PO Box 4023

184 South Main Street Washington, PA 15301 

### CENTER FOR COALFIELD 

# jusT 

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organizing educating empowering P) 724.229.3550 F) 724.229.3551 www.coalfieldjustice.org info@coalfieldjustice.org

My name is Veronica Coptis and I am a Community Organizer with the Center for Coalfield Justice. I grew up in the coalfields of Greene County next to the largest coal processing facility in the country and currently live surround by shale gas extraction. Thankfully, a dirty coal fired power plant less than 5 miles from my home recently idled, but without strong rules still has the potential to reopen.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the US EPA's Clean Power Plan for Existing Power Plants and the Carbon Pollution Standard for Modified Sources. These rules are a small step in the right direction. The result of this plan will have a significant impact to my life and the communities on the frontlines of coal extraction and combustion across this country. The EPA has a responsibility to make sure that the impact is for the better.
For too many years, my friends and family have suffered serious health impacts from the life cycle of coal. All too often, coal extraction and combustion in power plants occur in designated Environmental Justice areas, communities with large minority populations and/or low income levels. In fact, Environmental Justice areas are expanding in southwestern Pennsylvania, following the industry's reckless pursuit of coal at all costs. Corporations take advantage of these areas and have for generations. The EPA needs to make sure these carbon rules are as stringent as possible to offer much needed relief to people living within the dirty coal cycle, like my community.
In southwestern Pennsylvania, many of the coalfield areas are also exploding with Shale gas extraction. Without a plan that focuses on renewables, these same communities will see Shale gas drilling increase even more as power plants convert to gas. This will not alleviate the negative health impacts we see from the coal cycle because the extraction of gas has serious health impacts as well and massive methane emissions that will just increase the damages of climate change.
It is clear that these new regulations are going to create significant changes to frontline communities and the EPA has a responsibility to make sure those are just and equitable. This transition will have many great improvements to our communities but if those most impacted are not part of the conversation there will also be negative impacts to those living on the frontlines. This absolutely includes the coal miners who are here today and those who could not make the trip. I doubt very much that anyone here today will argue against the benefit of clean air and clean water. What is a real concern is that whatever comes next, when we move beyond coal, will leave coalfield residents behind. As I said before, those who stand to be impacted the most MUST play an active role in this transition.
Without smart steps towards reducing carbon emissions and a just transition moving beyond all fossil fuels, areas like Greene County are not going to have a very promising

Justice for Coalfield Citizensfuture. I often wonder if I will be able to raise a healthy family in the area and community I

love. It is crucial for my future and our children's future that the EPA takes the strongest standards possible to move away from a fossil fuel economy.

Thanks,

Veronica Coptis 184 S Main St PO BOX 4023 Washington, PA 15301

Justice for Coalfield Citizens