Monthly Archives: June 2014

Parallels between New England whalers and Appalachian coal miners

WhalingVoyage_ca1848_byRussell_and_Purrington_detail_NewBedfordWhalingMuseum8Nick Mullins, a former Va. coal miner, discovers the parallels between New England whalers from two centuries ago and the current conundrum facing Appalachia’s coal mining community. Nick and his family are journeying around the east this summer on the “Breaking Clean Tour” to raise public awareness of mountaintop removal mining, and learn about more sustainable paths to prosperity.

Stories from South Central Regional Jail, WV

Poisoned Water Comic The January spill of the coal-processing chemical MCHM in West Virginia poisoned the tap water of some 300,000 people. Stories are now emerging that some of them were inmates at the regional jail who were denied access to ample, clean water.

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Mountain Justice Summer – 10 Years Strong!

Appalachian Voices staff and interns working on biking trails near Norton, Va., with Shayne Fields.

Mountain Justice Summer Camp, a week-long gathering of Appalachian advocates, celebrated its 10th anniversary this month. Appalachian Voices Grassroots Organizing Intern Chloe Crabtree reflects on the experience and what it means to act.

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Community Impacts of Controversial Coalfields Expressway Project 
in Va. to Receive Thorough Review

Agency letters Federal Highway Administration, May 22, 2014 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sept. 11, 2012 Environmental Protection Agency, Sept. 7, 2012 Corps of Engineers, Sept. 7, 2012 Contact: 
 Jane Branham, Southern Appalachia Mountain Stewards, samsva@gmail.com, (276) 565-6167 


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The Power of Energy Efficiency — Building a Stronger Economy for Appalachia (Part 4)

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This is the fourth installment in a five-part series illustrating the need for greater investments in residential energy efficiency as an economic driver in rural Appalachia. In this post, we explore the history and role of rural electric cooperatives, and explain why they should be doing more to help their members reduce their energy bills, and how they can overcome any barriers they face.

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’80s Flashback: Dr. Hansen’s carbon dioxide warning

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2013 International Energy OutlookOn this date in 1988, Dr. James Hansen of NASA testified about the scientific evidence clearly linking carbon dioxide to global climate shifts before a Congressional committee. But Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” was one of the top tunes of the time and that attitude drowned out climate scientists for years. Twenty-six years later, America is beginning to take Hansen’s warning seriously.

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O, to have the bully pulpit of Congress

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Rep. Nick Rahall — like too many others in Congress — apparently sees no problem using that forum to spout untruths and fabrications to further his own agenda. In this case, he mischaracterizes the EPA’s veto of a permit for one of the largest mountaintop removal mines in the region in order to safeguard Appalachia’s waters and communities.

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Tennessee sprouting up as a leader in home energy efficiency

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Summer has arrived in Tennessee. Gardens are starting to produce a bounty of flowers and veggies. The longing for home grown tomatoes will soon be satisfied, and energy efficiency prospects are springing up all across the volunteer state. It’s exciting to see Tennessee sowing the seeds of a sustainable energy efficiency program, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this effort.

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From farm to fork to mountain trails: summer edition of The Appalachian Voice

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Dive into summer with the June/July issue of The Appalachian Voice, featuring ecotourism attractions in southwest Virginia, destination farmers markets and environmental news coverage. Learn about genetically modified organisms and what some common labels really mean about your food. Investigate the issues surrounding coal, coal ash and carbon dioxide. This latest mountain news reporting encourages you to get out and explore your community.

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Amplifying citizens’ voices

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Earlier this month, a group of Appalachian citizens traveled to Washington, D.C., to tell members of Congress and Obama administration officials how mountaintop removal coal mining has contaminated drinking water, poisoned streams, polluted air, and devastated local economies in their communities. Judging by the reaction, their stories hit home with many of these decision makers.

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