Focusing on the Sun
Danville, Va., recently approved two new solar projects to replace a power supply contract that will expire in 2021. The solar projects were the most affordable option due in part to federal tax credits available to the solar providers.
Too Close to Home
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One concludes that the minimum safe distance between a fracking facility and the nearest occupied building should be a quarter of a mile, which is more than twice the distance currently required by most states.
Frack Water Impacts
While the number of new fracking wells in the United States decreased, the amount of water used by each well has increased by 770 percent between 2011 and 2016, according to an August study published in Science Advances. Simultaneously, the amount of toxic wastewater generated by the process increased by as much as 1440 percent.
Tax Breaks for Coal
As the state’s Public Employees Insurance Agency considers an increase in the taxes charged to extractive industries to generate revenue, the West Virginia Coal Association is asking for the 5 percent in taxes the industry currently pays to be reduced to 2 percent. — By Elizabeth E. Payne
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‘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.
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