TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala.—The University of Notre Dame’s commitment to sustainability appears at odds with its mineral rights lease in Alabama to a coal company, raising questions about its environmental goals.
Pope Francis issued a call to action in 2015 urging action on climate change, prompting institutions like Notre Dame to pledge a reduction in fossil fuel use. The university aimed for carbon neutrality and made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint.
Despite these commitments, Notre Dame maintains a 2013 lease with Warrior Met in Alabama for mineral rights. This deal facilitates one of the state’s largest coal mining expansions, conflicting with the university’s sustainability goals.
Notre Dame’s lease allows coal mining on its land, contrary to its carbon neutrality pledge. A university spokesperson confirmed the ownership but declined to provide lease specifics.
Emily Grubert, a former U.S. Department of Energy official and current professor at Notre Dame, emphasized the importance of considering environmental impacts in such investments. She highlighted the moral obligation of transparency in university investments.
A Divine Call for Environmental Justice
Pope Francis emphasized environmental care in his 2015 encyclical, urging action against environmental harm. Many Catholic institutions responded by adopting policies aligned with the pope’s message.
Notre Dame committed to eliminating coal use by 2020, achieving this goal ahead of schedule, and further pledged carbon neutrality by 2050. The university has focused on renewable energy sources to achieve these objectives.
Notre Dame in Alabama
Notre Dame’s ownership of mineral rights in Alabama, leased to Warrior Met, contributes to the company’s Blue Creek mine expansion. The university first leased these rights in 2013, and Warrior Met plans to use them for significant mining projects.
The Blue Creek project is set to increase Warrior Met’s production capacity substantially, with public financial support reaching $400 million. Various entities, including federal agencies, are involved in leasing land and mineral rights for the project.
“Especially Coal”
Pope Francis criticized coal in his environmental appeal, urging a shift from fossil fuels, particularly coal. Grubert highlighted the need for institutions like Notre Dame to align their investments with environmental commitments.
Longwall mining in Alabama has raised concerns due to its environmental impact. Methane escape and land subsidence have been reported by residents, with a recent explosion highlighting the risks.
Grubert called for greater transparency in university investments, advocating for public disclosure of agreements like Notre Dame’s lease with Warrior Met. She stressed the importance of recognizing the power institutions hold in fossil fuel investments.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org