Written by Chelsea Barnes
Chelsea Barnes
A committed advocate for clean energy policy, education and outreach, Chelsea is our Director of Government Affairs and Strategy based in our Norton, Va., office. When she is not advancing renewable energy, you can likely find her enjoying one of Southwest Virginia's many scenic trails.
A step forward for clean water protections, but threats remain
In September, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a new rule that restores certain protections for water under the Clean Water Act. The changes in the rule will give states and tribes more oversight over water protection within their boundaries.
What the government spending fight means for Appalachia
Leaders in the Senate and the House need to come together to negotiate a final deal in order to keep the government funded. Appalachian Voices will keep fighting to fund these crucial programs and agencies to help protect coal mining communities and transition to clean energy.
Mining agency encourages more, better stakeholder engagement for coal-impacted communities
For years, the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program has been one of the only federal grant programs targeted at revitalizing coal mining communities. It’s now being funded at its highest level to date and is getting a spruce-up from the federal agency that administers it.
For Appalachian communities, the 117th Congress brought significant victories, but work remains
As the new Congress begins, we at Appalachian Voices are taking stock of the many victories achieved in the 117th Congress that just came to a close.
Crowded lame duck session in D.C. brings dangers and opportunities for Appalachian communities
With just a few weeks remaining in this session of Congress, we’re fighting one alarming bill, working to pass two positive measures, and urging the Senate to confirm key appointments. Our Legislative Director Chelsea Barnes shares what’s happening on Capitol Hill.
Inflation Reduction Act’s passage makes important progress, but opens old battles on new fronts
We thought it might be helpful to sort through the good, the bad and the ugly, and explain why we support the Inflation Reduction Act and why we are wholly committed to fighting the industry’s permitting wish list and any forced congressional approval of MVP.
Trusting the movement during a moment of loss
The end of negotiations to include clean energy and climate spending in the reconciliation plan is a harsh blow, but we will continue to fight for a better future for Appalachia, and for our planet.
Groups urge Biden and Congress to ensure climate action helps coal-impacted communities
Congress is working on a clean-energy package. Groups across Appalachia want to make sure these investments benefit communities long hurt by coal and power plant pollution improve their economic fortunes.
Program seeking to link work on abandoned mine land with economic development could be improved
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition has put out a list of 10 recommendations to improve the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Grant Program so this money is more equitably distributed and focused on transformative projects for coal-impacted communities.
Webinar series to explore coal impacts and just transition issues
Appalachian Voices is working with our partners in the RECLAIM Coalition to put on a series of educational webinars this spring that will take an in-depth look at a number of issues related to coal mine cleanup and economic transition in coal-impacted communities.
