Dear members,

Last week, the staff of Appalachian Voices -- alongside our allies in the Alliance for Appalachia and amazing activists from across the country -- descended on the halls of Congress to make it clear to decision-makers that we will no longer stand for mountaintop removal and the continued destruction wrought by the coal industry.

Our collective voice was powerful, and over the course of our End Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington, the Clean Water Protection Act was reintroduced and already has close to 70 cosponsors.

We will never be able to outspend Big Coal, but by bringing our shared vision and the story of communities across Appalachia to our nation's capitol, we proved that the power of people is as potent as ever.

We are surging forth on a number of different fronts. From holding coal companies accountable in Kentucky through legal action to removing barriers for clean energy across the region, we are preparing for a summer of potential change which needs only one thing to increase its power -- your voice.

Join us today, and make this the season that the will of the people healed America's dirty energy addiction for one and all.

Happy Earth Day,

Willa Mays
Executive Director

Bringing Mountaintop
Removal to Capitol Hill

Over 150 of you stormed Capitol Hill to literally speak truth to power, asking Congress to stop mountaintop removal and not use the budget as a way to block the EPA from doing its job to protect our water from mine waste! [ Learn more about the annual Week in Washington and what it means for the movement ]

Virginia is for Lovers . . . Mountain Lovers That Is!

Senators Webb and Warner got a knock on their door...all their doors....as over 100 people went to each of seven district offices throughout Virginia on March 25 to say "We love mountains and you should too!" [ Read the full story on how the day went! ]

30% Closer To
Reaching Our Goal

Double your return on investment by giving to our matching fund challenge! Funds raised will help our Appalachia Water Watch initiative secure the experts needed to defend Appalachian waterways in a legal case against dirty coal operations. A donor is matching your gift dollar for dollar, up to $12,500 -- join the fight for clean water today!

 

Toys for a Good Cause...
We are proud to announce that the best toy store in Charlottesville, Va. -- Alakazam Toys -- has chosen to donate 10% of toy sales to Appalachian Voices from Monday, April 16 to April 22. Be sure to pick up any Easter, birthday, or 'just because' gifts for your favorite little one at Alakazam next week. Alakazam is located on the downtown mall in Charlottesville at 100 E. Main St., but you can also shop online!