Mining Near a National Park?

Coal is used as a fossil fuel and supplies nearly half of the electricity in American. Due to reduction in the amount of coal and environmental problems, coal mining has slowed down in the Appalachians but are headed West.

The federal government approves or disproves the location for mining in America. The Department of the Interior oversees management and conservation of most federal land and natural resources. Particularly, in this case the Bureau of Land Management (BLM--division within the Dept. of Interior) is "deciding whether to allow a major expansion of Utah’s Coal Hollow Mine from 635 acres of private land onto a much larger tract of both federal and private land."

The big issue is that the expansion will be "10 miles from Bryce Canyon" in Utah.


Those who oppose/raised concern of the expansion: National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, local tourism business owners.

• Say mining would: harm habitat for potentially endangered greater sage-grouse and other wildlife; decrease visibility of natural sky lights (stars), decrease tourism

Those in favor/leaning toward the expansion:  BLM, local officials

• Saying mining would: increase local jobs, increase energy security

I have never been to Bryce Canyon and I don't want anything to jeopardize its value. I am not in favor of expanding the mining tract.

Check out the full article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/agencies-urge-interior-to-reject-mining-near-national-park/2012/02/03/gIQA8YtBoQ_story.html

Bryce Canyon