In a shocking blow to besieged Appalachian coalfield residents today, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton ruled in favor of a coal industry law suit, striking down the EPA's modest guidance rules on mountaintop removal mining.

Today is Day 12,580 of the mountaintop removal mining disaster, the most egregious human rights and environmental violation in our country and perhaps one of the most discussed but shamefully ignored humanitarian crises in our nation.

The once proud EPA that promised "to protect 95% of aquatic life and fresh water streams in central Appalachia" and defend the Clean Water Act and health of coalfield residents has succumbed to right-wing political and legal pressures.

Great movements for social and environmental justice come at a great cost for those on the frontlines. No one understands this better than the besieg...