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.
Environmental groups sue to challenge mountaintop removal mine on Coal River Mountain
Environmental groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia challenging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to grant a Clean Water Act permit for four valley fills associated with the Turkeyfoot Surface Mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Coal company with 80+ clean water violations files for bankruptcy
South Fork Coal Company and its parent entities Xinergy and White Forest Resources, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware. The move follows the company’s well-documented pattern of water pollution and mine clean-up violations, which have drawn mounting public scrutiny and legal actions.
DEP expected to allow Florida-based coal company to walk away from water pollution at Marmet
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection appears poised to release Keystone West Virginia, LLC, a Florida-based coal company, from its obligation to treat ongoing acid mine drainage originating at the KD #1 Surface Mine. A public comment period on the pending decision concluded on Saturday.
Abandoned Mine Land cleanup disrupted by federal funding freeze
As the Appalachian region is experiencing intense rainfall this week, the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is not processing state requests seeking approval for abandoned mine land reclamation projects according to state agency officials and congressional staff.
UPDATED: Public informational meeting on Feb. 24 to discuss proposed methane gas pipelines
On Thursday, Feb. 20, health and safety advocates will hold a community meeting to discuss multiple methane gas pipeline projects proposed to come to Rockingham County.
Thousands urge EPA to regulate coal dust from trains polluting communities and waterways
Appalachian Voices submitted a letter signed by nearly 4,000 individuals urging the Trump administration’s newly appointed Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Lee Zeldin, to develop new protections from coal dust that blows off of trains, contaminating waterways and posing serious public health risks.
CANCELED: Community invited to solar power ribbon-cutting and community event at Four Seasons YMCA in Tazewell
The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia and Secure Solar Futures are hosting a ribbon cutting for the YMCA’s new solar power system with a community event about local solar energy at the Tazewell Four Seasons YMCA on Feb. 20 between 3 and 5 p.m.
Violation-riddled MVP developer submits request to alter Southgate pipeline
Today, pipeline operator Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC submitted a new amendment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the methane gas pipeline “Southgate,” proposed for Virginia and North Carolina.
UPDATE: Pedestrian bridge opens for McAfee Knob trail crossing
Soon, Appalachian Trail hikers will be able to use a 90-foot-long, steel and concrete pedestrian bridge to move safely over Virginia 311 at McAfee Knob trail crossing.
Statement on FERC’s decision to issue an Environmental Analysis for the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project
On Jan. 22, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced it will prepare an Environmental Assessment rather than a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement for the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project pipeline.
