Although Wood County doesn't have to worry about mountaintop removal for coal mining here, County Commissioner, Blair Couch says it's an important issue to discuss because it's an issue many Wood County residents are passionate about.

Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition project coordinator, Vivian Stockman explained to attendees the dangers of mountaintop coal mining, including health risks. "Mountaintop removal coal mining is devastating regions where it's practiced and it's not just the environment, it's the people that live nearby. There's human health effects and entire communities are being driven into extinction."

Stockman also says that extreme flooding can be caused during the mountaintop removal process and can affect homes near the construction sites.

The commission decided to not take action on this issue until both sides of the argument are heard.