December 2018 / January 2019
In Appalachia and across the country, people are reclaiming their power from electricity monopolies that weren’t serving their needs. In this issue, we share stories that exemplify the principle of energy democracy in action.
In part one of this two-part series, we examined problems with monopoly utilities and looked at how citizens are working to counter utilities’ outsized political influence. Read part one online here.
Citizen Science
From monitoring waterways affected by pipeline construction and coal mining to tracking the changing seasons or searching for endangered bees, people from all walks of life are seizing the opportunity to participate in scientific projects.
Energy Democracy
Part two of a two-part series looks at how everyday people are taking charge of their electricity systems and prioritizing clean energy, affordability and choice.
Solar “Makers” and Solar “Brakers”
Energy Democracy in Action
Stories of people taking charge of their electricity systems.
Municipal Utilities & Citizen Movements
Banding Together for Better Power Options
Rural Electric Cooperatives
Virginians Petition For Change at Their Electric Co-op
Advocates Increase Powell Valley Electric Co-op Member Participation
Other Top Stories
Legal Action and Protests Against Pipelines
Numerous lawsuits have led to a complete halt to construction on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and at Mountain Valley Pipeline water crossings as protests against pipelines continue to spring up.
Appalachian States Respond to Climate Change Warnings
Many federal and state leaders continue to ignore man-made global climate change in spite of information presented in new national and international reports. But the governors of North Carolina and Virginia are taking action.
Dec 2018 / Jan 2019 - Columns
Hiking the Highlands
The Mystical Season: A Love Poem to Winter
Appalachian Voices’ Jamie Goodman recounts the joys of a winter hike and the magic of the season. She also shares thoughts from others about the perks of braving the cold and setting out on the trail.
Naturalist's Notebook
Lichen: The Story of a Soil-Maker
Lichen, a symbiotic combination of fungi and algae, has helped create soil for billions of years and serves as an indicator of air quality.
Member Spotlight
Advancing a Democratic Energy System
Our Executive Director Tom Cormons discusses why we need an energy system that is responsive and responsible to the people it serves.
