Let’s start with the basics. EPCAMR stands for the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.
They’re a nearly 30-year-old nonprofit based in Ashley, PA, working to restore our region’s abandoned mine lands and polluted waterways. Their mission is grounded in environmental restoration, community education, and transforming once-devastated landscapes into spaces that support economic growth, recreation, and ecological renewal.
As Bobby Hughes, EPCAMR’s Executive Director, puts it:
“People need to understand that we are sitting on top of hundreds of thousands of miles of interconnected underground abandoned mines across Pennsylvania.”
Pictured: Bobby Hughes, Executive Director of EPCAMR
These sites hold billions of gallons of mine water, some of which may one day be used for alternative energy projects like geothermal heat or the recovery of rare earth elements. It’s a complex problem, but EPCAMR approaches it with long-term vision and deep community partnerships. That includes everything from cataloging over 24,000 mine maps for the state to hosting youth environmental programs across 16 counties in Northeastern and North Central PA.
Earlier this year, Coal Creative released a satirical April Fools’ video teasing a fictional product called Coal Dust Stout, a playful nod to our name and our local roots.
But when Bobby saw the video (thanks to a friend tagging him), he immediately recognized an opportunity:
“I wanted to yell through the video that you needed to reach out to EPCAMR if you wanted to get educational information out alongside the comedy.”
Fast forward to today, we’re excited to say Coal Dust Stout is a reality — and it’s giving back. A portion of every pint and can sold will directly benefit EPCAMR’s mission.
We’re launching the beer this Friday, June 27th at Groove Brewing, and we’d love to see you there. Join us for a good cause, grab a pint of Coal Dust Stout, and meet the team from EPCAMR. It’s a chance to see how storytelling, creativity, and environmental action can come together to make a real impact.
