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.
DEP allows coal company to operate strip mining complex, including impacts to national forest, without first obtaining necessary approvals
Today, a coalition of conservation groups submitted a complaint and public comment objecting to a decision by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to grant “advanced approval” to two mining companies that want to take over South Fork Coal Company’s permits for operations near the Monongahela National Forest, including a haul road that illegally runs through part of the forest.
Court ruling protects endangered wildlife nationwide from dangers of coal mining
A federal court ruled that the federal government’s attempts to undercut Endangered Species Act protections for the sake of coal mining were illegal.
Community and nonprofit groups take Chesterfield fight to Supreme Court of Virginia
Today, on behalf of the Chesterfield County branch of the NAACP, Appalachian Voices and Mothers Out Front, the Southern Environmental Law Center appealed the State Corporation Commission’s approval of a gas plant Dominion has proposed building in Chesterfield County.
House Appropriations Subcommittee declines to fund Southern West Virginia water needs in draft funding bill
Today, the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee released its draft funding bill for Fiscal Year 2027, which did not include $250 million in funding for drinking and wastewater infrastructure improvements in West Virginia.
Upcoming Swannanoa event addresses risks to life and property
Western North Carolina residents can learn about landslide, wildfire and flood risks and how to prepare for WNC-specific hazards at a community educational and preparedness event on Saturday, May 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Warren Wilson College.
Public meeting on May 28 about proposed Duke Energy gas power plants and Transco gas pipeline
On Thursday, May 28, residents and advocates will hold a community meeting to discuss multiple methane gas projects proposed in Davidson and Davie counties.
POSTPONED: ‘Drag Down Our Electric Bills’ rally and drag show to be held ahead of Duke Energy rate hike hearing in Durham
On Wednesday, June 3, Durham County residents, elected officials and advocates from various organizations will host a rally and drag show before a public hearing on Duke Energy’s request to increase electric rates in North Carolina.
Less Support for Communities with Mine Problems
The Trump administration issued a regulation to weaken the Ten Day Notice process that helps community members call in federal enforcement when state regulators don’t do a good job policing environmental problems at coal mines
Coalition Stopped Mining on the Edge of the Monongahela National Forest — for Now
A coalition banded together to stop a coal company from using a haul road through the Monongahela National Forest to transport coal to a railroad facility about 20 miles away in Rupert, West Virginia.
Groups challenge FERC certificate for SSEP pipeline
Several environmental groups filed a challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s certificate for the controversial Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, or SSEP pipeline.
