January 23, 2021

A Way Forward for Appalachia

Pictured above: Rep. Raul Grijalva (l) is a strong supporter of just transition efforts. Rep. Deb Haaland is nominated for Secretary of the Interior and would be the first Native American in the role.

As the Biden administration settles in at the White House, our legislative director Thom Kay outlines a list of action items the federal government should prioritize for our region — suspending utility shutoffs during the pandemic, strengthening oversight of the fossil fuel industry, and moving swiftly to support just economic transition in coal-impacted communities.

Bringing Progress to the Virginia Legislature

We’re working on multiple bills in the 2021 General Assembly on environmental justice, solar energy, pipelines and electricity ratepayer protections. Take action now!

Fight Like Hell for the Living

Twelve years after the Kingston, Tennessee coal ash spill, hundreds of cleanup workers are sick and as many as 53 have died from their exposure to the toxic ash.

Restoration and Renewal in Coal Country

A new report by the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition highlights innovative projects on or near abandoned mine lands that are spurring economic development in communities scarred by the coal industry..

Building community internet

The Southern Connected Communities Project is building internet from the ground up in Tennessee’s Clearfork Valley.

What Are your Utility Rights During the Pandemic?

We put together a resource guide for residents in North Carolina who are in danger of having vital water and electric services disconnected during the pandemic.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• Gold Mining Threat: Exploration is underway in central Virginia for a major expansion of this highly toxic mining industry
• Preserving Pine Mountain: A new acquisition expands the protected Kentucky wildlife corridor to 68,500 acres.
• New Face of SWVA Solar: Wise County native Matthew McFadden has been tasked to help expand solar energy in the coalfield region

CALENDAR

Appalachian Voices | Contact us | Donate
Manage your subscriptions