This bill to ban mountain top removal coal mining (SB3822) will face its first committee hearing before the Tennessee Senate Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee on Feb. 6, 2008 at 11:30 in room 12 of the Legislative Plaza in Nashville.

Committee members are Tommy Kilby , Chair;
Dewayne Bunch, Vice-Chair; Doug Jackson, Secretary; Raymond Finney, Roy Herron, Bill Ketron, Steve Roller, Steve Southerland and Mike Williams.

You can find out more about this effort by visiting (link...). The Lindquist Environmental Appalachian Fellowship was established by members of Church of the Savior, United Church of Christ, as a memorial to Kathy Lindquist’s deep religious faith and her dedication to environmental stewardship.

For those among us who may be put off by the religious tone of this effort I'd like the opportunity to assure you that Kathy Lindquist was very open minded and tolerent as well as deeply concerned about the environment. By reaching out for support from Christians concerned about environmental stewardship this cause has really broadened the bill's base of support and has a good chance of passing. But I understand one more swing vote is needed to get it out of comittee so your phone calls & e-mails are crucial before Wednesday. Links are available at the LEAF website.

The House Comittee on Environment and Conservation consists of Frank Buck, Chair
John Tidwell, Vice-Chair; Brenda Gilmore, Secretary; William Baird, Willie Borchert, Richard Floyd, George Fraley, David Hawk, Mike Kernell, Joe McCord, & Frank Niceley. Please note that Mr. Nicely Represents many South Knoxvillians.

Your support will be very much needed and appreciated.