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.

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.

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No MVP Southgate darker. Art by Jan Burger

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.

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Workers pour concrete to form stairs coming down from the pedestrian bridge from the McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot across Virginia 311. Photo by Dan Radmacher.

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.

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North Carolina gas build-out map showing the proposed Transco SSEP and T-15 pipelines, compressors, methane gas plants, and Moriah Energy Center liquified methane gas storage facility. Map by Appalachian Voices

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.

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Statement by Appalachian Voices on impact of Trump energy executive orders on rural Appalachia

One of the many executive orders issued by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, “Unleashing American Energy,” ironically would stymie renewable energy growth.

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Trump expected to rescind programs established to support struggling coal and power plant communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 20, 2025 CONTACTDan Radmacher, Appalachian…

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Appalachian Voices celebrates Congress passing year-end victories for Appalachian communities 

Congress passed a stopgap funding measure that includes $100 billion in disaster relief and will keep the federal government open through March 2025. President Joe Biden will sign the funding package into law, along with the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 passed by Congress this week.

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North Carolina gas build-out map showing the proposed Transco SSEP and T-15 pipelines, compressors, methane gas plants, and Moriah Energy Center liquified methane gas storage facility. Map by Appalachian Voices

REPORTER MEMO: Southeast Supply Enhancement Project

The proposed project is a massive expansion of Transco’s pipeline network of over 1.5 million dekatherms per day of additional gas, and requires approximately 54.9 miles of additional pipe in Virginia and North Carolina in two separate “loops.”

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Appalachian Voices statement on Trump and Musk attempt to scuttle much-needed disaster funding

People in Appalachia hit by Helene have waited months for the federal government to step up and provide the necessary aid. Further delays are unacceptable.

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For 16th Anniversary of Kingston Coal Ash Spill, Communities Honor Cleanup Workers

For the 16th anniversary of the devastating Kingston Coal Ash Spill, families and allies of cleanup workers, including the Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices, set up billboards commemorating the heroic cleanup workers whose health has been impacted by the exposure to coal ash. 

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