A New Economy for Appalachia
America’s energy landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, resulting in substantial economic impacts in Central Appalachia, which has historically been driven by the coal industry. The inevitable decline of the coal industry is causing hardship for many individuals and families in the region and serves as a wake-up call that now is the time to diversify our economy.
A window of opportunity has opened for Central Appalachia. Recognizing this, a growing number of local residents, elected officials, economic development leaders and institutions are making choices to move toward a new economy, and calling for policies and ways of thinking to carry the region into a future of economic resilience and shared prosperity.
Appalachian Voices is integrally involved in this challenge, bringing to bear the four key principles of community engagement, economic diversification, land restoration and growing the clean energy sector. Our New Economy for Appalachia program is based out of our Norton, Virginia, office in the heart of Southwest Virginia’s coal country.
We facilitate opportunities for residents from all walks of life and with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to become more engaged in sharing ideas and making decisions about their economic future. Since our New Economy for Appalachia program began in 2015, we have worked with community members and leaders to make local visions a reality, channeling state, federal and private resources to create new opportunities for residents and businesses, including helping communities prepare for natural disasters.
While our efforts are focused in Southwest Virginia, we recognize that the movement for a just transition away from the coal economy is a regional one, and closely collaborate with partner groups working toward similar goals. Together with citizens, leaders and organizations across Central Appalachia, we utilize federal funding to help mountain communities build resilience and diversify their economies by implementing locally-driven revitalization projects. We also work to bring investments in solar and other renewable energies to the region.
Our Mountain Ascent Newsletter celebrates the victories in Southwest Virginia's efforts to build a new economy in the coalfields.
Latest News
New grant program to improve community buildings in Southwest Virginia
This October, Appalachian Voices announced a new funding opportunity to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills for community-serving organizations in Southwest Virginia.
New policy platform highlights proposals for, and by, Southwest Virginians
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.
Groups appeal to D.C. Circuit in class-action case challenging EPA grant cancellation
Today, lawyers representing Appalachian Voices and other plaintiffs, including nonprofit groups, tribes and local governments, appealed a judge’s decision to dismiss a class-action lawsuit challenging the termination of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant programs.
Russell County passes resolution supporting black lung benefit increases
Last night, Russell County supervisors passed a resolution urging U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to support legislation increasing black lung benefits.
SWVA leaders advocate for community resilience projects in D.C.
On an extraordinarily hot, humid day in July,…
Lee County passes resolution supporting black lung benefit increases
Last night, Lee County supervisors passed a resolution urging U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to support legislation increasing black lung benefits. Kaine and Warner have supported similar legislation, led by former Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, in past legislative sessions.
