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.
Biden’s jobs plan holds promise for Appalachia
As an organization that cares deeply about the people, land and water of our region, we find much to applaud in the White House’s American Jobs Plan. Read about what the plan entails and hear from us and partners about what this plan could mean for Appalachia.
Big opportunities to RECLAIM decades-old abandoned mines
Thousands of abandoned mine lands need to be reclaimed in Appalachia and across the country, and this reclamation work can create thousands of jobs. That’s in addition to the creative community and economic projects that local people can build with new funding.
Southwest Virginia workgroup seeks bids for residential solar program
CONTACT: Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager, chelsea@appvoices.org,…
Pushing back on Appalachian Power’s unfair solar restrictions for schools and governments
Appalachian Power Company is blocking local schools and municipal governments from installing solar. But these public entities have the opportunity to strike a better deal during upcoming contract negotiations with the obstructionist utility.
It’s the Senate’s turn to pass the RECLAIM Act
Advocates for mine cleanup and economic development in Appalachia are calling on the U.S. Senate to pass the RECLAIM Act and AML Reauthorization after the two bills passed the U.S. House in early July.
What do Virginia’s new energy laws mean for the coalfields
New energy laws in Virginia provide significant opportunity for solar development in the state’s historic coalfields, but not enough direct support for communities hit by the clean energy transition.
A policymaker’s guide to fostering community solar development
Pro-solar policy is crucial to bringing clean, renewable energy to Southwest Virginia and Appalachia as a whole.
Old Dominion Power rate proposal would harm Southwest Virginia communities
Old Dominion Power is seeking a massive rate increase, which would increase average residential electricity bills by nearly $29 per month and make it more difficult for Southwest Virginia businesses and residents to access solar power. Now is your chance to speak up!
Southwest Virginia Communities Designated as Solar-friendly
Eight communities in Southwest Virginia achieved designation under the nationwide SolSmart program in July for taking steps to pave the way for solar projects in their municipalities.
Southwest Virginia takes powerful steps to advance solar energy
A big week for solar energy in Southwest Virginia includes celebrating eight communities for their advancements in solar and the announcement of a substantial grant to build a big solar project on a former mine site.
