As Black Lung fund loses revenue, push to protect benefits heats up
On Jan. 1, the coal tax that provides vital benefits for thousands of miners with black lung disease was cut in half because Congress did not extend it. The U.S. House of Representatives just introduced a bill to stabilize the fund by extending the tax for 10 years. A similar bill is already in the U.S. Senate. Tell your legislators to act swiftly to support miners and their families! Photo: Earl Dotter
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Mining rule change could speed up complaint process
The U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is considering changing a federal rule, which could help residents who file complaints about state mining agencies.
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Advocates challenge pro-MVP decisions
The U.S. Army Corps is expected to issue a decision on a key Mountain Valley Pipeline water permit soon, and several critical legal battles continue.
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Jim Justice mine permit could be revoked
Virginia regulators have suspended the permit for A&G Coal Corporation’s Straight Fork Surface Mine. The move follows years of ongoing violations.
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The Mystical Season: A Love Poem to Winter
There is a joyful vitality to winter hiking in the mountains, where the air is crisp and the only sounds are the pleasing crunch of snow underfoot.
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Tracking energy bills in the Virginia General Assembly
Virginia has made progress toward a just, affordable and equitable clean energy future, but there’s more work to be done and some recent progress is under threat. Learn about and take action on the bills we’re working on during the 2022 session that could impact environmental justice, solar energy, fracked-gas pipelines, just transition and fairness for electricity ratepayers.
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- Appalachian Voices is hiring in North Carolina and Tennessee! Join our team to make a tangible difference for people and the environment.
- The POWHR Coalition, a leader in the fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline, has a great newsletter with updates about the movement to stop MVP. Sign up!
- West Virginia black lung advocate Judith Riffe is supporting her local chapter of the Black Lung Association by making change — and quilts.
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You can help support our work by becoming a member. Be one of our first new members of 2022!
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Unlocking Brightfields Potential
January 24, 1-2:30 p.m.: This EPA webinar aims to help you learn about state-based programs to increase renewable energy projects on landfills, brownfields, mines, and other contaminated lands.
Duke Energy’s ‘Carolinas Carbon Plan’ Stakeholder Meeting
January 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: This Zoom event is the first of three stakeholder meetings on Duke Energy’s plan to achieve reduce carbon emissions in North and South Carolina. Sign up and participate, or follow Energy Justice North Carolina on Twitter or Facebook for live updates.
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Building Bridges: Continuing the Conversation on Climate Change
January 31, noon-1 p.m.: ReImagine Appalachia and partners puts on part two of its climate change panel and workshops.
Tennessee Valley People’s Power Training
February 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Part two of a free virtual training series will help you and your neighbors build knowledge, skills and connections to start a grassroots campaign for lower electric bills, renewable energy or another energy goal in the TVA service area.
Virginia General Assembly Crossover Webinar
February 15, 6-7 p.m.: Legislation that passed each chamber of the General Assembly will "cross over" to the opposite chamber for another vote. Tune in for legislative updates and ways to get involved!!
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Offices in:
Boone, NC • Charlottesville, VA
Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Durham, NC
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