In Kentucky, areas devastated by mountaintop removal coal mining are being repurposed to address severe flooding issues. Following catastrophic flooding in 2022, which resulted in significant loss of life and property, state officials have embarked on a $800 million initiative to transform these ecologically damaged landscapes into safer living spaces. The project aims to create developments on these reclaimed lands, offering residents a chance to reside on elevated ground, thus minimizing future flood risks. Governor Andy Beshear emphasized the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the real impact of climate change on their communities.
The ecological graveyards left by mountaintop removal coal mining may provide a startling solution to flooding by creating safer land for displaced residents.
Federal law mandates that reclaimed strip mines must be leveled and replanted, yet they often resemble dry plains instead of lush woodlands.
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