It appears that there is more to the story than what we were told yesterday:

http://dailyindependent.com/local/x603692720/Cabinet-disputes-lack-of-response-charge

More to the story still:

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/watchdogearth/2011/06/25/state-gets-it-say-in-water-pollution-allegation/

A coal company is putting poison in a community's drinking water supply and Bruce Scott says that's not an emergency! Wow.

Does anyone think it is more than coincidence that the coal company's latest release of toxic pollutants into the stream came on a long weekend when state inspectors were on furlough combined with a holiday?

Actually, Mr. Scott's response confirms what Rick Handshoe documented for the attorney general – that on earlier occasions this year when local residents notified state officials of violations there was a response and issuing of citations. But on this latest occasion they let the illegal discharges continue for days.

With the coal company deciding on a regular basis to break the law, it suggests that whatever enforcement action is being taken by the energy cabinet is not much of a deterrent. Hopefully the attorney general will see the need for some accountability from the cabinet and the coal companies.

Well, actually, it says that the state ERT staff made the determination that it was not an emergency. Given they do that job every day, I would defer to their judgment.

Rick Handshoe has been trying to get the toxic mining discharge out of his creek for six years. Why is the state taking so long when the health and well-being of citizens living in coal impacted communities declines at an alarming rate? Wake up and smell the "captured Cabinet."