I believe deeply in Appalachian Voices’ longstanding mission to bring people together for the well-being of Appalachian communities, our shared natural heritage and our children’s futures. In stark contrast, the presidential election has underscored and exaggerated our differences, overshadowing the many fundamental values we share. But being discouraged is not an option. Instead, we must join together like never before.
Our recent “French Broad Community Energy Forum” in western North Carolina brought together more than 60 residents and representatives of local government, community service agencies, and businesses to learn and talk about the advantages of providing upfront financing for residents to make home energy efficiency improvements.
“God gave us the water so we can stay clean, and so we can drink it. I don’t want poison in the water.” Those are the words of 6-year-old Levi Marney, spoken to representatives of the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy at a public meeting about the proposed Doe Branch mountaintop removal mine in Haysi.
An important message from our executive director, Tom Cormons: Today, more than ever, we need to stand together and support each other to defend the health of Appalachia’s communities, our irreplaceable natural heritage, and the future of the planet. We know you are with us.
Forty years ago the federal government launched the National Weatherization Assistance Program to help residents combat high heat costs. In celebration of this anniversary, we take a look at the history of the program and see how far energy efficiency has come in four decades — yet also recognizing things we still need to do to make everyone’s home heating costs more affordable.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is taking public comments from citizens regarding the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline, which would carry fracked gas through W.Va. and Va. It’s a important chance for citizens to voice their concerns on-the-record. Read some of the reasons why Virginia Campaign Coordinator Peter Anderson is speaking out against the pipeline.
Old coal sites ready for new life as greenways, solar farms and more — with federal investment CONTACT: Adam Wells, Appalachian Voices, 276-679-1691, adam@appvoices.org Gerald Collins, Coal Mining Engineering Services LLC, 276-220-0150, gerald1951@comcast.net Evan Fedorko, Downstream Strategies, 304-292-2450, efedorko@downstreamstrategies.com WISE…
