Disappointed by decision
I was greatly disappointed by the decision of Judge Steven Beckman to revoke a permit awarded to Consol Energy over two years ago to mine under Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, where Beckman sits, is a kangaroo court made up of political appointees. Moreover, I was most saddened by the fact that Beckman sided with California-funded groups like the Sierra Club, whose members live in trees for days on end to protest environmental issues, rather than with hard-working coal miners in Southwestern Pennsylvania who are just trying to provide for their families.
I hope this ruling is appealed and overturned. The Environmental Hearing Board should not cave in to political pressure created by the vocal minority who make a lot of noise but aren’t representative of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Christina Zaccone
South Franklin