ICN Alabama - Inside Climate News

In Alabama’s Bald Eagle Territory, Residents Say an Unexpected Mining Operation Emerged as Independence Day Unfolded

By Lee Hedgepeth — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:05:00 +0000

Aside Lake Guntersville, bald eagles are royalty. But locals say a planned chert pit is already changing that status.

By Lee Hedgepeth

LANGSTON, Ala.—In a state-owned lodge atop Taylor Mountain in Lake Guntersville State Park, the walls are covered with paintings of bald eagles. Busts of the national bird carved in stone adorn end tables in the wood-paneled lobby.

Sen. Britt of Alabama Confronted on Her Ties to ‘Big Oil’

By Lee Hedgepeth — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:46:14 +0000

A Sunrise movement activist approached the senator in the halls of Congress and asked about her campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry. Britt later thanked the activist for helping promote her bedrock belief in “energy dominance.”

By Lee Hedgepeth

Amalia Hochman isn’t from Alabama, but she’s willing to fight for it anyway.

As a Longwall Coal Mine Grows Beneath an Alabama Town, Neighbors of an Explosion Victim Feel Undermined and Unheard

By Lee Hedgepeth — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:05:00 +0000

No one seems willing to answer citizens’ questions, they say, and public officials don’t seem to care. Will state or federal regulators move to shut down the mine?

By Lee Hedgepeth

OAK GROVE, Ala.—Lily Spicer felt the energy of the explosion surge through her body.

Alabama Family to Add Wrongful Death Claim Against Mine Operator in Lawsuit Over Home Explosion

By Lee Hedgepeth — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 19:55:23 +0000

In a court hearing, lawyers for the Griffice family said their investigation into the March explosion is continuing despite a lack of engagement from state or federal regulators.

By Lee Hedgepeth

BESSEMER, Ala.—A judge on Monday agreed to delay proceedings in a case against operators of a local mine while experts continue to investigate the cause of a home explosion that left a grandfather dead and his grandson seriously injured.

Where the Water Doesn’t Flow: Thousands Across Alabama Live Without Access to Public Water

By Lee Hedgepeth — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:05:00 +0000

In rural Marion County, some residents do the only thing they can think to do: call their legislator and cry.

By Lee Hedgepeth

MARION COUNTY, Ala.— As often as they can, Michael and Mindy McClung get outside and walk along the quiet roads of their neighborhood. Both educators—Michael at a community college and Mindy at a high school—they talk as they walk. As he often does, Michael soon circles back to Cormac McCarthy, his favorite author. Mindy smiles.

Living and Dying in the Shadow of Chemical Plants

By Lanier Isom, Al Jazeera — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0000

An Alabama community has watched generations of residents suffer from debilitating diseases. Could chemical exposure be to blame?

By Lanier Isom, Al Jazeera

This story was originally published by Al Jazeera.

EPA Formally Denies Alabama’s Plan for Coal Ash Waste

By Lee Hedgepeth — Thu, 23 May 2024 23:24:10 +0000

The federal agency says the state’s plan was not as protective as federal standards, allowing toxic waste to remain in unlined pits that may contaminate groundwater. Alabama officials say they will appeal.

By Lee Hedgepeth

MOBILE, Ala.—The Environmental Protection Agency has formally denied Alabama’s plan to allow Alabama Power and other utilities to continue storing toxic coal ash in unlined pits at sites across the state.

Alabama Coal Company Sued for a Home Explosion That Killed a Man Is Delinquent on Dozens of Penalties, Records Show

By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers — Mon, 13 May 2024 22:53:05 +0000

Crimson Oak Grove Resources has been cited for 204 safety violations since the March 8 blast, many involving “significant and substantial” safety violations.

By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers

OAK GROVE, Ala.—Clara Riley thought she was having a heart attack.

How Alabama Turned to Restrictive Deed Covenants to Ward Off Flooding Claims From Black Residents

By Lee Hedgepeth — Sun, 12 May 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Inundated by an expanded highway, residents said they turned to the state for financial help. Basic reimbursements came with strings attached.

By Lee Hedgepeth

SHILOH COMMUNITY, Ala.—Their land is bound forever.

Alabama Coal Mine Keeps Digging Under A Rural Community After Hundreds of Fines and a Fatal Explosion. Residents Are Rattled

By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:05:00 +0000

Following the death of a grandfather, Crimson Oak Grove Resources has left a community afraid for their homes and lives. An expert warns one resident may need to evacuate her home while she still can.

By Lee Hedgepeth, James Bruggers

OAK GROVE, Ala.—Clara Riley and her family had a lot of questions. But on Monday, as they gathered around the 90-year-old’s small kitchen table, they weren’t getting many answers.