Last week, the world lost a true warrior for environmental justice and human rights, and Appalachian Voices lost a colleague and true friend. Known to many as "The Chief," Lenny had the qualities of a leader, and touched the lives of thousands of environmental activists, organizers and concerned citizens around the country and beyond.
We Made it! Highlights from the People's Climate March
Appalachian Voices recently joined 400,000 people in New York City for the largest climate march in history. And it was truly inspiring. While massive extractive fossil fuel interests try everything in their power to tighten their grip on our region's energy future, moments like these show we are making progress.
In September, Gainesville, Fla., became the first city in America to enact a policy to reduce its reliance on mountaintop removal coal. This is the story of how a couple of committed local residents came together and formed Gainseville Loves Mountains and created a movement to cut the ties this destructive form of coal mining had to their hometown.
Our Water, Our Future
Appalachian Voices joined dozens of residents from Appalachia and allies from across the country in Washington, D.C., recently to pressure the White House Council on Environmental Quality to protect Appalachia's water and future from coal pollution. Now it's your turn to add your voice to ensure that the Obama administration takes action.
Read Dana Kuhnline's update on the event
TAKE ACTION at iLoveMountains.org: Send a note to the CEQ
Don't Tax the Sun
Hundreds of Appalachian Power customers in Virginia are standing up to oppose an unfair tax on residential solar installations. Appalachian Voices and partners helped residents attend meetings and send letters to the state's utility commission to point out how the fee will actually punish homeowners who want to invest in clean energy. A decision from the commission is expected in the next several weeks.
North Carolinians Take Stance on Fracking Issue
Over 1,800 North Carolinians attended four public hearings across the state in support of much stronger rules to regulate hydraulic fracturing. At the final hearing in the western part of the state, Appalachian Voices joined 600 concerned citizens to show opposition to fracking and support for tighter regulations. The state's Mining and Energy Commission expected to receive thousands more written comments by the Sept. 30th deadline.
Honoring Jean Ritchie
The “Dear Jean” CD, featuring Kathy Mattea, John McCutcheon, and a host of other artists in tribute to folk icon and Kentucky native Jean Ritchie, was officially released in September and already has been at the top of the Folk DJ charts. Appalachian Voices is honored to receive a portion of the proceeds for our work to end mountaintop removal coal mining.
Watch the "Black Water" video
Purchase the "Dear Jean" CD
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