Archive for August 2019
Blackjewel’s black lung problem
Bankrupt coal company Blackjewel owes nearly $10 million in taxes to the fund that provides benefits to miners with black lung disease whose employer has gone bankrupt.
Read MoreFederal agency must re-do review of endangered species impacts of Mountain Valley Pipeline
CONTACTS: Doug Jackson, 202-495-3045, doug.jackson@sierraclub.org Cat McCue, 434-293-6373, cat@appvoices.org The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service re-initiate consultation on its Endangered Species Act permit for the fracked-gas Mountain Valley Pipeline. Because the project does not have a valid Biological Opinion and Incidental Take Statement from the wildlife agency,…
Read MoreN.C. senators on joint committee reviewing controversial utility bill get top dollar from Duke Energy
CONTACTS: Rory McIlmoil, Appalachian Voices, rory@appvoices.org, 423-433-9415 Jim Warren, NC WARN, jim@ncwarn.org, 919-416-5077 The state Senate vote yesterday on Duke Energy’s highly controversial “alternative ratemaking” bill and subsequent appointments to a conference committee clearly show the utility company’s undue influence over the legislative and public policy process, said the Energy Justice for North Carolina (EJNC)…
Read MoreCitizen scientists uncover water quality violations in Kentucky national forest
Citizen scientists discovered that acid mine drainage is causing a creek in Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest to flow a bright orange, and they spurred state regulators to issue citations to the mine operators. But mining company Revelation Energy is in bankruptcy, which leaves big questions about who will clean up the mess — and when.
Read MoreCommunity discussion focuses on ecotourism in Southwest Virginia
CONTACTS: Tyler Hughes, Appalachian Voices 276-679-1691 or tyler@appvoices.org The New Economy Network of Southwest Virginia and Appalachian Voices hosted a community discussion on ecotourism in Pennington Gap today. The meeting was free and open to the public. The community discussion featured a panel of local residents who have been directly involved with ecotourism in Southwest…
Read MoreResponse to N.C. House passage of Duke Energy’s rate hike bill
CONTACTS: Cat McCue, 434-293-6373, cat@appvoices.org Josh McClenney, 919-454-1560, josh@appvoices.org Today the North Carolina House of Representatives voted to pass SB559 with an amendment requiring a study of the most controversial provisions. One of the provisions is a multi-year rate plan that critics say could cost ratepayers an additional $23 billion in coming years with reduced…
Read MoreOld Dominion Power rate proposal would harm Southwest Virginia communities
Old Dominion Power is seeking a massive rate increase, which would increase average residential electricity bills by nearly $29 per month and make it more difficult for Southwest Virginia businesses and residents to access solar power. Now is your chance to speak up!
Read MoreSouthwest Virginia’s natural resources present new opportunities and challenges
Join us for a discussion on how we can leverage ecotourism into a burgeoning new economy for the region!
Read MoreCommunity discussion to focus on ecotourism in Southwest Virginia
CONTACTS: Tyler Hughes New Economy Program Manager, Appalachian Voices 276-207-8686, tyler@appvoices.org The New Economy Network of Southwest Virginia and Appalachian Voices are hosting a community discussion on ecotourism in Pennington Gap on Tuesday, August 27. The meeting is free and refreshments will be served. The community discussion will feature a panel of local residents who…
Read MoreEnvironmental Groups Sue Four Coal and Chemical Facilities
Environmental groups have sued three coal facilities and one chemical plant for the alleged illegal pollution of adjacent waterways.
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