Owner of Utah ski resort proposes coal mine
Friday 21 August 2009
Richard Bass, the owner of Snowbird has proposed a huge coal strip-mining operation on Alaska's Chuitna River, which has raised concerns amongst environmental groups.
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The legendary powder of Snowbird could be under threat
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According to environmental groups, the Chuitna mine would produce more than 12 million tons of coal annually, which when burned, would emit more than 27 million tons of carbon dioxide.
"It's sadly ironic that the owner of a business that is solely dependent upon heavy snowfall and consistent winters is pushing a project that is a direct threat to the ski industry and completely contrary to the ideals of outdoor recreation," said Ryan Demmy Bidwell, of the Ski Area Citizen's Coalition. "Coal is the single largest source of global warming pollution on the planet. We're already seeing impacts on climate and weather patterns in the West."
Snowbird has long been an active participant in the National Ski Area Associations Sustainable Slopes program, whose environmental initiatives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions from resorts in order to protect the climate. In this light, Bass' mine proposal doesn't make much sense.
"Snowbird has been one of the leading ski areas in terms of addressing global warming," said Mark Clemens with the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club. "In fact, they were the top award recipient from the NSAA in 2007. That's what makes this proposed coal mine by Mr. Bass so troubling."
(c/o www.theskichannel.com) Related items on skiclub.co.uk
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