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?
The Mountains and ridges of our state are important not just ecologically, but for providing clean drinking water and some of the best scenery in the country. It is important that they be protected.
