Coal Tattoo

Mountaintop removal protest continues in Kentucky

Governor Steve Beshear, center listens to a statement by Kentucky author Wendell Berry, right, Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 in the Governor’s office at the Capitol building in Frankfort, Ky. Gov. Steve Beshear has met with members of the environmental group Kentuckians for the Commonwealth who are waging a sit-in at his Capitol office. Beshear spoke with more than a dozen demonstrators Friday afternoon in the reception area of his office where some have promised to stay until they’re arrested. (AP Photo/The Lexington Herald-Leader, David Perry)

A group of mountaintop removal opponents — including noted author Wendell Berry — made it through the night and is apparently continuing their sit-in protest at the office of Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports:

Many of the 14 people were able to bring in blankets from their cars. Supporters brought in pillows, and the State Police allowed the delivery of pizzas last night and coffee on Saturday morning.

The protesters — which included high profile authors Wendell Berry and Silas House — met with Beshear on Friday, but said they would stay at the office until they were arrested. But Beshear said they were welcome to occupy his office in the state Capitol through the weekend.

Beverly May, holds a bottle of water from her city water supply that she said makes an orange ring in her bathtub on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 in the Governor’s office at the Capitol building in Frankfort, Ky. Gov. Steve Beshear has met with members of the environmental group Kentuckians for the Commonwealth who are waging a sit-in at his Capitol office. Beshear spoke with more than a dozen demonstrators Friday afternoon in the reception area of his office where some have promised to stay until they’re arrested. (AP Photo/The Lexington Herald-Leader, David Perry)

The Courier-Journal of Louisville notes:

A rally to show support for a group of environmental protesters inside the state Capitol in Frankfort is being planned for Sunday afternoon.

Margaret Stewart, a Louisville volunteer with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, said the rally is set for 4 p.m. on the steps of the Capitol.

She and others were working Saturday to spread word of the rally among groups and citizens that oppose a coal-mining practice known as mountaintop removal and show support clean water.

A rally for I Love Mountains Day had already been planned for Monday. Folks who are interested in following the details of these happenings can click here for more from Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.