Environmental justice and coal mining in Appalachia

Environmental justice is when everyone should have the same access to clean and safe air, water, and land, no matter where they live or who they are. Coal mining in Appalachia is when people dig up coal from the ground and use it to make energy. This is a very big problem for the environment because it can release pollutants into the air and water, that can make people and animals very sick. It also destroys the mountain range and can make it hard for plants and animals to survive. People in Appalachia are especially affected by coal mining, because they live close to mines and can be exposed to more of the harmful pollutants, and don't have enough money to move or get better healthcare. So environmental justice groups are working to protect the people of Appalachia by fighting for equitable access to healthcare, holding coal companies responsible for the damage they cause, and trying to stop future coal mining in the region.