Backbencher of the Week

With Barack Obama in the White House, and Democrats firmly in control of Congress, there is a good chance that a lot of progressive legislation enacted.  Many Congressmen/women are working to enact energy and climate legislation, and one more specifically legislation aimed at the coal industry.  In particular the mining process known as mountaintop removal mining is target for increased regulation.  MTR is a process in which the tops of mountains are removed to allow miners to get to all the coal in a particular mountain.  This type of mining not only damages mountain ranges but the waste also presents environmental hazards. 

Two of those working on issues regarding coal mining are Rep. Frank Pallone(D-NJ-6) and Se. Benjamin Cardin(D-MD).  Rep. Pallone introduced the Clean Water Protection Act which would regulate the waste from MTR and protect water resources.  Sen. Cardin introduced the Appalachia Restoration Act which would regulate the waste material from MTR.

For their efforts to preserve the environment of Appalachia we are glad to award tis week Backbencher of the Week to Rep. Pallone and Sen. Cardin.

Thanks to dailykos diarist Devilstower.