Matthew Chaney
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
Matthew Chaney is going into his third year at University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law and is a recipient of the James H. Davis Scholarship and the EMLF General Fund Scholarship. He says being born in coal country – Pikeville, Kentucky, shaped his life like nothing else.
“I am immeasurably blessed to say that I was, and I am eternally grateful and proud to be the son, grandson, and great–grandson of Eastern Kentucky miners. It should come as no surprise, given the economic collapse of the mining industry in my region, that I have spent my time in academia trying to understand what relationship we must have with energy in the 21st century. My father lost his job in the mines when I was a young child, and I found my family impoverished and reliant on government benefits. The effect of
these conditions can be catastrophic: I watched classmates move away, businesses die, and hope
fade in the hollers.,” Chaney said in his personal statement. ” While I cannot say for certain how I wish to contribute to energy law—whether it be through policy, advocacy, or academic literature—I know that my utmost desire to improve the life of the blue-collar workforce in Appalachian and this is inextricably tied to natural resources.Hence, I believe it is critical to advocate for policies that address the issue of community displacement and economic collapse as industries waiver. I truly believe natural resources will continue to be a staple of local economies, but I think it is necessary to consider the role energy policies will have on communities throughout America as we face continually evolving energy production.”
The James H. Davis Scholarship was established in 2004 primarily through donations from the National Council of Coal Lessors and its members and is awarded to a student with Appalachian roots.