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.
Statement on introduction of Pipeline Accountability Act
Late yesterday, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., introduced the Pipeline Accountability Act, a reintroduction of the formerly named Pipeline Accountability, Safety and Environmental Standards Act of 2025, which will make several improvements to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s authority and capacity to regulate fracked gas, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide pipelines and ensure public safety.
Labor leaders, environmental groups oppose TVA privatization
Today, labor leaders from unions and labor groups, along with Appalachian Voices, Sierra Club, and other environmental organizations, voiced unified opposition to reported efforts to privatize the Tennessee Valley Authority.
West Virginia groups urge Gov. Morrisey, Attorney General McCuskey to defend WV’s Solar for All program award
Today, a dozen West Virginia companies and organizations sent a letter to the offices of Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Attorney General J.B. McCuskey to call on them to push back on the Trump administration’s cancellation of a vital energy affordability program.
More coal miner lives in jeopardy as silica safeguard delayed yet again
Measures that prevent deadly silica dust exposure among coal miners are indefinitely delayed, as coal industry lawyers and the Trump Administration’s Mine Safety and Health Administration reportedly continue to negotiate a settlement to the industry’s case to block safeguards that were initially scheduled to come into effect on April 14.
South Fork Coal says it will liquidate rather than restructure in bankruptcy filing
White Forest Resources, the parent company of South Fork Coal Company, announced that its bankruptcy would end in liquidation rather than restructuring. South Fork Coal has a history of more than 140 environmental violations at its mining complex near Richwood, West Virginia.
Labor unions, allies to address Tennessee Valley Authority board on Wednesday against TVA privatization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 18, 2025 CONTACTDan Radmacher, Media…
Local residents, grassroots organizations call on North Carolina regulators to deny Mountain Valley Pipeline’s water permit application for Southgate project
Community leaders, grassroots organizations and members of the public spoke out against Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Southgate project at a public hearing on MVP’s application for a 401 water quality permit.
Russell County passes resolution supporting black lung benefit increases
Last night, Russell County supervisors passed a resolution urging U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to support legislation increasing black lung benefits.
CANCELED: Justice family coal company must explain to regulators why mountaintop removal mining permit should not be revoked
A coal company owned and operated by the family of U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., will need to explain why its permit for a large mountaintop removal mining operation known as the Poca mine shouldn’t be revoked.
Appalachian Voices applauds Senate Appropriations Committee for pushing back against cuts for black lung and miner safety programs
Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance its Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill. The package includes funding for mine safety and black lung programs.
