April 20, 2023

Historic federal investments a win for Appalachia

Appalachian Voices Executive Director Tom Cormons spoke at the White House earlier this month when the Biden administration announced new actions to help communities impacted by fossil fuels take advantage of new investments in clean energy.

 

“The collaborative effort to make those investments and implement them in the best possible way is what’s going to turn transformative investments into true transformation on the ground,” Cormons said.

 

But a proposal in the U.S. House announced yesterday would gut these economic revitalization efforts in coal communities. 

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Protections from silica dust needed

Mine safety regulators are soon expected to update the rules protecting miners from dangerous silica dust. We look into what changes are needed — and whether regulators are enforcing existing protections.

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Mountain Valley Pipeline update

Among recent developments in the efforts to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a federal court threw out a critical West Virginia permit in a win for clean water.

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No gas buildout in Tennessee!

A proposed 32-mile pipeline in Middle Tennessee would endanger the habitat of threatened species in a region that is already at high risk of biodiversity loss.

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Report highlights innovative mine cleanup

Join us and our partners in the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition on Friday at noon for a webinar presenting its latest report, "National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities"!

Left high and dry after floods

Red tape and gaps in aid are complicating Buchanan County residents’ efforts to recover from floods last summer that devastated their communities.

We want to know which section of the Appalachian Trail you love to hike the most! Fill out our short survey and share your favorite part of the A.T. from Georgia to Maryland before May 24 for a chance to have it featured in The Appalachian Voice. 

In Case You Missed It...

 
 

CALENDAR

Earth Third Friday
April 21, 5-8:30 p.m.: Come see Appalachian Voices and other community groups at this free event focused on sustainability and community development efforts in downtown
Boone, N.C.

 

Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition Webinar
April 21, 12-1 p.m.:
Join the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition for a webinar presenting its latest report, "National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities."

 

Floyd County Kite Festival and Earth Day Celebration
April 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.:
Celebrate Earth Day with activities, music and more at this free event for all ages. Floyd County Parks and Recreation Park, Floyd, Va.

 

SAGE Earth Day Picnic
April 22, 1-3 p.m CST.: Safe Affordable Good Energy hosts an activity-filled
picnic while working to defend the Upper Cumberland's waterways and natural beauty. Cookeville, Tenn.

 

Amesville Creek Day
April 22, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.:
Join Rural Action Environmental Education and Watersheds for a day of food and fun by the Federal Valley Creek.
Amesville, Ohio.

Clinch Coalition Earth Day Hike
April 22, 11 a.m.: 

Meet at the High Knob Tower to join the excursion to the High Knob Recreation Area! Norton, Va. 

 

How to Get Involved in Combating Climate Change
April 23, 3-4 p.m.:
Learn how you can get involved and make a difference here at home during this workshop at the Tom Tom Festival. Charlottesville, Va.

 

Energy Session Recap
April 26, 6 p.m.:
A webinar celebrating energy affordability wins in Virginia from this year’s legislative session. Hosted by Appalachian Voices, Clean Virginia, Chesapeake Climate Action Network and Freedom Virginia. 

 

Buchanan County UNITY Listening Session
April 27, 5:30 p.m.:
Join fellow Southwest Virginians to discuss economic, social and environmental needs. Free. 1185 Poe Town Street, Grundy, Va.

On The Battlefield: Advance Private Screening
April 29, 3-5:30 p.m.:
Watch a documentary about Cora Tucker, an environmental justice advocate in Pittsylvania County and the first Black woman to run for governor in Virginia. Halifax, Va. 

 

We Protect Us: A West Virginia Art Summit
May 6, 1-5 p.m.:
Create art, enjoy performances by regional artists, meet representatives of environmental justice groups and more! Free. Huntington, W.Va. 

 

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival
May 4-7:
A celebration of music, dance, art and education hosted by the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization. Tickets can be purchased at the link. Pittsboro, N.C. 

 

TVA Listening Session & Board Meeting
May 9-10:
Local communities and organizations will show up and demand that Tennessee Valley Authority prioritize the safety and health of our communities! Learn more about the events at the link. Norris, Tenn.

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Offices in:

Boone, NC • Charlottesville, VA

Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Durham, NC