Showdown over emissions in coal country.

• Author: Mason, Jessica
• Position: ON THE LINE - Brief article

On July 31, competing protests by miners and environmentalists in Pittsburgh highlighted tensions surrounding new EPA rules that will lower carbon emissions of power plants 30 percent by 2030. EPA representatives were in Pittsburgh for a daylong listening session to hear public comments on the proposed rules.

Hundreds of young people and environmentalists rallied in support of sustainable energy and green jobs. Pittsburgh resident Charles McCollester's sign read: "As long as blue union jobs are pitted against green earth health, we are all doomed."

Meanwhile, thousands of coal miners and their union supporters marched in downtown Pittsburgh in opposition. Many of the...