hat we do: We work to protect local communities and environments from irresponsible mining practices.

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Mountaintop Removal Mining: An Overview
In places like Appalachia, mining companies blow the tops off mountains to reach a thin seam of coal and then, to minimize waste disposal costs, dump millions of tons of waste rock into the valleys below, causing permanent damage to the ecosystem and landscape.

This destructive practice, known as mountaintop removal mining, has damaged or destroyed approximately 1,200 miles of streams, destroyed forests on some 300 square miles of land, disrupted drinking water supplies, flooded communities, and destroyed wildlife habitat.

Meet the people fighting to protect Appalachia.

Feature: Rule to Expand Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

A new rule proposed by the federal government would remove one of the last remaining protections for the waters of Appalachia, opening the way for more devastating mining practices. Under the new rule mining companies could legally dump harmful waste directly into rivers and streams regardless of the damage caused to stream health or drinking water sources.

Find out how you can help protect Appalachia's streams.

Feature: New Brochure Available About Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

Want the basics of MTR in PDF form to print or email to others? Then the Sierra Club's new tri-fold brochure entitled "Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining: Destroying Appalachia One Mountain At A Time" is for you.