Written by Dan Radmacher

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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.

Groups speak out on data centers, long-term energy plan at TVA’s quarterly board meeting

In addition to approving the yearly budget, the board voted to approve TVA’s final 2026 Integrated Resource Plan and to create a new rate class for data centers. Environmental groups across the Valley, including Appalachian Voices and CleanUpTVA coalition partners, have been working to shape the outcomes on these critical issues.

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Pittsylvania County Photo by Jessica Sims.

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality proposes $179,000 fine for Southeast Supply Enhancement Project violations during pipeline construction

On July 16, the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company signed a proposed consent order by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality that would levy a $179,068 fine against the company for failure to comply with erosion and sediment control regulations.

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Duke Energy Center

Community meeting on Aug. 13 about proposed Duke Energy gas power plants

On Thursday, Aug. 13, residents and advocates will hold a community meeting to discuss Duke Energy’s plans for two methane gas-fired power plants in Davie County and the company’s largest liquefied natural gas storage facility in Davidson County.

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During the Community Strong listening sessions, the town of Dungannon settled on the town’s historic depot as a site for developing a local resilience hub. Photo by Rance Garrison

Dungannon community event to celebrate purchase of land next to depot, plan next steps

A community workshop on Aug. 7 will celebrate the recent purchase of the land beside the Dungannon Depot by the town.

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Kingston Fossil Plant

Groups take first step toward lawsuit against TVA over Clean Air Act violations at Kingston site

The Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of Appalachian Voices and the Sierra Club, sent a notice of intent to sue to the Tennessee Valley Authority, warning the federal utility that its ongoing construction of a new methane gas plant near the site of its 70-year-old coal plant violates the Clean Air Act.

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Learn more about the hazards of coal ash and TVA’s plans at July 30 community meeting

The Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices are co-hosting a community meeting in Kingston, Tennessee, on July 30 to discuss the Tennessee Valley Authority’s plans to manage and store the massive amounts of hazardous coal ash it is responsible for.

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Learn how to beat the heat at Old Fort Community Forum ice cream social

On July 23, the monthly resilience workshop at the Old Fork Community Forum will focus on keeping safe during heat waves, like the recent one endured by our region.

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Community organizing forces stoppage of air permit for MVP Boost compressor station in Elliston, Virginia

Years of grassroots organizing, community research and persistent advocacy by residents of the Elliston-Lafayette community and regional partners have forced a halt to the air permit application for the proposed Swann Compressor Station.

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Black Lung Association President Gary Hairston testifies before Congress in 2019. Photo by Earl Dotter.

House members introduce bill to increase black lung disability compensation

Today, three U.S. representatives introduced the Support Our Miners Act, a bill that will increase the black lung disability payment that miners and their families receive.

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Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia to hold community meeting on July 22

On July 22, the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is hosting a community meeting in Tazewell County, Virginia, that will focus on options for residential solar power in the commonwealth.

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