June/July 2019
The rivers that flow through Appalachia provide summer fun for paddlers of any skill level. Below, read about some of our region’s best boating spots, a grassroots effort to federally protect the Nolichucky River, and more.
We also cover one Southwest Virginia couple’s ongoing mission to preserve the area’s African-American heritage, along with a West Virginia community’s fight to be relocated away from toxic ground. And catch up on the latest coal ash and fracked-gas pipeline news.
Paddle Appalachia
Take a trip downriver with us as we explore a selection of the region’s top paddling locales and read about women whitewater rafters making a difference in their communities.
Other Top Stories From June/July 2019
The Appalachian African American Cultural Center
One couple’s mission to preserve community history in Southwest Virginia.
Pipeline Protesters Charged with Threats of Terrorism
Two peaceful protesters of the Mountain Valley Pipeline were recently arrested and charged with threats of terrorism, a felony.
Pipeline Legal Disputes Escalate
As residents in the path of the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines call for investigation of potentially toxic pipeline coatings, federal and state officials loosen permitting regulations.
Contending with Contamination in Minden, W.Va.
Minden, W.Va., residents have been plagued with toxic PCBs for decades. Now the town is on the Superfund list and residents are once again calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to relocate the entire community.
TVA Faces Criticism Over Coal Ash, Transparency
The Tennessee Valley Authority and its contractor Jacobs Engineering are facing a new lawsuit regarding their cleanup of the 2008 Kingston coal ash spill. Additionally, state and federal lawmakers are backing a U.S. House bill that would require more transparency from the monopoly utility.
North Carolina Orders Coal Ash Cleanup, Duke Appeals
North Carolina ordered Duke Energy to fully excavate the coal ash at its six remaining coal ash sites across the state, prompting an appeal from the monopoly utility.
June/July 2019 - Columns
Hiking the Highlands
Politics
Congress Needs to Pass the RECLAIM Act
Politicians like to talk about helping rural Appalachia. The RECLAIM Act is a chance for them to show that they mean it.
Environmental Votetracker — June/July 2019 issue
See how Appalachian legislators voted on several environmental topics in April and May 2019.
Across Appalachia
Energy Report