Big coal SUES clean water
The biggest private coal company in America just sued the Obama administration to stop the most important step for clean water in a decade.
The biggest private coal company in America just sued the Obama administration to stop the most important step for clean water in a decade.
President Obama’s “Waters of the U.S.” rule will protect the drinking-water sources for one in three Americans.
But Murray Energy—a giant coal mining company and major water polluter—is digging into their deep pockets to stop these clean water protections from going into effect.
It’s no surprise polluters such as Murray Energy want to avoid clean water rules.
Coal mining is an incredibly dirty business, and this one company has repeatedly been cited by environmental officials for leaking coal-slurry waste into rivers like Captina Creek in Ohio.
The CEO of Murray Energy is attacking clean water in the court of public opinion as well, comparing the EPA to “the Gestapo” and blasting what he calls the “insane, regal Administration of King Obama.”
But our campaign to defend the clean-water rule is one of our biggest ever. We’re visiting a quarter-million homes in key states, running full-page newspaper ads, generating 15,000 phone calls, and organizing river rallies and town hall meetings to show public support.
This is a huge effort, and we count on the support of members like you.
Thanks for making it all possible.
Authors
Luke Metzger
Executive Director, Environment Texas
As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air and water, parks and wildlife, and a livable climate. Luke recently led the successful campaign to get the Texas Legislature and voters to invest $1 billion to buy land for new state parks. He also helped win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; helped compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at four Texas refineries and chemical plants; and got the Austin and Houston school districts to install filters on water fountains to protect children from lead in drinking water. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside, received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks. He is a board member of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and an advisory board member of the Texas Tech University Masters of Public Administration program. Luke, his wife, son and daughters are working to visit every state park in Texas.
