Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 | Posted by Jen Lawhorne | 2 Comments
At the heart of Youngkin’s effort is the question: Is the governor allowed to do this? The answer is no, and Appalachian Voices, along with a number of our partner organizations represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, are going to court to enforce the law. [
Read More ]
Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 | Posted by Guest Contributor | No Comments
Going solar has become more accessible and affordable for nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local governments in Appalachia. Communities near a recently closed coal mine or coal-fired power plant directly benefit from significant federal funding flowing into the region. [
Read More ]
Thursday, July 27th, 2023 | Posted by The Appalachian Voice | 6 Comments
It is with great sorrow that we reflect on the life of David Hairston, a profoundly inspirational community leader, a deeply respected member of the Appalachian Voices Board of Directors, and a treasured friend to many. [
Read More ]
Thursday, June 15th, 2023 | Posted by Dan Radmacher | No Comments
For those who have poured heart and soul into the fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline for nearly a decade, June 1 was a horrible night. [
Read More ]
Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 | Posted by Erin Savage | No Comments
The federal surface mining agency has proposed a new rule that, if finalized, will restore community members’ ability to ensure coal companies follow the law. [
Read More ]
Saturday, June 10th, 2023 | Posted by Guest Contributor | No Comments
In 2021, the Government Accountability Office found big problems with the Labor Department’s current rules because they do not require sufficient collateral to cover both current and future black lung liabilities. [
Read More ]
Friday, June 9th, 2023 | Posted by Guest Contributor | No Comments
Congress stated clearly that coal operators, instead of taxpayers, would shoulder the cost of black lung when it set up the Black Lung Trust Fund. The trust fund was intended to be a backstop for miners rather than a means for coal operators to underinsure their liabilities. [
Read More ]
Thursday, June 8th, 2023 | Posted by Guest Contributor | 1 Comment
At its core, this is the age-old story of corporate greed whereby rapacious mine operators, who have subjected generations of miners to disabling and fatal black lung disease, managed to transfer their responsibility to pay black lung benefits to suffering coal miners from their corporate coffers to the taxpayer’s pockets. [
Read More ]
Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 | Posted by Matt Hepler | No Comments
On May 11, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee enacted a significant law that temporarily halts the state's pursuit of primacy. Primacy refers to a state's right to petition the federal government to become the primary authority in issuing surface mine permits and implementing associated regulations. [
Read More ]
Friday, May 26th, 2023 | Posted by Rance Garrison | No Comments
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition recently released its 2023 report, “National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities.” The report highlights the coalition’s current work and projects across the Appalachian coalfields of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. [
Read More ]
Friday, May 19th, 2023 | Posted by Dan Radmacher | 1 Comment
What is the debt ceiling, and why can it be used to gain leverage to pass unpopular legislation that otherwise wouldn’t have the necessary votes? [
Read More ]
Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 | Posted by Maddy Koch | 1 Comment
PSE Healthy Energy’s report shows that it’s not necessary for Duke Energy to wait for another emergency situation or just build more electricity generation because “targeted investments in weatherization, energy efficient appliances and demand response programs can keep demand lower and more stable in cold temperatures, and prevent another blackout.” [
Read More ]
