BEREA, Ky., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study conducted by Dr. Melissa Ahern at Washington State University, Dr. Michael Hendryx and others at WV University finds significantly higher rates of birth defects in mountaintop removal coal mining (MTM) areas.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rainforest Action Network praised Bank of America today for its decision to phase out financing for companies that practice mountaintop removal coal mining, a highly destructive and controversial method of coal extraction.

To: NATIONAL EDITORS Contact: Ailis Aaron Wolf, +1-703-276-3265, aawolf@hastingsgroup.com, for Co-op America, Washington, D.C. Coal River Mountain Wind Project, Dr. Robert Bullard Recognized as Leaders in Environmental Justice WASHINGTON, Sept.

To: NATIONAL EDITORS Contact: Ailis Aaron Wolf, +1-703-276-3265, aaaron@hastingsgroup.com, for Civil Society Institute WASHINGTON, Sept.

By Tim Thornton, The Roanoke Times, Va. Feb. 13--