Call to end surface mining in Kentucky

KENTUCKY: Scholar takes stand and calls for end to surface coal mining

Saying an end to surface mining will be good for the state's economy, University of Kentucky professor Ron Eller gave the keynote speech to the East Kentucky Leadership Conference in Hazard. He also said the state must recognize declining coal reserves, political opposition to coal-fired energy, and rising regulations on carbon dioxide emissions.

Eller also said surface mining is not necessary to the coal industry, "it's just cheaper," and not compatible with clean water, clean air and the region's growing adventure tourism industry. Jobs lost in surface mining could be buoyed by underground mining and replaced by sustainable forestry, tourism and green energy production, he said. "There is potential for tourism but only if the environment is preserved."

Reacting to the comments, House Speaker Greg Stumbo said that landowners have to give permission for coal companies to conduct surface mining. It wouldn't be fair to tell landowners they didn't have that option, he said.

And, even though Stumbo says leveled mountaintops are put to good uses, like industrial parks, it's hard to imagine these flat areas are better than the mountaintops for Kentucky's people.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House approves operating budget for next year

ARKANSAS: Judge in East Arkansas could be pulled from bench

FLORIDA: House to consider watered-down version of elections law overhaul

GEORGIA: State BOE to hand out millions in stimulus funds to schools

LOUISIANA: Educators plan "Black Monday" protest when legislature opens Monday

MISSISSIPPI: House, Senate at impasse over cigarette tax increase

NORTH CAROLINA: Senate to consider reducing overall tax rate but adding taxes to some services

SOUTH CAROLINA: State senate cuts $50 million from local government budgets

TENNESSEE: House passes 'baby daddy' bill on child support payments

VIRGINIA: A look at Gov. Kaine's Renew Virginia initiative

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