Politics. On Point.

*** Update to a previous story.  *** Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe says the DEQ will follow EPA regulations for closing eleven Virginia coal ash ponds. As we  previously reported , demonstrators in opposition to how the DEQ will rid the coal ash, upon closure of the ponds, believe it will be disposed of in Richmond's James river. Virginia State Police arrest coal ash demonstrators McAuliffe did not indicate whether or not this would be the case, but said there is "no one who is stronger about protecting our environment" than  DEQ Director David Paylor .  McAuliffe said he asked if there is anything that can be done to change the guidance for closing the ponds and said that Paylor is following EPA regulations. "Unless they [EPA] change it we don't have much option", McAuliffe said. When asked what he would say to Saturday's demonstrators McAuliffe said, "Talk to the EPA."    McAuliffe spoke during Monday's White House p...

Michigan and Texas aren't the only states with water issues. About 200 protestors marched down the streets of Richmond, Virginia and demonstrated on the steps of State Capitol Saturday afternoon to protest Dominion Power's plans to dump millions of coal ash into the James River. Eight people were arrested after demands by Virginia Capital police for the group to disperse after the group's 3:00 p.m. permit expired. Several protestors, ignoring those demands, linked arms together and remained on the capitol steps.  They were arrested one-by-one and charged with trespassing. Virginia Capitol Police make arrests during demonstration to repeal coal ass disbursement in Richmond, Virginia's James River.  Photo/CD Brown. "I'm terrified to get arrested", said Meagan Neal one of the first protestors to get arrested.  "I don't want to be arrested but I also don't want coal ash in the James River and people have to stand up for that", ...

President Obama and the Vice President Biden will travel to Beckley, West Virginia, to participate in a memorial service for the miners lost in the April 5th tragedy at Upper Big Branch mine. President Obama will deliver a eulogy honoring the lives of those who perished and offering his deepest condolences to the loved ones they left behind. Prior to the service, the President and the Vice President will meet with family members of the miners who lost their lives. Earlier this month the president issued a statement calling for safe working conditions for miners. "All Americans deserve to work in a place that is safe, and we must take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that all our miners are as safe as possible so that a disaster like this doesn't happen again." Mining accidents are a common occupational hazard and vary in causes including leaks of poisonous gases such as hydrogen sulphide or explosive natural gases, dust explosions, collapsing of mine stope...