Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to the issue briefs on this topic that are focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items. See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you.
Goal Statement one sentence that further defines the topic
Policy Options / Model Programs specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled
Clean Water Protection Act[1]
This act would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act by clarifying that fill material cannot be comprised of waste.
Sponsored by: Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr.
Introduced: March 4, 2009
Issue Briefs issue briefs on this topic at the local, state, national, global level
Glossary of Terms key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue
Mountaintop Removal (as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency): Mountaintop removal/valley fill is a mining practice where the tops of mountains are removed, exposing the seams of coal. Mountaintop removal can involve removing 500 feet or more of the summit to get at buried seams of coal. The earth from the mountaintop is then dumped in the neighboring valleys.[3]
Bibliography
Leveling Appalachia: The Legacy of Mountaintop Removal Mining
Video cartoon illustrating the basic process of mountaintop removal
Footnotes