Undermined
From cracked foundations to explosive gases, the costly disruptions of longwall mining
Eighteen Months After a Fatal Explosion, Alabama Rolls Back Its Commitment to Monitor Explosive Gases Above Coal Mines
In a letter to federal regulators, the director of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission wrote she has “indefinitely suspended” methane monitoring requirements her agency agreed to in 2024. Experts say the “astonishing and reckless” move leaves residents at risk.
By Lee Hedgepeth
As Trump Promotes ‘Clean Beautiful Coal,’ a Lit Cigarette Above a West Virginia Coal Mine Leaves a Woman Fighting for Her Life
By James Bruggers
A Year After a Fatal Explosion, Alabama Extends Deadline for Coal Companies to Monitor Methane Gas Above Mines
By Lee Hedgepeth
For the First Time, Alabama Says Methane ‘Likely’ Caused Fatal Home Explosion Above Coal Mine
By Lee Hedgepeth
Failure of State: For Decades, Alabama’s Mining Regulator Has Left Citizens Unprotected
By Lee Hedgepeth
Federal Regulators Say An Alabama Coal Mine’s Plans May Violate Law, Leaving Citizens At Risk
By Lee Hedgepeth
Federal Regulators Inspect a Mine and the Site of a Fatal Home Explosion Above It
By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers
Federal Regulators Waited 7 Months to Investigate a Deadly Home Explosion Above a Gassy Coal Mine. Residents Want Action
By James Bruggers, Lee Hedgepeth
Coal Miner Dies at Alabama Mine With Dozens of Recent Safety Citations
By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers
In the First Community Meeting Since a Fatal Home Explosion, Residents Grill Alabama Regulators, Politicians Over Coal Mining Destruction
By Lee Hedgepeth
Alabama Coal Regulators Said They Didn’t Know Who’d Purchased a Mine Linked to a Fatal Home Explosion. It’s a Familiar Face
By Lee Hedgepeth
As a Longwall Coal Mine Grows Beneath an Alabama Town, Neighbors of an Explosion Victim Feel Undermined and Unheard
By Lee Hedgepeth
Alabama Family to Add Wrongful Death Claim Against Mine Operator in Lawsuit Over Home Explosion
By Lee Hedgepeth
Alabama Coal Company Sued for a Home Explosion That Killed a Man Is Delinquent on Dozens of Penalties, Records Show
By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers
Alabama Coal Mine Keeps Digging Under A Rural Community After Hundreds of Fines and a Fatal Explosion. Residents Are Rattled
By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers
Alabama Mine Cited for 107 Federal Safety Violations Since Home Explosion Led to Grandfather’s Death, Grandson’s Injuries. Where Are State Officials?
By Lee Hedgepeth
