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.
Thousands urge EPA to regulate coal dust from trains polluting communities and waterways
Appalachian Voices submitted a letter signed by nearly 4,000 individuals urging the Trump administration’s newly appointed Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Lee Zeldin, to develop new protections from coal dust that blows off of trains, contaminating waterways and posing serious public health risks.
Helene’s lingering toll on Appalachian businesses
Once Hurricane Helene’s flood waters receded and the rebuilding process began, many small business owners were left unsure about their next steps.
Appalachian Voices welcomes Andie Waugh as the Stewards Energy Communities VISTA
Appalachian Voices has selected Andie Waugh, a recent North Carolina State University graduate, to serve as the Stewards Individual Placements Energy Communities AmeriCorps Volunteer In Service To America in the role of Solar Project Coordinator.
Federal regulators issue notice to DEP for failing to enforce environmental protections at Greenbrier County coal mines
A notice issued by federal coal mining regulators outlines the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s failures to address persistent problems at a set of South Fork Coal Company mines and directs state regulators to address the issues and report back.