Appalachia is primarily affected by the environmental impacts of coal mining, such as mountaintop removal.

The Appalachian region, particularly in states like West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, is primarily affected by the environmental impacts of coal mining, especially mountaintop removal. This form of mining involves blasting off the tops of mountains to access coal seams, which has led to widespread environmental damage, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of water sources with heavy metals and sediment. The practice has also caused significant changes to local landscapes and ecosystems. While it has contributed to economic activity, it has raised serious concerns regarding environmental degradation and the long-term sustainability of the region’s natural resources.