February 20, 2016
Reclaiming Appalachia's land and economy
In a very positive sign that the voices of Appalachian citizens are being heard, a bill introduced in Congress this month with support from Republicans and Democrats — called the RECLAIM Act — would invest $1 billion to clean up abandoned mine lands in a way that also promotes diversified economic growth. Appalachian Voices and our partners are working hard to get the bill passed.
[ Read more ]
Public hearings to determine fate of coal ash sites in North Carolina
North Carolina's coal ash problem is a serious one, with all 14 of Duke Energy's ash sites in the state contaminating nearby groundwater. In March, state officials will hold a series of hearings to collect input on a cleanup plan for wet impoundments, and citizen input will be vital to ensure we protect Duke's neighbors and not just Duke's bottom line.
[ Learn more and sign up to attend a hearing ]
The Appalachian Voice:
Celebrating 20 years and counting
In February 1996, the first issue of The Appalachian Voice hit newsstands with a clear mission — to celebrate the biodiversity and culture of the region and shed light on the injustices affecting both. Twenty years later, the publication produced by Appalachian Voices is staying true to that mission.
[ Read the history of The Voice and peruse the archives ]
Inside the February/March 2016 Issue:
• Who Owns the Land?
• Cougars: Ghosts of Appalachia
... and much more!
Pushing for stream protection
Appalachian Voices' Matt Wasson was on Capitol Hill testifying in support of a strong Stream Protection Rule at a U.S. Senate hearing apparently designed by the majority as a forum for coal industry attacks on the rule. Their strategy backfired, though, as Matt conveyed comments directly from citizens living with ongoing harms from mountaintop removal mining.
[ Read the quotes, watch the playback ]
Pipeline re-route still destructive
After the U.S. Forest Service rejected plans for the massive fracked-gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline in West Virginia and Virginia due to environmental concerns, the company re-routed the project, which still threatens unique natural resources, and impacts even more private landowners.
[ Read more ]
Home base in southwest Virginia
We're super excited to announce the official opening of our new office in Norton, in far southwest Virginia. Although we've had staff in the area for more than a year, we now have an office space on Park Avenue, where three of our staff members work. Come by and visit!
[ Meet the Norton office team ]
Can't halt climate action
Despite the spin from the coal industry and others, a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the Clean Power Plan (which would carbon pollution from power plants) does not "kill," "block," or "overturn" the historic rule. The EPA, and clean energy advocates across the country, are confident the rule will ultimately stand.
[ Read more ]
[ Full calendar ]
