December 2017 / January 2018

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energy facilities

Current Choices

A continued look at the promises and perils of today’s energy options

Other Top Stories

Jim Ward speaks outside of White House

Calls for Action on RECLAIM Act

Supporters of the RECLAIM Act traveled to Washington, D.C., in October to urge legislators to cosponsor the bill and hold a vote before the end of 2017.

SAMS Members Protesting

Community Organizing Amid Destructive Mining

Formed 10 years ago in response to coal mines proposed near Wise County, Va., Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards continues their work to build sustainable communities.

Dianne Bady

Remembering Dianne Bady

Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition Founder Dianne Bady leaves behind a legacy of giving voice to citizens who envision a healthier environment, intact mountains and clean water.

White House

Trump’s War on Reality

Special column adapted from the Front Porch Blog: Trump’s administration has set a dangerous precedent of relying on dishonesty and alternative facts instead of addressing the scientific truths behind coal and climate change.

Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 - Columns

Hiking the Highlands

Spur Trails and Campsite Along Art Loeb Trail

Section Hiking the Art Loeb Trail

An 8.3-mile hike to the top of Shining Rock is perhaps the most scenic portion of the 30-mile Art Loeb Trail.

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Naturalist's Notebook

A Red Crossbill

Crossbills, Conifers and Calls

These nomadic birds will travel great distances to extract the seeds of conifer cones with their unique crossing bills.

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This Green House

Roger Beale's Control Room

A DIY Approach to Wind Energy

Roger Beale built a wind turbine in his own Virginia backyard. Now, he’s passing on that information to kids competing in national turbine design competitions.

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Member Spotlight

Southwest Virginia Solar Roadmap Released

Our New Economy team has been working with the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia over the past year to blaze a trail for solar energy in seven of Virginia’s historically coal-producing counties.

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Politics

Office of Surface Mining Logo

Coal Insider Nominated to Lead Mining Agency

The White House nominated J. Steven Gardner, who has worked in the coal industry for over four decades, to lead the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

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Jim Ward speaks outside of White House

Calls for Action on RECLAIM Act

Supporters of the RECLAIM Act traveled to Washington, D.C., in October to urge legislators to cosponsor the bill and hold a vote before the end of 2017.

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chart showing how Appalachian legislators voted

Environmental Votetracker — Dec. 2017 / Jan. 2018 issue

How Appalachian House and Senate members voted regarding several environmental issues in October and November.

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