The Advocate -- Latest Issue

The Advocate — Latest Issue

January 23, 2025

The importance of sustained investment in Appalachian communities

Appalachian communities have been putting funding from two major federal laws to good use to advance local priorities and adopt more sustainable and resilient forms of energy. Read about how recent executive orders and proposals from Congress could impact these popular programs.

Mapping the black lung crisis

Using data from the Department of Labor, we’ve created a map that hints at the scale of rising black lung disease across the United States.

Virginia General Assembly action underway

Our priorities for this year's session include defending progress on climate change, protecting communities from methane gas pipeline leaks, expanding clean energy and more.

Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) on a riverbed

Protect the Eastern hellbender!

We’re “hellbent” on protecting the largest salamander in North America — and we need your help! Tell the USFWS to add the Eastern hellbender to its Endangered Species list.

Andy and Megan Long at Over Yonder restaurant in Valle Crucis, NC

Helene’s lingering toll on Appalachian businesses

Once the flood waters receded from Hurricane Helene and the rebuilding process began, many small business owners were left unsure about their next steps.

Magnifying glass on a fistful of money with TVA building in the background

Support the TVA Salary Transparency Act!

Federal representatives from Tennessee have introduced a bill that would require TVA to report high salaries to Congress, which is responsible for TVA oversight. Tell your legislator to support this bill!

Mountaintop removal coal mine with people walking

Enforcing environmental protections at West Virginia coal mines

After federal regulators said West Virginia should revoke the permit for a 600-acre mountaintop removal coal mine in Wyoming County with a history of environmental and mine cleanup problems, state regulators suspended the mine’s permit. And Appalachian Voices and West Virginia Highlands Conservancy are suing South Fork Coal company for a multitude of ongoing violations at five mines in Greenbrier County.

The latest on the
Wyoming County mine

Read about the
Greenbrier County mines

In Case You Missed It...

Community efforts to repair private roads and bridges after Helene: Repairing the thousands of private roads, driveways and bridges damaged by the hurricane is a staggering task.
Two coal giants propose a merger: Regulators scrutinizing Arch & Consol’s proposal must ensure black lung benefits for miners and their families are protected.
Solar powers Buckhorn Children and Family Services facility: The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund and Mountain Association helped this Eastern Kentucky nonprofit go solar, saving money for their vital mission.

CALENDAR

Volunteer to help with Helene recovery

Ongoing: Volunteers are needed to help staff supply stations, assist residents directly and repair damage to our public lands. See the Volunteer section of our Helene Relief webpage for a list of host organizations!

VAGA Lunch Hour Online Lobby Session

Jan. 24, 12-1 p.m.: Join Appalachian Voice to advocate for some of our priority bills in the Virginia General Assembly! We will provide scripts so you can make calls and send messages to your elected officials. Remote.

Kentucky Conservation Committee Legislative Summit 2025

Jan 26, 1-5 p.m.: A conference on critical stateside environmental issues on Kentucky State University’s campus. Frankfort, Ky.

Virginia EV Day at the Capitol 2025

Jan. 29, 10 a.m.: A day focused on the benefits of multimodal transportation electrification. Richmond, Va.

Getting the Grant: Successfully Applying for ARC Funding Opportunities

Jan. 30, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Learn about funding opportunities and engage with community leaders. Charleston, W.Va.

Community Meetings on SSEP, the Transco Pipeline Expansion

Jan. 30, 6-8 p.m.: Oak Ridge

Feb. 11, 6:15-8 p.m.: Greensboro

Feb. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.: Winston-Salem

Lessons from the Mountain Valley Pipeline Fight: A Training with Organizers from POWHR

Feb. 1, 2-5 p.m.: Staff share lessons learned in the organizing to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Knoxville, Tenn.

World Wetlands Day Cleanup

Feb. 2, 10 a.m.: A much needed trash cleanup and invasive plants removal at Norris Dam State Park. Rocky Top, Tenn.

Building a Strong Local Economy Community Discussion

Feb. 4, 6 p.m.: Discuss how we can build a stronger local economy in Person County. Roxboro, N.C.

Sierra Club Kentucky Lobby Day

Feb. 5, 8:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.: Join for a day of impactful grassroots advocacy. Frankfort, Ky.

Appalachian Voices Polar Plunge Team

Feb. 8: Take the Polar Plunge in support of the work of Appalachian Voices and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. National Harbor, Md.

Farm to Table Tasting at Platter & Pour

Feb 10, 6-8:30 p.m.: A locally inspired culinary experience. Bristol, Va.

The Silicon Valley of the East - Virginia as a Hotspot for Data Centers and AI

Feb 11, 7-8 p.m.: Researchers and community partners discuss the economic, political, social and ecological ramifications of data centers in Virginia. Richmond, Va.

TVA Board of Directors Meeting

Feb. 13: TVA’s Board of Directors will hold its next meeting in downtown Knoxville, Tenn.

'Love Birds' Valentine's Day Hike

Feb. 14, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Learn about the courtship behaviors, breeding rituals and partnerships of birds in Seven Islands State Birding Park. Kodak, Tenn.

Solar Ribbon Cutting & Community Event

Feb. 20, 3-5 p.m.: Join the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia and Secure Solar Futures for a meeting focused on community resilience. Tazewell, VA.

14th Annual Chesapeake Bay Day on Capitol Hill

March 5: Join the meetings with members of Congress and/or their staff and a lunch briefing. Registration closes February 7. Washington, D.C.

48th Annual Appalachian Studies Association Conference

March 20-22: This year’s conference theme is “Rural Reimagined: A Grand Challenge for Appalachia.” Cookeville, Tenn.

Save the Date: Solar Summit

May 21: The Solar Workgroup is planning a summit for spring 2025.

More details to come. Va.