The issue I want to address in my brief is coal mining in eastern Kentucky. I went on a service-learning trip to Harlan, Kentucky where I got to learn a lot about the history of coal mining in the region as well as current practices. This trip really impacted me, and I want to learn more about the issue and do it in a more analytical and research-oriented way. I want to approach the topic of coal mining through the lens of the health and economic implications, especially looking at the transition away from deep mining in the region to mountain top removal mining.  

The exigence that I see for this issue is that the current administration has walked back many of the environmental and safety regulations that the Obama era administration was able to put in place to safeguard not only the safety and health of miners but the safety and health of the people in and around the communities where mining takes place. The most significant regulations he has walked back are ones pertaining to mining and water safety. Mining produces a lot of toxic materials, things that, when they contaminate groundwater, have the potential to make many people sick. He has also repealed regulations regarding valley fills and the covering of natural water sources that communities use for drinking water, such as natural springs, streams, and creeks.

The cause of the issues plaguing the Appalachian region due to coal mining would be defined, under the parameters of the reading, as intentional, because their effects are well documented and accepted by most, but brushed over due to the perception that coal mining is an essential industry in the region. However, this can be seen as controversial, as many deny that the health and environmental problems surrounding coal mining even exist, and some that accept the problems exist deny their connection to the coal mining industry. In order to present it as an intentional cause, I would present evidence that shows the irrefutable connection between coal mining and the aforementioned issues. 

As far as policy goes, I think that there needs to be a combination of mandates, capacity builders, and system changes. I think that mandates are necessary to ensure that coal companies if they aren’t entirely shut down, are following strict safety and environmental regulations. In addition, I think that there need to be capacity-building policies set into place to help people in the region see the need to diversify their mono-economy away from just coal. Lastly, I think there need to be system changes to ensure that coal companies can’t take advantage of or suppress the voices of people in the region who want to speak out against the industry or practices of the company but can’t due to fear of retribution.