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The short explanation of this alert was:

Call West Virginia Governor Manchin and Ask Him to Repeal Massey's Permits on Coal River Mountain

Mountaintop removal is about to begin on Coal River Mountain. Massey Energy began operations there again this week, and has been clearcutting trees in preparation for blasting.

At the same time, Coal River Mountain is the proposed site of an industrial wind farm. Studies have shown that its ridges have the highest and most productive wind potential. The Coal River Wind Project has done research to demonstrate that a wind farm on top of the mountain could generate approximately 1.2% of West Virginia's total energy needs, create 300 jobs in the area, and generate a long-term tax revenue stream. Every day that blasting happens, the possibility for the wind farm diminishes.

We need West Virginia Governor Manchin to repeal Massey's permit on Coal River Mountain. Please call the governor today and ask him to act! You can use the talking points below.

Call 1-888-438-2731

This will take you to the Governor's switchboard, toll-free. Ask for Governor Manchin's office.

Talking Points for your Call

- I am calling to ask you to repeal Massey Energy's permit for mountaintop removal coal mining on Coal River Mountain. Massey is preparing to blast only a few hundred feet from the Brushy Fork impoundment dam, which holds over 9 billion gallons of toxic coal sludge above Marsh Fork Elementary school. If the dam bursts, a thousand people could lose their lives.

- Coal River Mountain is the proposed site of an industrial wind farm. Its ridges have the highest potential for clean energy production.

- Research by the Coal River Wind Project has shown that a wind farm on Coal River Mountain could generate approximately 1.2% of West Virginia's total energy needs and create at least 300 jobs in the area. A wind farm will produce energy -- and tax revenue -- for as long as the wind blows, unlike coal - reserves of which, according to the U.S. Geologic Survey, will last only another 14 years.

- For years, local residents have expressed concerns over the long-term health effects of their proximity to coal mining and processing operations, while scientists have confirmed that MTR devastates local ecosystems and contaminates groundwater with carcinogens and heavy metals.

Please fill out the form on the right to let us know you called.

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