Written by Abby Hassler

AVMountainBorder-frontporch1

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.

Coal dust and fragments have been documented entering the Clinch River at multiple rail crossings, such as this bridge in Artrip, Virginia. photo from petition filed by Public Justice and Appalachian Mountain Advocates

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.

Read More
Over Yonder owners Andy and Megan Long operated the restaurant in Valle Crucis, N.C., since 2014. The pair moved to the area in the early 2000s. Photo by James M. Davidson ©2024.

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.

Read More
Headshot of Andie Waugh. Photo courtesy of Energy Community AmeriCorps Program.

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.

Read More
South Fork Coal Company's Rocky Run Surface Mine cutting a gash into the Yew Mountains above the South Fork Cherry River and the community of Richwood. Photo by Andrew Young/ Southwings

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.

Read More