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Office of Surface 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

The remnants of a fatal home explosion above the Oak Grove mine in March 2024. Credit: Courtesy of the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office

Controversial Mining Office Nominee Cleared for Senate Vote

By Stacy Morford

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