April 24, 2021

Appalachian Voices executive director named to new White House advisory council

The Biden Administration appointed Appalachian Voices Executive Director Tom Cormons to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council in March. The council will support the president’s initiatives to advance environmental justice nationwide.

“For environmental and energy policies to benefit communities and places that have been treated unfairly, these communities must play a central role in shaping these policies.” — Tom Cormons

Home solar in Southwest Virginia

The Solar Workgroup’s new program aims to make going solar simple and affordable. Homeowners in four Southwest Virginia counties can sign up for a free solar site assessment.

White House actions hold promise for Appalachia

The Biden administration's America Jobs Plan and a separate report from a White House working group include major goals for reclaiming old coal sites and making significant investments in Appalachia and other coal communities across the US.

Good and bad bills in the NC legislature

One bill would make it easier for big industry to build polluting biogas operations (bad!), and another would study the benefits and impacts of utility market reform in North Carolina (good!).

Tighter silica rules needed to prevent black lung

Federal regulations allow coal miners to be exposed to twice as much silica dust as any other worker. Silica dust is a prime culprit in the ongoing surge in black lung disease.

Making an interstate in the Smokies safer for wildlife and people

The Safe Passage group aims to help species large and small thrive along a curvy section of Interstate 40 near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while decreasing dangerous accidents for motorists.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• Jobs Coming to Southwest Virginia. The commonwealth awarded Appalachian Voices nearly $500,000 to help create jobs in energy storage and electrification.
• FERC Accountability. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced the creation of an Office of Public Participation, 40 years after Congress directed it to do so.
• Reinventing Museum Offerings. Many Appalachian museums have discovered new ways to connect with the public during Covid-19.
• Tree-Sitters Removed. After 932 days in the trees, law enforcement removed the last tree-sitters from the path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

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