February 27, 2020

Clean water for crayfish and communities
Two imperiled crayfish will have more protected habitat in Appalachian streams if a plan by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is approved. The agency is taking public comment now.
[ Learn more and take action ]
Tell Trump - NO environmental rollback!
The administration is going after one of America’s foundational environmental and public health protection laws in an attempt to silence the public. The rollback would make it easier for the government to rubberstamp permits for corporate polluters, no matter the cost to local communities.

Last legislative push for Virginia spring session
As the last days of the 2-month mad dash session of the Virginia legislature draw near, a variety of bills continue to circulate that could bring positive change in solar energy and ratepayer protection for the commonwealth.
[ Read about the bills • Virginia residents: Take action now! ]

Southeast Coal Ash Summit
A two-day summit this spring will bring together technical experts, legal advisors and community members for a broad discussion about coal ash. Summit topics will include recycling and reuse, landfills, worker justice, the historic settlement between Duke Energy and North Carolina, and more.
[ View the agenda and sign up to attend ]
Betting the Farm on Hemp
In the latest edition of The Appalachian Voice, we explore the Wild West hemp industry in Appalachia, from ever-changing laws and regulations to the saturated CBD market and high operating costs. We also report on how hempcrete could provide a viable building material for home construction.
[ Read more in the Spring issue of The Voice ]
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Feds ignore public pleas, submit positive review of MVP-Southgate permit
The Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate extension is one step closer to reality thanks to an environmental impact statement released by the federal government recently. The conclusion ignored overwhelming evidence from the public showing that the 72-mile long pipeline is unneeded, unwanted, and a threat to the communities it will pass. Photo: Anne Bernard.
[ Read more ]
Demand environmental justice in Virginia decisions
In March, five public forums sponsored by Gov. Northam will listen to input on the state's first plan for "diversity and inclusive excellence," providing a vital opportunity for Virginians to demand that environmental justice is considered in all state decisions.