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.
Groups urge Sens. Capito, Justice to protect West Virginians, vote against harmful cuts to health programs and energy tax credits
Multiple groups held a press conference calling on Sens. Jim Justice, (R-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito to stand up and protect their constituents over out-of-state billionaires.
EPA decision to reverse health protections will harm Appalachians
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce that it will be rolling back health protections related to emissions from power plants.
Transco submits application for Southeast Supply Enhancement Project pipeline
On Friday, June 6, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission posted Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC’s Joint Permit Application for its proposed methane gas pipeline “Southeast Supply Enhancement Project.”
Amid intense grassroots pressure, General Services Administration reverses closures of MSHA field offices
Reports indicated that the General Services Administration reversed its intent to close more than 30 U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration field offices. These leases were scheduled to be terminated due to decisions by the controversial Department of Government Efficiency.
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.
