Across Appalachia
Economic first responders: CDFIs, the unsung heroes of Appalachian financial services
CDFIs serve as ‘economic first responders’ in Appalachia. A drastic reduction in one of their funding sources could significantly alter or slow down their work providing capital to small business owners, mentorship to entrepreneurs, protections from predatory lending and flexible, fast capital in times of natural disaster.
Read MoreCommunity-based Indigenous organization acquires property on proposed federal prison site as part of grassroots effort to create a different future for Eastern Kentucky
The Appalachian Rekindling Project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate its recent purchase of a 63-acre plot of land within the currently designated boundaries of a federal prison proposed for construction in Letcher County, Kentucky.
Read MoreNew Effort to Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water
The Environmental Protection Agency set stricter limits on the levels of certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water and is providing funding to test and treat public water systems and private wells.
Read MoreStudy Predicts Five-fold Increase in Regional Wildfires
A recent study warns of a dramatic increase in the amount of land burned by wildfires in southern Appalachian forests, and provides information for fire and land management strategies.
Read MorePisgah View, North Carolina’s Newest State Park, Moves Forward
A 1,300-acre land acquisition advances North Carolina’s newest state park to the master planning stage.
Read MoreCastle in the Sun
“Kids look at it, and they see a castle,” says Scott Miller, executive director of Just For Kids Advocacy Center, of the nonprofit organization’s new Beckley, West Virginia, headquarters. That castle is now solar-powered by a 14-panel ground array, which was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 25.
Read MoreActivists Rally Over Pending Fracking on Ohio’s State Lands
A governor-appointed commission could begin approving fracking leases on Ohio’s state lands as early as next month. A rally to oppose the leases will be held Friday, Oct. 27 at noon at the Ohio Statehouse.
Read MoreReport: Blue hydrogen hype not backed up by science
According to new research, making hydrogen from natural gas, so-called “blue hydrogen,” is not much better than burning fossil fuels, and would waste billions in federal government spending while worsening climate change.
Read MoreReport Highlights Gains, Concerns For Appalachia
While Appalachia has seen improvements in some key areas, disparities and concerns remain and are highlighted in the latest American Community Survey report published by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Read MoreUranium Refinement Moves Forward In Tennessee
Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. received $428 million to move forward with phase two of a 5-year contract to refine highly enriched uranium metal at its Erwin, Tennessee plant. A local group is fighting to stop it.
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