty and creating a renewable energy ownership. part don’t own the vast wealth of their land economy that could actually benefit the is one reason why coal mining regions re- people of the region, rather than continuing CRMW’s first foray into renewable- en main consistently poor. Leasing the land the trend of energy development that only ergy, the Coal River Wind Project, is an il- for coal development enriches the land- benefits corporations outside the state. lustrative example. The goal of the Coal holding companies and the coal compa- River Wind campaign was to highlight the nies at the expense of the community. Some suggestions for land reform have potential for wind on Coal River Mountain been put forward. One common sugges- as an argument for not blowing up the It is obviously a problem for the develop- tion for land reform is to increase the prop- mountain. However, despite widespread ment of community-owned renewable en- erty taxes for corporations so that they pay publicity and public support for the wind ergy resources when the community does their fair share; though this does not direct- farm concept, development of the wind not own the land on which some of the best ly attack the dominance of the landholding farm was stalled by the fact that Coal River renewable resource is situated. This is a corporations, it would at least ensure that Mountain is owned by Rowland Land Com- particular problem for wind energy, since local communities benefit more from the pany, a landholding corporation that has mountaintops were largely bought up by presence of these corporations and there no stake in the community and no reason the landholding corporations (being less is more money available for local econom- not to pursue the most profitable short- valuable to mountaineers than the valleys ic development. term use of its land (mountaintop removal), where they could farm). especially since the costs of that develop- Stronger reforms would include restrict- ment are borne by residents of the valley, A recent study from Marshall University ing how private corporations can develop not Rowland. estimates that West Virginia has the poten- their land (for example, by requiring that tial to develop 3800 MW of wind; currently energy development is not destructive to As residents of the Coal River Valley well only 330 MW are developed. Corporations local communities) or even creating land know, enterprising and unscrupulous busi- that own the majority of that land have no redistribution programs. Tackling land re- nessmen bought up vast tracts of surface incentive to develop wind as long as it is form in any of these ways would be a valu- and mineral rights in Appalachia after the more profitable for them to lease for coal. able step towards enabling the develop- Civil War from local mountaineers who Banning mountaintop removal or incentiv- ment of West Virginia’s renewable energy were often illiterate and didn’t understand izing wind to make it cheaper than coal resources in a way that could benefit the the value of the coal and mineral resources would be one way to encourage renewable community.

6 Blair Mountain heroes inspire modern action to save mountains By Brandon Nida Blair Mountain in Logan County, West Vir- lachian resistance to injustice and exploita- makes me proud about our heritage and ginia, was the site of the largest open class tion. hopeful for our future. war in U.S. history. In 1921, after a gen- eration of violent suppression and exploi- That resistance is ongoing today, and that Right now, Blair Mountain is in an ex- tation of the people in the southern coal- heritage lives within us. It’s been my plea- tremely precarious situation. We are fight- fields of WV, 15,000 coal miners rebelled sure to research Blair Mountain and work ing off about 6 permits that will impact in an attempt to overthrow the control of for its preservation, as well as to be part the battlefield, and the next two or three coal barons. Today, with mountaintop re- of the anti-MTR movement. In my work, I months are going to be a very critical time moval threatening Blair Mountain’s future, see so many parallels between 1921 and in saving the mountain. If you would like Friends of Blair Mountain are planning an today. The system has changed some- to have more information or would like to epic enactment of the 1921 march, to call what, but it is basically the same – outside help out, please visit www.friendsofblair- attention to the need to protect the moun- agents extract our resources and use a mountain.org or contact me at nida13@ tain and its history. wide range of tactics to suppress dissent berkeley.edu. that may affect their profits. The arguments “…and there ain’t no way they can ever It is easy to mythologize the miners and are the same, the names they call us are keep us down, oh no!” citizens who marched on Blair Mountain the same ones they called the miners – it Solidarity, in 1921 – Bill Blizzard, Frank Keeney and really is amazing to see the similarities as Brandon Nida all the thousands of people who rose up I read through old docu- against the immense power of coal barons. ments like newspapers. It’s easy to make them into larger than life heroes. But the fact is they were normal And the people are people with all the hopes, pains, joys, inse- the same. Miners on curities, friendships, personality conflicts, Coal River were the first etc., that we all have. to start for Blair Moun- tain when the call went They were regular people doing extraor- out. Coal River today is dinary things. For me, it’s very important the heart of the resis- to understand that our history is chock full tance against MTR. The of normal folks standing their ground and people that I meet and making significant changes in their lives work with are normal and communities. Blair Mountain is one people doing extraordi- such instance in a steady stream of Appa- nary things. Seeing it all Deserted coal camp, 1921. Photo courtesy of Kenneth King. CRMW catches WVDEP subverting regulatory process

By Rob Goodwin, CRMW volunteer

Only one thing in the federal Surface Min- proper sediment control. According to the hearing, they always choose to privately ing and Reclamation Act gives a regulatory law once a Show Cause order is issued for negotiate with the coal company. agency the tools necessary to effectively a negative pattern of violations, the com- regulate surface coal mines. This tool is pany has 30 days to request a hearing to On August 24, after 8 months of pres- the Show Cause Process that the WV DEP fight for the right to continue to operate on sure on the DEP to allow CRMW and the has been subverting for the past 20 years. that permit. public to intervene on the matter, the DEP granted a hearing where only CRMW was Through the Show Cause process, the The way that the WV DEP deals with allow to speak on the consent order. As WV DEP can shut down mine sites for re- Show Cause never follows this process. expected, this was simply the DEP going peated violations of the law. Under federal The administrator (Randy Huffman and through the motions because they had to surface mine law a public hearing is sup- Tom Clark) has the discretion to negotiate under the law. The points raised by CRMW posed to be held any time a company has a consent order with the coal operator pri- at the hearing were not even remotely three or more serious violations in a pat- vately, leaving the public completely out of considered in determining the penalty that tern during the course of a year. What the the picture. Alex Energy was to receive. WV DEP is doing is not necessarily illegal, but it defaces the intent of federal Surface In the case of Edwight, residents of Nao- After 8 months of negotiation the only Mine Law by exploiting the use of adminis- ma and Petry Bottom are threatened every penalty that Alex Energy received was a trators’ discretion. day by the irresponsible practices of the 3-day suspension of coal removal opera- Massey Energy Subsidiary, Alex Energy. tions at their discretion. Reclamation op- Two CRMW volunteers, Rob Goodwin It would make sense that these residents erations may continue. All of this brings and William Levendis, discovered that the should have the right to a hearing when into question: What would the penalty have Edwight mountaintop removal site was put the opportunity is there under the law. The been if CRMW volunteers had not stumble under Show Cause for a pattern of viola- DEP thinks differently, and with the choice don the show cause order and pressured tions pertaining to the failure to maintain between private consent order or public the DEP to act on it?

7 Bird’s Eye News A View of the Latest from the Coal River Valley Watershed MANY thanks to Fritz Boettner of Downstream Strategies and Jen Osha for this beautiful map!

8.) CRMW Citizen Enforce- ment training!

1.) Low Gap in Horse Creek 2.) Coal River Mountain 3.) Brushy Fork and Blasting

6.) Twilight/Lindytown 7.) Twilight/Lindytown

4.) Sundial Rec- lamation

5.) Route 3 Dis- charges

8 What’s Happening Where? 1.) Low Gap Water Problem: CRMW is in the process claimed coal refuse piles near Edwight, directly behind of filing suit against Marfork Coal for discharging water Marsh Fork Elementary School and at the mouth of without a National Pollution Discharge Elimination Sys- Hazy Creek. tem permit. Orange acid mine drainage is alleged to be coming from an inactive Marfork Deep Mine. 5.) Route 3 Discharges: Directly across Route 3 from Edwight near Stickney, there are several discharges 2.) Coal River Mountain: Highwall mining and area coming down the mountain; Coal River Mountain Watch mining continues on the Beetree Surface Permit is investigating whether these discharges are legal. of Coal River Mountain. Marfork has mining plans to The WV DEP verified that they are coming from the old complete the current phase of mining without valley fill Peabody 10a and 10b mines, but claims that no active permits of the sort that were just vetoed on the Spruce sampling or monitoring is required. Mine. Marfork is currently reclaiming the old highwall mines around the Brushy Fork impoundment. Mining 6.) Twilight / Lindy Town: Mountaintop removal killed plans for the current phase allow them to reclaim old the community of Twilight. Don’t let Twilight become pre-law highwalls with excess spoil from the Beetree another Lindytown! Go to www.mtrstopshere.com. Our permit. CRMW is investigating how much of the moun- friends at OVEC have purchased a section of property tain Marfork can mine with out valley fill permits. from Frank Mooney in the town of Twilight. Working with property owners in Twilight, OVEC could more suc- 3) Brushy Fork and Blasting: Over the next few cessfully fight the multiple coal companies closing in on weeks CRMW will be reviewing revisions pertaining to the last of the small communities on Route 26. This will Marfork Coal’s intentions to re-mine the back end of be a learning process for community members hoping the impoundment. There are also pending revisions to to learn about how to combat mining permits and their the blasting plan on the Beetree surface permit on Coal impacts on local residents. River Mountain and the impoundment blasting plan. These blasting plan revisions are setting hard limits on 7.) Edwight: WV DEP subverts regulatory process safe blasting levels near the impoundment as deter- (See story, p. 7). Show Cause is a regulatory tool that mined by the WV DEP Office of Explosives and Blast- the WV DEP has under federal surface mine law to ing. The revision is a result of a site-specifc analysis shut down mine sites for repeated violations of the law. done at Brushy Fork by the WV DEP. Under federal surface mine law a public hearing is sup- posed to be held any time a company has 3 or more 4.) Crimes at the Sundial Reclamation Project: serious violations in a pattern during the course of a Former project superintendent, James Kelley, of Moun- year. However the WVDEP always excludes the hear- taineer Grading Company and company owner, Les ing process and negotiates privately with the company Putillion, are facing legal action from Raleigh County on a consent order. Coal River Mountain Watch fought Magistrate Court for operating an open dump near the for and received a hearing on the Edwight Surface Mine town of Edwight, and routinely discharging muddy and/ throughout 2010. or black water into the Marsh Fork of the Coal River. 8.) Join the watchdogs -- Citizen Enforce- Kelley was arrested in August. In November his water ment Training! Coal River Mountain Watch is pollution charges were dropped and he was issued planning a training for community members in a $100 fine for the operation of the open dump. Kel- citizen enforcement this spring. A date for the ley was also required to clean up the dump. Putillion was arrested in December and has a court date set for training will be set soon, and those interested March. Putillion is facing charges for violation of WV should contact Coal River Mountain Watch at water pollution standards due to his failure to install 304-854-2182. Coal River Mountain Watch un- and mantain proper erosion and drainage systems to derstands that filing and following up complaints prevent muddy and black water from routinely making it to the DEP is a time-consuming process, and into the Coal River. we are available to assist anyone with problems

they have or complaints to the agency that have Mountaineer Grading went bankrupt in August, and the WV DEP Division of Abandoned Mine Lands is planning not yielded results. on having a new contractor begin cleaning up the unre-

9 REMEMBERING THE PAST, WORKING FOR THE FUTURE An important part of Coal River Mountain Watch’s mission is to rebuild sustainable communities. We believe in honoring our rich heritage of connection to the land and sense of community, to guide us as we work together for a truly healthy future. In each issue, the Coal River Mountain Watch Messenger will piece together memories, stories, and dreams for the future of our mountain home.

THE SEASONAL ROUND: Hog-Butchering Time Around the dinner table, Arnett resident Kathleen Dickens, her two children, and her friend and neighbor Arthur Littleton share tips and tales from many seasons of butchering their own hogs.

Kathleen Dickens: We were brought up Kathleen’s daughter, Kendra: Mom! country. We grew up at the mouth of Horse That was my brother’s nickname in school, Creek. Every year, usually when it got Kathleen: Kendra! Hog brains was a deli- “Hog Jaws,’ because we raised hogs all the cold, we’d butcher a hog. The last year we cacy. time. We lived through the hard times. wrapped a hog, I was 17 years old. [To butcher a hog] you Arthur Littleton: That was the shot it between the eyes and only way to get sausage, ba- then cut its throat and hung it con, ham. Me and dad built a by its feet and let it drain. Then big hog pen, put ‘em in it, went they gutted it. to Beckley, and started buying feed for ‘em. Just a few days Before they did any of that, before butchering, I’d put the they put hot water on it and feed out and let it sour and feed scraped the hair and then it to ‘em. They would stand they’d let it hang for a little back and squeal – and the while. Then they’d take the fat, meat [after butchering] would and Mommy would render it to be solid. lard. The best part of the hog was the tenderloins. Kathleen: The first time we slaughtered, Edsel Guy had to Kathleen’s son: What was it chase the pigs clear up the hill- your dad would eat? side – they got away, he had to chase them about 6 miles. Kathleen: Hog brains and “mountain oysters” (testicles). Arthur: We’d make “balloons” out of the intestines. You just We’d pickle the pigs’ feet. take it out and blow it up and Then we’d sugar-cure hams just kick it around like a football, and two sides of bacon. We cut wouldn’t bust, either. the rest of the hog into hams, Old-fashioned hog-butchering. (Photo courtesy of August Katren- cut it down, put it in a mixture of cik) Kathleen: Hog-killing time was brown sugar, salt, and spices. always a good time. It was a We put it in brown paper and family ritual. put it in a white feed sack, sewed it up, and we’d hang it. You have to let it cure three One year, we saved the ham until [Kath- Arthur: You had to raise your own stuff. to four months. leen’s older brother] Edsel Guy came back What you had to eat through the winter, after basic [military] training. We cut the you had to raise. Now the brains, they’d knock the head… first ham and had a ham breakfast. That was the best ever was.

10 A Legacy of Resistance: As this Beckley Post-Herald article reveals, in 1972???? Coal River residents were already uniting against strip-mining. As we “remember the past and work for the future,” it’s exciting to be reminded that Coal River’s heritage is not only one of strong canning, ginsenging, hunting and gardening traditions, but also of watch-dogging and strategically organizing to oppose the destruction of their way of life.

11 EPA vetoes permit for WV’s largest surface mine Excerpted from an AP article by Brian Farkas

CHARLESTON (AP) — The U.S. Environ- clean water permits for large mountaintop mental Protection Agency moved Friday to removal mines. U.S. District Judge Robert It’s the first time since 1972 that EPA has veto a water quality permit for West Virgin- Chambers has allowed mining to occur at vetoed a permitted project. In nearly four ia’s largest surface mine, saying the opera- the Logan County mine until the case in decades the agency has used its authority tion would cause irreversible damage to the resolved. only 12 times before a permit was issued. environment. OVEC is a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Co-Direc- Garvin said EPA determined that mining Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin said tor Dianne Bady said she was pleased by wastes from Spruce No. 1 would affect wa- talks with Mingo Logan Coal Corp. failed to EPA’s decision. ‘‘We are so glad to see the ter quality, fish and wildlife in the Coal River produce an agreement to reduce potential Obama administration base its decision on watershed. The watershed is already one harm at the Spruce No. 1 mine. The agency sound science,’’ she said. of the state’s more heavily mined areas. said the mining plan, including mountaintop removal and valley fills, would cover 2,278 Several members of West Virginia’s con- The mine would release high levels of to- acres, and would bury 7 miles of headwater gressional delegation said they were upset tal dissolved solids and selenium, which in streams and degrade water quality. by the decision. Mingo Logan is a subsid- high concentrations can create birth defects iary of St. Louis-based Arch Coal. The com- in fish and other aquatic life. Also, the plan The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued pany said it was disappointed by EPA’s ac- to replace ecological resources lost during the permit in 2007. But EPA chose to ex- tion and was assessing its legal options. mining was inadequate, EPA said. ercise its authority under the federal Clean Water Act to review the permit further. ‘‘The Spruce permit is the most scrutinized Garvin said EPA will hold a 60-day com- and fully considered permit in West Vir- ment period on its recommendation before The permit is the subject of a federal law- ginia’s history,’’ the company said in state- it makes a final decision. The agency also suit challenging the corps’ authority to issue ment. plans to hold a public hearing in the state. Journey Up Coal River celebrates community resources Resource map creates starting point for local sustainable development The Journey Up Coal River educational chose to use participatory mapping due cresources. project just gained 46 new perspectives – to its potential to combine research and and would love to add yours! Aurora Lights community organizing with the objective of Teachers can bring lessons from Coal recently added a Community Resource creating a starting point for local people to River organizing to the classroom, with the Mapping theme to the participatory Jour- employ proactive strategies to create alter- new Community Resource Mapping lesson ney Up Coal River website (www.Jour- natives to the extractive mono-economy. plan. Aurora Lights staff and volunteers neyUpCoalRiver.com), and completely are also finalizing a formal paper to reflect revamped the interactive maps. The final Please visit the site, explore, and join in on the resource mapping experience. versioni will be complete Feb. 15. with your own knowledge, comments, and Finally, one amazing story: after reading insights! on the Journey Up Coal River site about Dozens of CRMW volunteers interviewed the fatal airplane crash on Pond Knob in 46 residents of the Coal River 1958, the co-pilot’s daughter Valley in southern West Virginia contacted Aurora Lights! The and are putting information from daughter, Sandra Holtkamp, those interviews onto the inter- visited the Coal River Valley last active map in the new Commu- fall with her friend Judith Gavin. nity Resource Mapping theme. Holtkamp and Gavin traveled to These projects were made pos- the site of the plane crash and sible with funding from the West got to meet local historian Rick Virginia Humanities Council and Bradford. Holtkamp told Aurora in partnership with Coal River Lights staff that her father al- Mountain Watch. ways piloted the planes, but that this time he was outranked and The community resource map forced to fly as co-pilot. illustrates the skills and resources of 46 Coal River Valley resi- This story offers the perfect dents, their visions of prosperity example of what Journey Up for the area, and the projects Coal River strives to do: recon- they are working on to move to- nect people with their history wards that vision. The accompa- Rock Creek resident Ed Wiley describes his tools, skills, talents, and sense of place. Painful nying listening project summa- and ideas on the new community resource map. or joyful, it’s a process that re- ries further expand the picture stores and strengthens us. to include barriers and opportunities that To go directly to the maps instead of visit- each person sees for the community. We ing the main site, go to http://tinyurl.com/

12 She has taught at the university level the Yale School of Forestry and Environ- Welcome, Jen Osha! since 2003 at Salem International and West Virginia University, and has brought While Jen has worked closely with CRMW two groups of college students to the Ec- for many years, she’s now an “official” staff uadorian highlands and Amazon. She member, as our new Project Coordinator. just finished her PhD in the geography Jen is also the founder and President of department at WVU, where her research Aurora Lights since 1998. Jen worked as a is focused on the impacts of mountaintop volunteer English teacher for WorldTeach, removal on the communities surrounding and then as an environmental educator Coal River Mountain. Jen was the producer through Aurora Lights in Ecuador for two for the second MTR benefit CD,Still Moving years. Upon returning to the United States, Mountains: The Journey Home which was Jen produced the benefit CD Moving released in June of 2009, and the project Mountains: Voices of Appalachia Rise Up director for the multimedia website Journey Against Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining Up Coal River. Jen received her B.A. in from 2000-2003. English with Honors from the University of We’re excited to have Jen Osha and Virginia and her Masters in Forestry from her faithful companion Vida on board! Build it Up! WV youth strengthen local economies By Joe Gorman

There’s something building in the moun- order to make the program accessible to cal resident’s backyard pool. Guitars and tains of West Virginia. For six weeks this a diverse group of people,” Chiotos said. singing mingle with the smell of s’mores summer, West Virginia youth worked side- “And everyone involved in the program is around a campfire. Participants in the pro- by-side with community groups on grass- a West Virginia native or a resident who’s gram have written an entire album’s worth roots sustainability projects through a pro- here for the long haul, so we’re not only of original songs since the program began gram called Build it Up West Virginia! accountable to the groups we work with, in June, and plan to record some to help we’re building connections for year-round publicize the program in the coming year. Build it Up is a project of the Student En- organizing.” vironmental Action Coalition (SEAC) and is This summer program is making change sponsored by Coal River Mountain Watch, A Typical “Build it Up” Day in every community we’re working in, from Americorps VISTA, Step-by-Step West Vir- On a typical morning in the Coal River expanding the Pedaler’s Paradise commu- ginia, and the Ohio Valley Environmental Valley, participants rise early from their nity bike shop in Charleston to planting a Coalition. sleeping bags and eat a skillet breakfast community garden at the Southern Appa- made from local, organic vegetables. lachian Labor School in Fayette County. These participants are helping strengthen local economies in Fayette, Boone, Ra- Inside the new Boone-Raleigh Community As we plan for a second summer of leigh, and Kanawha Counties. Their work Center, participants put the finishing touch- “building it up,” we are making that change supports local organizations in building es on paint in the canning kitchen, and to- the best way that we can; with our hands community gardens and greenhouses, morrow two local residents will teach the minds and hearts - building real world sus- weatherizing homes, running a community group how to install the new flooring. tainability in the areas of West Virginia that bicycle shop, and building a community need them the most. kitchen. After lunch, some participants go door- Joe Gorman, the Group Coordinator for to-door to talk to the Program and resident of Morgantown, residents about vari- WV, describes the Build It Up, WV! mission ous local commu- of long-term progress. nity projects. One resident pledges to “It’s about solidarity, not charity. We’re talk to members of helping build the capacity of these groups his church about the so that when the program ends, the groups new canning kitchen will have even more power to create real and craft shop, while change in their communities. We’re also a local firefighter learning leadership skills so that we can expresses interest pioneer similar projects in our own com- in selling his home- munities all over the state.” made furniture at the craft store. Program coordinator Danny Chiotos ex- plained that broad-based youth leadership When working development is a key goal. hours are done, a caravan of cars Build it Up participants show off a newly-planted community “We gave the participants living allow- winds up a mountain garden in Fayette County. ances to cover the cost of their time...in to a barbecue at a lo-

13 How Can I Get Involved? - Speak Out - Letters to the editor and blogs: We want the world to read about - Tell the EPA to follow through with blocking the Spruce our vision of a sustainable economy, not just the deep-pocket Mine. Help EPA block the largest-ever proposed mine in WV. propaganda See below for a sample letter. - Talk to your neighbors: Reach out, build community, help us unite around these issues that affect us all - Thank the EPA for their decision to limit the destruction of valley fills, through their new conductivity standards. You - Donate: In these financial times, every bit helps us keep go- can call Administrator Lisa Jackson at (202)564-4700 or email at ing. [email protected]. - Share your story with visitors: We’re always looking for com- - Tell the EPA to save Coal River Mountain: Ask them to re- munity members to tell journalists, students, and other visitors ject the valley fill permits for the proposed mines on Coal River their stories about the impacts of mountaintop removal and their Mountain: Massey Energy’s Bee Tree, Eagle #2, and Eagle #3. work to create a healthy future. Be sure to tell them who you are and why it matters to you. You can call Administrator Lisa Jackson at (202)564-4700 or email at - Keep educating yourself: Our website (www.crmw.net) has [email protected]. updates and links, and our regular Action Alerts will help keep you posted. Another excellent site for information is www.ilove- - Become a member: Membership amplifies your voice, con- mountains.org. nects you to others, and helps our standing in legal cases.

How Can I Get Involved with the SLUDGE SAFETY PROJECT?

Worried about your water? Concerned done the work in their own communities. injections are unsafe and that communities about a slurry pond or sludge impound- Let’s learn from each other and not rein- are at risk from toxic sludge. ment nearby? vent the wheel! Host or organize a screening of SLUDGE, People are suffering from bad water, dis- Join with the Sludge Safety Project to an Appalshop film about the 2000 sludge ease and unsafe living situations near dan- make sure your water is clean and your impoundment break in Martin County, KY gerous coal waste impoundments. This is community is safe. and the community response to that sud- not acceptable. den disaster. There are ways to process coal that are What You Can Do: - Receive and Share Our Coalfield Orga- safer and produce less waste. It’s up to - Tell the WV Legislature to Ban Coal nizing Tool Kit. Over the years in SSP, we us to make sure our representatives and Slurry Injection. Find out who your leg- have learned much and built connections senators have the facts. Call their offices islators are at http://www.legis.wv.us. We with intelligent and helpful allies locally and or homes today and set up meetings. We have a fighting chance this year. Contact nationally. This tool kit is a first attempt to are here to help you get ready, but you are [email protected] to receive regular get that information down on paper and into the person they need to hear from. You can email updates throughout the 2011 Legis- the hands of people who need it most. find your legislators’ contact information lative Session. online at www.legis.state.wv.us. This resource is geared toward anyone - Host an SSP Community Meeting for who wants to take action but finds them- - As Always, Get Sludge Safety Issues Water Rights. As this newsletter goes to selves puzzled as to how to get started. in the News! You can call the “Readers print, we are organizing community meet- We have helpful tips for organizing and de- Speak” line, where you can leave an anon- ings across southern West Virginia. We will veloping your own leadership skills, as well ymous voice message. The Charleston be meeting in kitchens, churches and com- as information on the nitty-gritty of bad wa- papers then select some of the messages, munity centers to talk with small groups ter, sludge impoundments and strip-mining type them up, and print them in the news- about their water rights and how, together, permits. paper. we can improve the health and safety of West Virginians this legislative session. Give us a call or drop an e-mail and we’ll The number for the Gazette is: (304) 357- Invite a few friends over, and let’s get to- get one (or more) sent your way. 4451 and for the Daily Mail, it’s (304) 357- gether at your place next! 4330. CALL NOW! It’s FREE! - Educate Your Legislators to Take Ac- Contact SSP: - Help Organize a Movie Screening & tion on Banning Slurry. Several stud- Stephanie Tyree at (304) 360-2110 or Potluck. One of the best ways to start ies have been released this past year on [email protected]. learning about how to fix the problems in health, sludge and living in the coalfields. your backyard is to see how others have These studies continue to show that slurry

14 dressing Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors. Jan. 28: 3:00 p.m. “The Last Mountain,” featuring the fight to March 11-13: Appalachian Studies Association Conference, save Coal River Mountain, screens at the Sundance Film Fes- Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond Kentucky. This year’s tival. Details at http://sundance.slated.com/2011/films/thelast- theme is “River of Earth: Action, Scholarship, Reflection, and Re- mountain_sundance2011. Film clip at http://www.youtube.com/ newal.” watch?v=HtOCnxPe0No. More info at http://www.appalachianstudies.org/conference.

Feb. 8: The George Washington Hotel, Washington, Pa. Mine- April 1-4: Power Shift 2011 at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. Safety and Health Administration public hearing on the pro- Power Shift 2011 is our opportunity to come together and define posed rule addressing Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respi- the way forward for our movement. Together we’ll celebrate our rable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust grassroots success stories, hear from movement leaders, and Monitors. More info at http://www.msha.gov/REGS/FEDREG/ learn from and train each other to launch new campaigns. We’ll PROPOSED/2010PROP/2010-30099.asp take bold action to set the tone in Washington and show them what true leadership looks like. If it’s anything like years past, Feb. 10: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, Ky. Mine Power Shift 2011 is bound to be historic. More info at http://ener- Safety and Health Administration public hearing on the proposed gyactioncoalition.org. rule addressing Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors. April 2 -6: Week in Washington - The Alliance for Appalachia’s annual Stop Mountaintop Removal Lobby Week in DC. More de- Feb. 15: MSHA Headquarters, Arlington, Va. Mine Safety and tails to come. See www.ilovemountains.org/wiw for info on previ- Health Administration public hearing on the proposed rule ad- ous years’ lobbying efforts.

AMPLIFY YOUR VOICE

Become a member or renew your membership today!

Coal River Mountain Watch (CRMW) is a grassroots organization working to preserve the communities in the mountains of southern West Virginia. Our mission is to stop the destruction of our communities and the environment caused by mountaintop removal mining, to improve the quality of life in our communities, and to help rebuild sustainable communities. CRMW works to empower local residents to work together to fight the effects of irresponsible mining techniques. While we honor the tradition of coal mining in this state, it is our position that mountaintop removal is destructive to our homes and to our mountain heritage, and must be halted. Our goals include advancing economic diversity and increasing public safety. CRMW welcomes members who support our mission and goals. CRMW does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

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15 P.O. Box 651, Whitesville, WV 25209

Natural Resources Defense Council Ecaterina Burton Beatrice R. & Joseph A. Coleman Jacqueline Sandfield THANK Foundation Greg Hostetler Victor and Lorraine Honig Fund of the Jay Turner Common Counsel Foundation Andrew Nease YOU! Max and Anna Levinson Foundation George Levendis to all our funders, supporters, Student Environmental Action Bunny and Tony Goodwin encouragers, and fellow Coalition Linda Common Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition Judy Morford fighters of the good fight Rainforest Action Network Shireen Parsons Sierra Club Nancy Noerpel Appalachian Community Fund Natural Resources Defense Council Colleen Reilly Annenberg Foundation Aurora Lights Joyce Barry Civil Society Institute Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Sandra Mikush French American Charitable Trust Harvard Ayers Jolane Kennedy Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation Deborah Pettry Neva Purnell Norman Foundation Ginny Robertson Carolyn Miller New World Foundation Marc Labossiere Ann Becherer Patagonia Robert Shetterly, Jr. Craig Williams Richard and Rhoda Goldman Suejung Shin Rory McIlmoil Foundation Chad Stevens Michelle Miller Southern Partners Fund Clem Guttata William Davenport Coleman Foundation Jesse Baldwin Sherri Loveland French-American Charitable Trust Stephanie Lowe Matthew-Lee Erlbach Cornell Douglas Foundation Eugenie Coakley You – every one of our members Foundation for Deep Ecology