Virginians Call on McAuliffe for a Bold Clean Power Plan

Virginia residents gathered for a Day of Action on April 2 to remind Governor McAuliffe of his commitment to cut carbon and focus on renewable energy job creation for the Commonwealth. At events across the state, which took place in Bristol, Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke and other cities, residents spoke of the 157 percent increase of solar power jobs in Virginia since 2012, and how jobs in the field can help the economy of Southwest Virginia. Some citizens also attended to stand up against fossil fuel projects like the two proposed natural gas pipelines that threaten the state (see more on here).

This spring, Governor McAuliffe has the opportunity to create a strong Clean Power Plan that would drive investments in proven clean energy sources, or he could allow Virginia to become more deeply dependent on fossil fuel fuel for power. If you’re from the state, ask your governor to do the right thing for all Virginians. Visit: cleanpowerva.org

Planting for the Grandkids

Gardening from memory is getting trickier in Appalachia as hardiness zones change. Some areas, like parts of Asheville, Knoxville and Johnson City, have shifted full hardiness zones since 1990. An arborist explains what this shift means for the trees you plant this fall, and for the grandchildren who’ll live with them.

Pipeline construction on the Ridgeline pipeline

Ridgeline Pipeline Construction Impacts in Rural East Tennessee

Neighbors share concerns about noise, unpredictable construction schedules and other disruptions due to methane gas pipeline construction in East Tennessee.

Three men crowd around a laptop on a foldout table in a warehouse that also holds a cardboard sign that reads "Sam: Chief of Staff" and a vase of flowers

Neighbors Help Neighbors

A photo essay that celebrates the volunteer spirit of the grassroots group Hurricane Helene WNC and speaks to the resourcefulness, collaboration and hard work embodied by thousands and thousands of volunteers, first responders and aid workers across the region after Hurricane Helene.