Environmentalists' spring break set for Va., WV - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

Environmentalists' spring break set for Va., WV

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CHARLESTON (AP) — Annual spring break outings aimed at educating and training environmental activists will focus this year on the downsides of coal mining in Virginia and gas drilling in West Virginia.

Mountain State Justice Spring Break targets college students who want to learn about extractive industries. But it's open to any concerned citizen. It explores why Appalachia is a rich land with poor people.

The first event is March 1-10 in the historic mining town of Appalachia, Va., in a region heavily affected by mountaintop removal coal mining.

The West Virginia spring break follows March 10-17 near West Union in Doddridge County, an area surrounded by gas-drilling operations.

Both events offer education, community service, lectures, hiking, music and the chance to engage in direct action.

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press