An environmental group says Coal River Mountain in Raleigh County is ideal for a wind farm and shouldn't be mined.

Coal River Mountain Watch is launching a campaign to preserve the mountain as a wind resource.

The campaign's coordinator, Rory McImoil, says reducing the height of Coal River Mountain's ridges would lessen its potential as a wind resource.

McImoil estimates that 220 wind turbines could be located along the mountain's ridges. He says a wind farm would allow other uses for the mountain and preserve habitat and streams.

Richmond, Virginia-based Massey Energy has obtained permits for two coal mines and has applied for two others.

A federal judge has halted valley fill permits for the two permitted mines. Massey's appeal of that ruling will be heard by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond on September 23.