WV Young Dems Pass MTR Resolution!

Earlier this year SEACers organized a trip for the West Virginia Young Democrats Environmental Caucus to witness mountain top removal first hand and to hear directly from affected citizens. That day at Kayford Mountain was especially windy and made for a disturbing scene as we gazed onto the massive expanse of exposed rock and swirling dust. It seemed as though hell had opened up and was pelting us with rocks, literally! Many had never seen it before and left the mountain with a new found understanding of "mountain top removal".

Their angst soon turned into action at the West Virginia Young Democrats convention where SEACers in the Environmental Caucus were instrumental in the creation of a resolution addressing mountain top removal.

The resolution calls for a moratorium on new mountaintop removal permits as well as allocating a portion of the coal severance taxes for investing in renewable energy industries. This would help create green jobs as alternatives. The resolution also made clear that coal mining is important to the state and mines that operate within the law should be allowed to continue, though safety and environmental regulations should be enforced to protect miners and communities.

The resolution was unique in that it addressed several related issues, such as labor and green jobs, which usually cut from discussion about mountain top removal. After just 15 minutes of debate the resolution passed with a solid majority in support, speaking volumes to the priorities of these future Democrats.

This is really big news in a state where the Democratic Party lacks the courage to address this issue. A message was sent that the future Democrats of West Virginia are very concerned about the unprecedented rapid destruction of our state!

A theme resonating throughout the event was that youth, both locally and nationally, are leading the way for progressive change. While students came excited to be part of the historically significant upcoming presidential election, SEACers proved that meaningful change comes from the bottom up.

On behalf of West Virginia youth and generations yet to come, Thanks Danny! All your awesome work is really appreciated! We just made history!