The Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act (SB 0577/ HB 0291) would prohibit permits for surface mining on ridges above 2,000 feet. By signing this petition, I am endorsing the original unamended bill sponsored by Senator Stewart in the Senate, and Representative McDonald in the House. Amendments offered by committee members in both houses changed the intent of the bill from one of protection to one that would allow coal companies to mine and then attempt to put the pieces of the destroyed mountain back together.
Why is this important?
For 5 years there had been a proposal in the state legislature to prohibit surface coal mining above 2000 feet. This petition is a start at preserving the mountains we cherish.
