Sheryl Crow, Big Kenny Encourage Mountaintop Protection
Sheryl Crow, Big Kenny of Big
& Rich, Emmylou Harris and Kathy
Mattea have launched a new campaign, Music Saves Mountains, to end mountaintop removal coal mining in Tennessee and across
Appalachia. The musicians are asking the public to contact Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and encourage him to support the Tennessee
Scenic Vistas Protection Act that would prohibit mountaintop coal mining within 100 feet of streams and rivers. The act will
also protect mountains over 2,000 feet high in Tennessee from being leveled. Tennessee currently has at least four active
and 13 proposed mountaintop removal sites. "The beauty of the Appalachian Mountains has inspired countless songs in country,
bluegrass, gospel and folk music, and we must do everything possible to protect them," said Big Kenny. "This campaign was
founded out of the respect musicians -- and especially people from Appalachia -- have for our beloved mountains. We're calling
on everyone to help keep the 'country' in country music."
