I've written numerous times about how our local "newspapers" have ignored some of the more outrageous practices of coal companies. I've also argued that they are not so much pro-coal as they are pro-coal company. That's why I was pleasantly surprised at this morning's editorial, "Ensuring Mined Land Is Restored." The editorial briefly explains how the new company formed out of the bankrupt remains of Alpha Natural Resources is trying to dodge its clean-up responsibilities. Here is the editorial's conclusion:

Many West Virginians probably assumed the days of coal company executives dodging their responsibilities were over. If that is not so, we need to know about it — and the state Legislature and perhaps Congress need to so something about it. We want no return to the bad old days of Mountain State residents wondering how coal companies were able to ravage our land with impunity.

Hopefully, we will see similar editorials on coal company accountability in the future.

Here is a longer explanation of what is happening.