Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lawmakers Encourage Mining Companies To Protect Honeybees
KENTUCKY....
The Kentucky House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment has passed a nonbinding measure sponsored by state Representative Fitz Steele (D-Hazard) that would "encourage'' coal companies to plant a variety of nectar- and pollen-producers on mountains that have been mined. Those who favor the measure say mountaintop removal mining has obliterated flowering trees and plants that honeybees need for food. Kentucky Coal Association Vice President David Moss says mining companies realize the difficulties honeybees are facing nationally and want to help, but the efforts of coal companies on behalf of bees contradict claims by environmentalists that mountaintop mining creates moonscapes. A member of the environmental group Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, says coal mining hurts creatures large and small and mountains would have ample blooming plants for bees if coal companies didn't destroy them.
The Kentucky House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment has passed a nonbinding measure sponsored by state Representative Fitz Steele (D-Hazard) that would "encourage'' coal companies to plant a variety of nectar- and pollen-producers on mountains that have been mined. Those who favor the measure say mountaintop removal mining has obliterated flowering trees and plants that honeybees need for food. Kentucky Coal Association Vice President David Moss says mining companies realize the difficulties honeybees are facing nationally and want to help, but the efforts of coal companies on behalf of bees contradict claims by environmentalists that mountaintop mining creates moonscapes. A member of the environmental group Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, says coal mining hurts creatures large and small and mountains would have ample blooming plants for bees if coal companies didn't destroy them.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:07 AM 
