The Advocate -- Latest Issue

The Advocate — Latest Issue

April 19, 2025

Tell your members of Congress to speak up about DOGE cuts to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s black lung screening program and to prevent cuts to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Take action to protect miners!

Learn more

Recurring floods prove need for resilience planning

Earlier this year, major floods hit Southwest Virginia. The town of Pennington Gap faced significant damage, reinforcing the need for disaster preparedness.

Trump executive orders on coal would increase pollution and electric bills

In a series of four executive orders, Trump attempts to prop up aging coal-fired power plants at the expense of electric customers, public health and environmental protection.

Clean energy tax credits work for our communities

Some members of Congress want to repeal clean energy tax credits that create jobs and lower energy costs so they can cut taxes for billionaires.

Call your legislators!

Read our new report

Grazing in the sun

When done well, using land for both renewable energy and agriculture can offer numerous environmental and economic benefits for Appalachian communities.

How a skate park became a Helene relief hub

State Line Resource Station, a grassroots relief effort, has provided thousands with food, supplies and long-term recovery assistance along the North Carolina-Tennessee border.

In Case You Missed It...

Stop illegal coal hauling in a national forest: South Fork Coal Company is violating environmental protections in the Monongahela National Forest.
Community improvement projects in Pound: Projects proceed in the small Virginia town, but some federal funding remains uncertain.
Black lung update: Advocates call on Congress to make sure coal companies don’t skip out on black lung responsibilities.
Dismantling of environmental protections: EPA announces rollback of decades’ worth of regulations.

CALENDAR

Weekly Holler from the Hollers

Thursdays at noon: Hear from our Government Affairs team about a pressing federal issue and make phone calls to leaders together!

Volunteer to help with Helene recovery

Ongoing: Help host organizations staff supply stations, assist residents directly, and repair damage to our public lands.

Kraut Creek Cleanup in Downtown Boone!

April 22, 12-7 p.m.: Join Appalachian Voices for a cleanup event in conjunction with Earth Day at our office! Boone, N.C.

Appalachian Solar Advocates

April 22-May 13: A four-week virtual training for Virginia residents developed by Appalachian Voices. Sign up to attend.

75th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

April 23-26: Enjoy guided walks, exhibits and other learning opportunities. Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Appalachian Grown Gathering

April 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Join Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project at the table in support of local food and farms. Leicester, N.C.

Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival

April 25-26: Fun stories, music, food and more to raise funds for Camp Bethel. Fincastle, Va.

Abingdon Earth Day

April 26: Appalachian Voices will be tabling and participating in educational activities. Come by and say hello! Abingdon, Va.

20th Piedmont Earth Day Fair

April 26, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.: Enjoy great food, music, activities and earth friendly exhibitors. Winston-Salem, N.C.

Public Meeting: Proposed Person County Gas Plant

May 5, 7 p.m.: Duke Energy gets a guaranteed profit from new gas plants, but we pay the cost through our power bills, health, air and water. Speak out! Roxboro, N.C.

Spring Wildflowers of Southern Appalachia

May 7, 7 p.m.: Join the WNC Sierra Club as a naturalist discusses and shares photos of the region’s native spring wildflowers. Asheville, N.C.

Greenbrier Barn Party

May 9, 5:30 p.m.: Celebrate the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at one of Friends of the Smokies’ oldest fundraisers. Sevierville, Tenn.

Mount Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally

May 9-11: Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center for a weekend of field trips led by expert guides. Troutdale, Va.

Southwest Virginia Solar Summit

May 21, 3-5 p.m.: Free inaugural event about solar work in the region! Registration includes a free meal and live music. Wise, Va.

Offices in:

Boone, NC • Charlottesville, VA

Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA

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