Alabama Surface Mining Commission

In a ‘Disheartening’ Era, the Nation’s Former Top Mining Regulator Speaks Out

Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.

By Lee Hedgepeth

Eighteen Months After a Fatal Explosion, Alabama Rolls Back Its Commitment to Monitor Explosive Gases Above Coal Mines

By Lee Hedgepeth

In a Deep Red State, a Mining Regulator Is Wary of Possible Trump Cuts to Its Budget

By Lee Hedgepeth

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

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

Alabama Family to Add Wrongful Death Claim Against Mine Operator in Lawsuit Over Home Explosion

By Lee Hedgepeth

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