To: Surface Transportation Board Chairman Daniel R. Elliott III, Vice Chairman Ann D. Begeman, Commissioner Francis P. Mulvey
Protect the Cheyenne Ancestral Homeland
Arch Coal wishes to put in a Tongue River railroad for a new Otter Creek coal mine in the Cheyenne ancestral homeland. The mine and railroad are opposed by the Cheyenne people. This does not serve the public's interest, as is required by the Surface Transportation Board in order for this coal strip mine and railroad to be built. There is no clear market for this coal, and it is wrong to destroy a people's land.
We ask you to stand up and protect the Northern Cheyenne ancestral homelands. Please show your opposition to the Otter Creek mine by opposing the development of the Tongue River railroad. The Otter Creek area has been historically used by Native American tribes, including the Northern Cheyenne and Crow. The coal from this one proposed strip mine would release 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide—making it one of the biggest new sources globally—which would worsen the effects of climate change.
We ask you to stand up and protect the Northern Cheyenne ancestral homelands. Please show your opposition to the Otter Creek mine by opposing the development of the Tongue River railroad. The Otter Creek area has been historically used by Native American tribes, including the Northern Cheyenne and Crow. The coal from this one proposed strip mine would release 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide—making it one of the biggest new sources globally—which would worsen the effects of climate change.
Why is this important?
Arch Coal wishes to put in a new Tongue River Railroad for a new Otter Creek coal strip mine in the Cheyenne Ancestral Homeland. The proposed development would have numerous impacts to the land, wildlife, water, air, and ultimately destroy sacred sites. No public interest is served by this project, and to destroy a people's sacred land is wrong.