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.
Trump administration cutting vital health and safety services for miners
Coal miners, families and advocates were still trying to figure out what the termination of leases for dozens of Mine Safety and Health Administration offices by Elon Musk’s DOGE meant for the work of mine safety inspectors when even worse news came.
Black Lung Awareness Day at the West Virginia Capitol
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, coal miners and their families from across West Virginia’s coal-producing communities will gather at the Capitol building for Black Lung Awareness Day.
Honoring Rep. Grijalva
Appalachian Voices staff is deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva. Throughout his more than 20 years of congressional service, the Arizona representative was committed to not only the communities in his district, but disadvantaged communities across the country, including Appalachians and coal mining communities.
In a win for customers, Virginia State Corporation Commission rejects utility proposals and sets higher energy efficiency standards
Earlier this month, the Virginia State Corporation Commission published two orders that will require Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company to maintain and expand their energy efficiency programs from 2026 to 2028.
Community Strong project development meetings coming to Dante, Dungannon, Pennington Gap, Pound and Clinchco
Appalachian Voices will be hosting the third listening sessions for the Community Strong initiative in Clinchco, Dante, Dungannon, Pennington Gap and Pound, Virginia, in March and April. Community members are invited to join.
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.
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.
