February/March 2019

While several fracked-gas pipelines in our region face legal challenges, people in the path of these pipelines are contending with the problems posed by these industrial behemoths' attempts to cut through their yards. Seven of these residents share their stories below.

This issue also explores how pay-what-you-can restaurants are serving communities, the growth of interscholastic mountain biking in the region and red spruce restoration. We also dive into the mine problems left behind by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s family companies, and look at upcoming state-level environmental and energy legislation.

Elizabeth Ore and Peter Cowan in their front yard. Photo by Kevin Ridder

People in the Path of Pipelines

The Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines face mounting problems, while the proposed MVP Southgate pipeline is also meeting opposition.

Residents along the path of major new and proposed interstate fracked-gas pipelines share their stories.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE

MOUNTAINEER XPRESS PIPELINE

Barbara Jividen

ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE

Marvin Winstead

MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE SOUTHGATE

A Coal Baron's Unmet Debts

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s family-owned companies have a track record of unpaid taxes, environmental violations and unreclaimed mine lands.

Pay-What-You-Can Cafes

Appalachia’s donation-based cafes offer delicious, healthy food to diners and volunteers regardless of their ability to pay.

Rise of Interscholastic Mountain Biking

The sport of mountain biking is taking off in schools across Appalachia.

Coal Ash Cleanup: Three States See Major Developments

North Carolina holds meetings on coal ash cleanup in the state. Tennessee workers who are sick after cleaning up TVA’s 2008 coal ash disaster seek resolution. Virginia moves closer to requiring Dominion Energy to relocate its toxic coal ash.

February/March 2019 - Columns

Hiking the Highlands

A Sweet Retreat at Sugar Hollow Park

Roughly 12 miles of trails await hikers and bikers at this park in Bristol, Va.

Red Spruce Restoration Underway

Conservationists across the region have teamed up to help restore the red spruce to its natural habitat after unsustainable logging practices in the early 1900s, coupled with wildfires, nearly wiped out the tree in Appalachia.