Written by Chelsea Barnes

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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.

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.

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Southwest Virginia workgroup seeks bids for residential solar program

CONTACT: Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager, chelsea@appvoices.org,…

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Solar Panels

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.

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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.

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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.

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people installing solar

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.

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woman testifies at public hearing

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!

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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.

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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.

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Solar in Southwest Virginia recognized in national competition

The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia was recently awarded a “Solar Discovery” prize for identifying solar projects in Virginia’s coalfield counties that would create jobs and benefit local communities.

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