Written by Dan Radmacher
Dan Radmacher
Dan is Appalachian Voice's Media Specialist. Previously, he worked as an opinion journalist for newspapers in Illinois, West Virginia, Florida and Virginia, and then as a communications consultant for a number of environmental nonprofit organizations.
Opponents urge attendance at public hearing about massive methane gas buildout on the Yadkin River
Groups opposed to the proposed Davie-Davidson methane gas complex are urging people to show up for a public hearing held by the Davidson County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.
Protect farmer energy independence: 20 organizations sign a letter denouncing a proposed rule targeting rural energy assistance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFriday, October 30, 2026 Read the…
Conservationists sue Aurevo Resources for numerous mining violations in the Cherry River watershed
Today, a coalition of conservation groups sued Aurevo Resources and its officers for more than 50 violations of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.
Grant program pilot improves community buildings in Southwest Virginia
The pilot program is improving 15 buildings to address health and safety concerns, increase energy efficiency and reduce energy bills for community-serving organizations across Southwest Virginia.
Roanoke and Botetourt residents to March for a Moratorium on new Virginia data centers
The Southwest Virginia Transparency Alliance and Protect Our Water Heritage and Rights will host a March for a Moratorium Rally at the corner of Grandin Road and Memorial Avenue SW on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 4:30 p.m., calling on state leaders to pause approvals for new data centers and the associated energy infrastructure buildout across Virginia until safeguards are in place.
Coal miners head to the Hill, calling for black lung protections and disability benefit improvements
Next week, coal miners and their families, doctors, attorneys and supporters are traveling to the nation’s capitol to meet with senators and representatives to advocate for improving black lung benefits and protections.
Groups sue TVA over Clean Air Act violations at Kingston site
On Thursday, the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of Appalachian Voices and the Sierra Club, sued the Tennessee Valley Authority for violating the Clean Air Act and putting public health at risk by building its new Kingston Gas Plant, which TVA plans to operate alongside its 70-year-old Kingston Coal Plant, before receiving the required air permit or evaluating the impacts of the two plants’ combined emissions.
After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain
A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.
Southwest Virginia community solar discussion happening on Oct. 1
The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia will be hosting a community discussion about solar energy in Virginia’s coalfields during its fall meeting on Oct. 1.
TVA sued for violating federal Clean Air Act at its Cumberland Fossil Plant
This week, the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of Appalachian Voices and the Sierra Club, sued the Tennessee Valley Authority over the utility’s failure to take federally required steps to protect Middle Tennessee communities from the harmful air pollution impacts of running its Cumberland coal plant alongside its newly built Cumberland Gas Plant.
