United Mountain Defense

Description

Founded in 2005, UMD is composed of volunteers, and an eight person volunteer board with a diverse background and over 50 years of combined experience working on environmental and social justice issues, natural resource management, and scientific research. UMD works to halt the practices of mountaintop removal (MTR) and other destructive industries in Tennessee. UMD monitors coal corporations and their regulators, and holds them accountable through scientific monitoring, community organizing, engaging in the permitting process, and legal actions when appropriate. These activities are supported by conducting outreach and education on the issue of MTR and hosting anti-MTR events and actions. Activities are conducted within the state of Tennessee, primarily in Campbell, Claiborne, Scott, Fentress, Bledsoe, Knox, Blount, and Roane counties.