The Front Porch Blog

Predictable politics giving way to popular support for POWER+

Tuesday, August 18th, 2015 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments

In Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, cities and counties with long histories of coal mining are advocating for the POWER+ Plan, a federal budget initiative proposed by the White House to build a more diverse economy in the communities hardest hit by the regional coal industry’s decline. They deserve to be heard. [ Read More ]

Virginia city first to support POWER+

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015 | Posted by Adam Wells | No Comments

The City of Norton, in southwest Virginia, has voted unanimously to support a federal budget proposal that would steer billions of dollars for economic development to coal-impacted communities, including in Virginia. It’s the first such local resolution in the nation supporting the White House's “POWER+ Plan." Appalachian Voices championed the resolution with Norton's leaders and commends them for leading the way on this vital issue. [ Read More ]

How much progress are we making on ending mountaintop removal?

Wednesday, July 15th, 2015 | Posted by Erin Savage | No Comments

Last week, the U.S. Energy Information Administration pointed to a steep decline in coal produced by mountaintop removal mining. But a closer examination of the data calls into question the adequacy of the legal definition of “mountaintop removal” and, more importantly, demonstrates that much more work is needed to truly end destructive mining practices in Central Appalachia. [ Read More ]

Turning down the heat: A collaborative effort to reduce energy bills

Friday, July 10th, 2015 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments

Extreme temperatures can send electric utility bills skyrocketing across most of North Carolina and place high demands on the state’s electric utility infrastructure. Fortunately, proven models exist that expand access to financing for energy efficiency improvements for everybody, including those who may not qualify for loans under traditional underwriting criteria. [ Read More ]

EIA: Mountaintop removal coal production down

Tuesday, July 7th, 2015 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments

The U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) published a blog post today showing that coal produced by mountaintop removal mining in Central Appalachia decreased by 62 percent between 2008 and 2014. Demand for Central Appalachian coal will continue to decline, making further progress inevitable. But we won't end mountaintop removal by relying on the market alone. [ Read More ]

A time of transition: APCo’s latest Virginia generation plan

Monday, July 6th, 2015 | Posted by Hannah Wiegard | 2 Comments

It’s like Christmas in July, at least for those of us who get excited about energy news. On Wednesday Virginia’s utilities released their long-term plans to meet demand. Here we unwrap that bright shiny package for a look at what Appalachian Power is pursuing between now and 2029. [ Read More ]

Supreme Court delivers blow to EPA’s mercury rule

Monday, June 29th, 2015 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments

In a major decision today, the Supreme Court ruled the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not properly consider costs when it created a rule to limit mercury emissions from power plants. But the agency has a mandate and a clear path forward to protect public health by limiting emissions of mercury and other toxic air pollutants. [ Read More ]

Duke expands coal ash cleanup, but leaves N.C. communities in danger

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015 | Posted by Amy Adams | No Comments

Duke Energy announced it plans to excavate coal ash from ponds at three power plant sites in North Carolina, along with two more at its South Carolina facilities. But the fates of several sites that pose significant threats to drinking water and surrounding communities remain unclear. [ Read More ]

Video illustrates need for energy efficiency in the High Country

Friday, June 19th, 2015 | Posted by Eliza Laubach | No Comments

In the mountainous northwestern corner of North Carolina, many residents struggle to afford to heat their homes, especially during the region's long, harsh winters. As part of our High Country Energy Savings campaign, we produced a video featuring the three winners of our High Country Home Energy Makeover contest that provides a glimpse of their experiences with high energy bills and the benefits of greater energy efficiency. [ Read More ]

Silas House: A Remembrance of Jean Ritchie

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015 | Posted by Guest Contributor | 2 Comments

"Kindness always lit up the face of Jean Ritchie," begins this remembrance by author Silas House of the Appalachian folk icon who died yesterday at 92. "She was a source of incredible pride for my people. Everyone I knew loved Jean Ritchie, and they especially loved the way she represented Appalachian people: with generosity and sweetness, yes. But also with defiance and strength." [ Read More ]

Appalachian communities are still at risk

Friday, May 29th, 2015 | Posted by Tom Cormons | 2 Comments

Our goal with Communities at Risk is to ramp up the pressure on the White House to end mountaintop removal. As citizens have argued for years, cracking down on the continuing devastation of Appalachian mountains and streams is critical to moving the region forward. It’s incumbent on the Obama administration to help revive Appalachian communities, which have powered the nation’s economic ascendancy for generations. [ Read More ]

The economic impact of energy efficiency

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 | Posted by Amy Kelly | 1 Comment

Not only can energy efficiency retrofits reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, they can make a substantial local economic impact. Appalachian Voices is working in the North Carolina High Country to promote and help develop programs that will benefit residents who are suffering from poorly constructed or aging homes, while also raising the market accessibility for companies already working to improve energy efficiency in our region. [ Read More ]

Older Posts

Newer Posts