Best new years wishes to everyone. I’ve been enjoying the holidays with friends and family in the incomprable mountains of east Tennessee. I’m thankful to spend a few days away from the bustle of DC, back in the south and in the presence of loved ones.

We are really looking forward to improving the writing and content on the AV front-porch blog for 2008, as well as covering the numerous exciting events on the horizon from progress on the Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2169), fun new tools and media on iLoveMountains.org, and of course looking at candidates for local, state, and federal elections. I also look forward to watching mountaintop removal take an increasingly visible roll in the national energy and environmental debate.

One of the most important New Years resolutions you can make this year is to join S.A.M.S. in stopping the proposed coal-fired power plant which is being built right in their backyard. Please visit the SAMS blog, learn about the great work they are doing, and consider them in your 2008 giving plan. Check them out.

…and if you just do one thing, for goodness’ sake, SIGN THEIR PETITION