New policy platform highlights proposals for, and by, Southwest Virginians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2025

CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org 

NORTON, Va. — Appalachian Voices, in partnership with residents from five Southwest Virginia communities, released “Virginia’s Coal Community Development Platform,” a series of policy proposals that represent a community-led approach to creating a stronger economy in the region while fostering healthy places to live. State leaders should act to incorporate these community-generated ideas into state policy.

The platform reflects community ideas shared over the course of a series of listening sessions that identified priorities and challenges facing the region with the goal of creating a “just transition to a diversified, modern economy that’s ready for the challenges of climate change.”

The platform consists of five policy priorities and specific recommendations to achieve them. The five priorities are: 

• Investing in Appalachian communities to help diversify Southwest Virginia’s economy and help communities thrive.
• Ensuring energy affordability and community benefits by embracing renewable energy and making sure that communities have a say in the siting of new energy projects.
• Increasing access to affordable health care by increasing funding for rural emergency response centers, providing addiction treatment services and developing a robust network of local clinics.
• Developing community resilience with investments in flood prevention, emergency management and policies that clean up the many surface mines that contribute to flooding.
• Addressing abandoned buildings that pose safety and health risks to residents, contribute to blight and hinder development.

“We have a lot of hard work to do to rebuild our community and make it a strong, resilient place where our kids and their kids can thrive,” said Mary Cromer, Pound community member and member of the Pound Monuments Across Appalachia Advisory Council. “This platform offers a roadmap for how we can get there together.” 

“The residents of Southwest Virginia want and deserve the same things that people everywhere want: the ability to thrive in a place with a strong economy, clean environment and a good quality of life,” said Emma Kelly, New Economy Program Manager for Appalachian Voices. “This policy platform — which reflects the experiences, desires and aspirations of these residents — can help achieve those goals.”