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.
Our communities can’t wait: Advocates urge Biden administration to fill vacant OSMRE director role ASAP
Today, community leaders from coal-impacted communities launched a joint effort to urge the Biden Administration to nominate and confirm a director for Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
Report recommends improvements to Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization program
A new report finds that the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization program is having a significant impact, but recommends improvements for speeding the implementation of projects.
Statement on MSHA enforcement initiative aimed at reducing miners’ overexposure to respirable silica
CONTACT: Dan Radmacher, (540) 798-6683), dan@appvoices.org Yesterday, the…
House committee to hold hearing on important coal-related bills
On June 9, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing discussing important coal-related legislation, including a bill that would shore up the troubled mine cleanup system and another that would ensure that abandoned mine land funding can be used for long-term acid mine drainage treatment facilities.
Community advocates welcome RENEW Act to address modern-era coal mine reclamation crisis
CONTACT: Dan Radmacher, (540) 798-6683), dan@appvoices.org Trey Pollard,…
Virginia state lawmakers call on U.S. Senate to pass climate reconciliation bill
Virginia legislators sent a letter to Sens. Kaine and Warner supporting a budget reconciliation package under negotiation that invests $555 billion in climate and clean energy.
Wife of Kingston coal ash cleanup worker to be featured in event
Appalachian Voices and Just Transition Northwest Indiana will be co-hosting a virtual event on May 26 spotlighting the dangers of coal ash to our communities through testimony by the wife of a cleanup worker of the 2008 Kingston, Tennessee, coal ash disaster, the worst ever in U.S. history.
Advocates praise federal guidance for abandoned mine land funding
The federal government is getting ready to make a huge investment in cleaning up abandoned mine lands. The Department of Interior released guidance to help states and tribes to spend that money in ways that have the greatest impact for hard-hit communities.
Duke Energy’s fossil-focused Carbon Plan misses 2030 targets
Duke’s draft Carbon Plan is far too dependent on polluting resources and misses the opportunity to lower costs for customers with rooftop solar, battery storage and energy efficiency.
Citizen groups notify Justice-owned coal company of intent to sue over reclamation violations
A coal company owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and his family has been notified that Appalachian Voices, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards and Sierra Club are planning to file a lawsuit over its failure to clean up three Wise County, Virginia, mines.
