April 18, 2015
Cutting demand for mountaintop removal coal
Coal is the single largest source of fuel for electricity in North Carolina, and nearly half of it comes from mountaintop removal mines. State representative Pricey Harrison, a long-time advocate of ending this destructive mining practice, introduced a bill this month to phase out the use of mountaintop removal coal in the Tar Heel state. In past years, her bill received bipartisan support before being shot down by industry-backed lawmakers. But she's not giving up.
[ Read more ]
Meet Tarence, our new central Appalachian field coordinator
We're pleased to welcome Tarence Ray as the newest member of our team. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Tarence draws on the parallels between the oilfields of New Mexico where he grew up and the coalfields of central Appalachia. He's been working in eastern Kentucky for several years, including as a programmer and occasional radio producer at Appalshop's WMMT-FM in Whitesburg, Ky.
People against the pipeline
As the April 28 deadline draws near for citizen comments on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, the multi-state movement to stop this unnecessary project continues to grow every day. The 550-mile pipeline would carry natural gas under high pressure through national forests and farmland, across dozens of streams, and impact the quality of life for untold people in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.
[ TAKE ACTION: Add your voice to the cause! ]
Ask the Experts: 2015 webinar series examines coal ash management
Get the facts on coal ash disposal. Join our upcoming webinar, "The Evolving Burden of Coal Ash: Examining New State and Federal Protections," on Thursday, May 7 at 1 p.m. to learn more about the impacts of this toxic waste and what is being done to address this issue. Our discussion will be led by research biologist Dr. Dennis Lemly, artist and local activist Caroline Armijo, and Appalachian Voices' North Carolina campaign coordinator and former state regulator Amy Adams.
The Appalachian Voice: Stories from the frontlines of fracking
For the latest issue of The Appalachian Voice, we traveled to Doddridge County, W.Va., to explore our region's troubling ties to natural gas. We talked directly with landowners affected by fracking, and examined region-wide community efforts to halt the practice.
In this issue we also include stories about creative homesteaders, the return of elk to Appalachia, an update on state-level politics, and much more!
[ Read the latest issue online ]
Promoting Energy Efficiency in NC and VA
Saving energy is the cleanest, most affordable and reliable way to power our homes and businesses, and upgrading our buildings creates local jobs and economic opportunities. Help us promote and expand energy efficiency offerings in our region! If you're a member of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp. in North Carolina or Appalachian Power Company in Virginia, take action below!
[ Blue Ridge Electric Members: Ask BRE to support energy efficient initiatives for its members ]
[ Appalachian Power Customers: Tell the state corporation commission to support AEP's energy efficiency program proposal ]
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