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.
‘Next time, we’ll be ready:’ Community resilience hubs take root in Western North Carolina
After Hurricane Helene, some organizations are hoping to establish long-term community resilience hubs in North Carolina. In an ideal scenario, these hubs would be equipped with renewable infrastructure, such as solar microgrids, to maintain reliable access to electricity in the event of grid outages.
On the road to recovery: Rebuilding the Virginia Creeper Trail
Hurricane Helene devastated part of the popular Virginia Creeper Trail. Despite promising recent updates, the timeline for major restoration and eventual completion for portions of the picturesque rail-to-trail path remains uncertain, requiring small businesses that rely on visitors to pivot or risk closure.
Appalachian Voices statement on Senate passage of H.R.1, slashing clean energy in favor of billionaire and polluter tax breaks
Today, the U.S. Senate passed the reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, officially known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The bill will hinder new energy production and lead to an increase in electricity prices for the entire country by repealing energy efficiency and renewable energy tax credits, while creating a new tax credit for metallurgical coal production.
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.
