The Appalachian Advocate - The Advocate

September 21, 2023

Don’t let Congress cut Appalachian funding

The government spending battle puts funding that benefits Appalachian communities at risk. Tell Congress to protect investments in key Appalachian programs!

Watchdogs alarmed as Mountain Valley Pipeline construction under Greenbrier River begins

Local residents and river protectors are concerned about the risks involved with boring under the Greenbrier River for Mountain Valley Pipeline construction.

Residents share their ideas for coalfield town’s revitalization projects

Last month, we co-hosted an opportunity for residents of North Tazewell, Virginia, to discuss options for revitalizing a once thriving center of commerce in their town. The results were illuminating.

TVA Board rubber-stamps rate hikes

The Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors approved a 4.5% increase to its power rate, which will lead to higher electricity bills throughout the region.

Learn about our new air quality monitor program

We are working with partners in 5 states to install air quality monitors in communities impacted by fossil fuel and other industries. Join our morning or evening webinars on October 4 to learn more!

Reforesting former mine lands with the carbon offset market

We teamed up with nonprofit organization Carbon180 to examine how carbon offset markets could help reforest former mine lands in Central Appalachia. Check out our results and watch the recording of our webinar to learn more!

In Case You Missed It...

Preventing black lung: 5,200 commenters urged the Mine Safety and Health Administration to implement stronger protections for miners from silica dust.
Special sections on the A.T.: We asked folks which sections of the Appalachian Trail are their favorites, and here's what we found!

CALENDAR

“Environment At Risk”

Sept. 14 - Nov. 5: An artists' exhibition addressing the environment and risks to the outdoor places and communities they love. Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen, Va.

Songwriter Revival Round Series

Sept. 23, 7 p.m.: Local songwriters come together to “Tell TVA: Take your pipe and shove it!” Marrowbone Brewing Company, Ashland City, Tenn.

National Public Lands Volunteer Work Day

Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Nature Conservancy and Clinch River State Park seeking volunteers. Castlewood, Va.

High Knob Naturalist Rally

Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: This 25th anniversary rally includes live music, hiking, educational opportunities, and free lunch!

EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Kickoff Webinars

September 26, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.: Learn about the $3 million dollar grant awarded to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for climate initiatives.

Piedmont Mobility Alliance Fall Meeting and Workshop

Sept. 27, 5 -6:30 p.m.: Discussion centers around an advocacy campaign for increased funding of sidewalks, bike lanes and trails in the Virginia Piedmont. Charlottesville, Va.

Community Based Air Monitoring Workshops

Oct. 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.: Learn about our efforts to install dozens of air monitoring devices in communities across five states impacted by fossil fuel and other industries.

Reimagining Shuttered Coal Plants Summit

Oct. 5, 3 pm. to 5 p.m.: A webinar on the opportunities and challenges in creating sustainable development at the sites of former coal plants, and how communities can have a strong voice in redevelopment planning.

Appalachian Big Ideas Festival

Oct. 5-7: A three-day experience of insightful storytelling, arts, culture, and community building in Hazard, Kentucky. Register soon!

Tennessee Valley Solar + Storage Conference

Oct. 18-19: Learn about solar business opportunities in the Tennessee Valley. Chattanooga, Tenn.

Offices in:

Boone, NC • Charlottesville, VA

Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Durham, NC