Repurposing Virginia’s Abandoned Coal Sites
“Healing Our Land, Growing Our Future,” a groundbreaking new report, was released on Nov. 1 by Appalachian Voices, Coal Mining Engineering Services, LLC, and Downstream Strategies.
The report imagines a new future for seven counties in far Southwest Virginia. Its authors propose forward-thinking projects — such as solar energy and organic farms — for 14 abandoned mine lands sites that could be possible if Congress passes the RECLAIM Act.
The act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that would invest $1 billion to revitalize the economies of areas historically impacted by the coal industry.
“There’s enormous momentum building at the local level to reclaim these lands for a more sustainable economic future, but we need federal investment to bring that change swiftly,” says Adam Wells, our Economic Diversification Program Coordinator. Read more about the report beginning on page 10.
Related Articles
Latest News
More Stories
‘First Line of Defense’
During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.
The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.
After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain
A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.
The Washout and Rebuild
For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.
The Shenandoah Salamander
The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.
‘Foraging Is a Way of Connecting’
Foraging has experienced a modern resurgence, partly because of social media, online groups, the pandemic and people wanting to connect with nature. It also builds community, whether in person or online.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Comment