RFK, Jr. Praises EPA Administrator as “most courageous” in History

Our friends at Appalachian Voices – “an award-winning, environmental non-profit committed to protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region” – pass along a statement from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. regarding EPA’s veto of a major “mountaintop removal mining” permit.

Lisa Jackson is an American hero and the most courageous administrator in EPA history. She has been unyielding in her willingness to stand up to the bullies and polluters at big coal. I want to thank Lisa Jackson, EPA Region 3 Administrators, Appalachian Voices, and every citizen who raised their voice to bring us one step closer to ending mountaintop removal coal mining. Today we have a reason to celebrate, but we still face a difficult road ahead. The environmental and social impacts of the Spruce Mine Permit are not unique. Mountaintop removal coal mining is devastating the Appalachian regions human, environmental and economic health. It is urgent that we support the EPA and continue the fight for clean water in Appalachia.

Also, I second Appalachian Voices in thanking RFK, Jr. for “his continuing hard work to fight for justice, safety, and prosperity for the land and people of Appalachia.” Now, if we could only get our elected officials to stop kowtowing to Big Coal interests and to start vigorously enforcing U.S. clean air and clean water laws. What a concept, I know…