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.
2024 Virginia General Assembly session is underway!
As the Virginia Assembly opened its 2024 legislative session on Jan. 10, Appalachian Voices held a webinar to lay out our priorities for the session and explain how those interested in these issues can get involved and make a difference.
Lawsuit seeks to protect candy darter from West Virginia coal hauling
Conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service today for failing to protect streams in the Cherry River watershed from the harmful effects of coal hauling in the Monongahela National Forest.
Statement by Appalachian Voices on MVP revamp of Southgate plans
With a wholly new project that requires an ‘open season’ to find customers, FERC should cancel the original Southgate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and send the developers back to the drawing board.
Legislation filed to ban the use of cyanide in mining operations
Today, Del. Shelly Simonds, House District 70, filed two pieces of legislation designed to protect the health of Virginia communities from a dangerous toxin used in large-scale metal mining.
Communities honor Kingston coal ash cleanup workers with video, billboards, and ceremony for 15th spill anniversary
To honor cleanup workers for the 15th anniversary of TVA’s Kingston Coal Ash Spill, communities released a powerful short video and set up five billboards. Roane County, which just established the spill anniversary as an annual day of remembrance for the workers, will also hold a ceremony on Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. ET on the steps of the Roane County Courthouse: 200 E Race St #11, Kingston, TN 37763.
Legislators & advocates highlight major black lung legislation & fight back against attacks on new silica dust rule
This afternoon, lawmakers and advocates for miners with black lung called on Congress to pass major legislation during a virtual press conference. Leaders from the National Black Lung Association, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and Appalachian Voices were joined by U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), who announced the introduction of the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2023, which would ease the process for families of deceased miners to apply for black lung benefits, and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), a lead sponsor for the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, which would help miners access the benefits they deserve.
Groups announce “People’s Hearing” after TVA board ignores requests for more public input into long-term energy plan
In response to TVA’s failure to offer opportunities for substantial input on the IRP, the groups will hold a “People’s IRP Hearing” that will include testimony from expert witnesses along with a public comment session.
RESCHEDULED: Advocates Urge Congress to Advance Major Black Lung Legislation & Halt Attacks on New Silica Dust Rule
Next week, lawmakers and advocates for miners with black lung will discuss major new black lung legislation — including the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act introduced today — during a virtual press conference.
‘Invaded, Disregarded and Dismissed’
Bent Mountain neighbors monitor Mountain Valley Pipeline construction amid rising concerns over degraded pipes and a rushed completion deadline.
Pound participates in new brownfields program
The Town of Pound is partnering with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Appalachian Voices with assistance from the West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center to participate in a new revitalization program that will inventory sites and buildings and identify dilapidated and abandoned buildings.
