Leaders from both parties were worried about West Virginia’s declining economy and how to protect the environment at the same time. Strip mining became a major issue, especially after the deadly Buffalo Creek flood in 1972. Many liberals called to ban or strictly control it. In the 1960s, young Democrat Jay Rockefeller gained support from liberals by opposing the activity. But after becoming governor and facing the 1973 energy crisis, he pushed for better regulation instead of an outright ban. In the early 1990s, the federal government threatened to take control of surface mining rules, but Democratic Governor Gaston Caperton and state lawmakers increased funding for inspectors to avoid that move. In the 1990s and early 21st century, mountaintop removal mining (pictured) had become more common, sparking heated public debate.