Written by Abby Hassler
Abby Hassler
Abby is a digital storyteller who grew up in East Tennessee and joined the communications team in December 2024. Before coming to Appalachian Voices, she spent ten years in strategic communications, academia and journalism. Recent roles include the Director of Creative Strategy of a strategic communications firm focused on clean energy, clean tech and economic development, and Executive Producer of a podcast about clean energy news in Tennessee.
Economic first responders: CDFIs, the unsung heroes of Appalachian financial services
CDFIs serve as ‘economic first responders’ in Appalachia. A drastic reduction in one of their funding sources could significantly alter or slow down their work providing capital to small business owners, mentorship to entrepreneurs, protections from predatory lending and flexible, fast capital in times of natural disaster.
Appalachian Voices urges “No” vote on catastrophic budget reconciliation bill
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering a massive budget reconciliation bill officially known as the “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1) with broad impacts for Appalachian communities.
Advocates urge Congressman Griffith to maintain energy jobs for Southwest Virginians
The House of Representatives is making significant progress on their budget reconciliation bill to achieve President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. House committees have completed their individual markups and the legislation is under consideration in the House Budget Committee today before consideration in the House Rules Committee next week.
East Tennessee nonprofit welcomes first-time homebuyers into affordable, energy-efficient home
Shawn O’Brien and Nicole Yacura recently moved into Candora House, a net-positive solar home built by East Tennessee nonprofit, SEEED.
Midway Town Council passes resolution opposing Transco’s Southeast Supply Enhancement Project
Midway became the first municipality to pass a resolution against the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC — a subsidiary of Williams Companies commonly referred to as Transco — wants to construct 54 miles of methane gas pipeline and increase the horsepower of compressor stations in Virginia and North Carolina.
2026 White House budget would hurt Appalachians’ health and pocketbooks
President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal.
It proposes to eliminate or drastically cut back services for many programs that Appalachians use to make ends meet, create jobs and invest in our communities.
Clean energy tax credits: Why are they important for Appalachia?
On the surface, federal tax credits may seem overly complicated or unrelatable. However, understanding the intricacies of tax law isn’t necessary to witness the positive impact these incentives are making in the country.
MVP developer submits Joint Permit Application for Southgate pipeline
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission posted Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC’s Joint Permit Application for its proposed methane gas pipeline “Southgate.”
Appalachian Voices releases new report on how new clean energy tax credits have benefited Appalachia
Appalachian Voices released its latest report, “Clean Energy Tax Credits: Working for Appalachia.” As part of the release, staff co-hosted a virtual press conference with beneficiaries of tax credits covered in the report, including faith and nonprofit leaders.
Grazing in the sun: Enterprising farmers pair agriculture with solar power
Agrivoltaics is the practice of using land for both agricultural and solar energy production. It involves traditional ground-mounted solar arrays where panels are elevated or spaced out to allow for crop production, pollinator habitats or grazing. Advocates believe that when done well, the practice can numerous environmental and economic benefits for Appalachian communities.
