The Appalachian Communities Health Equity Act would impose a moratorium on new federal permits for mountaintop removal coal mining in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia until federal health agencies complete a comprehensive study on the practice's health effects. The bill responds to scientific evidence linking mountaintop removal mining—which uses explosives to extract coal from steep slopes—to increased rates of birth defects, respiratory and heart disease, and other serious health problems in nearby communities. While the health study is underway, existing mining operations must conduct continuous monitoring of water, air, and soil pollution and submit monthly results to the Department of Health and Human Services for public access. The bill requires mining companies to fund the study and monitoring requirements through a one-time fee assessed by the Interior Department, ensuring no new federal permits can be issued or renewed until health officials determine that mountaintop removal mining poses no health risks to nearby residents.
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