UK professor calls for end to surface mining

April 24, 2009 06:32 EDT

HAZARD, Ky. (AP) -- A University of Kentucky professor and former head of the university's Appalachian Center says it's time to end surface coal mining.

Ron Eller spoke Thursday in Hazard, saying ending open-pit mining -- particularly mountaintop mining -- would be good for Kentucky's economy.

Eller told a group of about 250 people at the East Kentucky Leadership Conference the state needs to recognize declining coal reserves, political opposition to using coal to produce electricity and increasing regulation of carbon dioxide emissions.

He said surface mining also impedes tourism. (Well, county residents no more tourist for Southside)

Letcher County Judge-Executive Jim Ward told the Lexington Herald-Leader after the speech that quickly ending surface mining would be devastating to the region.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

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