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.

Federal regulators put communities, climate at risk by rubberstamping TVA’s proposed Cumberland Pipeline

FERC’s decision to give the green light to this dangerous methane gas pipeline project ignores the significant and long-lasting damage it will do to the climate, utility customers, and Tennessee communities.

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2024 Virginia General Assembly session is underway!

As the Virginia Assembly opened its 2024 legislative session on Jan. 10, Appalachian Voices held a webinar to lay out our priorities for the session and explain how those interested in these issues can get involved and make a difference.

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Lawsuit seeks to protect candy darter from West Virginia coal hauling

Conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service today for failing to protect streams in the Cherry River watershed from the harmful effects of coal hauling in the Monongahela National Forest.

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Statement by Appalachian Voices on MVP revamp of Southgate plans

With a wholly new project that requires an ‘open season’ to find customers, FERC should cancel the original Southgate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and send the developers back to the drawing board.

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Legislation filed to ban the use of cyanide in mining operations

Today, Del. Shelly Simonds, House District 70, filed two pieces of legislation designed to protect the health of Virginia communities from a dangerous toxin used in large-scale metal mining.

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Communities honor Kingston coal ash cleanup workers with video, billboards, and ceremony for 15th spill anniversary

To honor cleanup workers for the 15th anniversary of TVA’s Kingston Coal Ash Spill, communities released a powerful short video and set up five billboards. Roane County, which just established the spill anniversary as an annual day of remembrance for the workers, will also hold a ceremony on Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. ET on the steps of the Roane County Courthouse: 200 E Race St #11, Kingston, TN 37763.

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Legislators & advocates highlight major black lung legislation & fight back against attacks on new silica dust rule

This afternoon, lawmakers and advocates for miners with black lung called on Congress to pass major legislation during a virtual press conference. Leaders from the National Black Lung Association, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and Appalachian Voices were joined by U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), who announced the introduction of the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2023, which would ease the process for families of deceased miners to apply for black lung benefits, and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), a lead sponsor for the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, which would help miners access the benefits they deserve.

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Groups announce “People’s Hearing” after TVA board ignores requests for more public input into long-term energy plan

In response to TVA’s failure to offer opportunities for substantial input on the IRP, the groups will hold a “People’s IRP Hearing” that will include testimony from expert witnesses along with a public comment session.

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A group photo of members of the Black Lung Association

RESCHEDULED: Advocates Urge Congress to Advance Major Black Lung Legislation & Halt Attacks on New Silica Dust Rule

Next week, lawmakers and advocates for miners with black lung will discuss major new black lung legislation — including the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act introduced today — during a virtual press conference.

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Four women of various ages are standing on a slope in a forested area. Trees are bare except for evergreens and the ground is littered with fall foliage in browns and dull reds. The women are wearing cool weather clothes and one looks like she is speaking toward the camera while leaning one arm against a tree trunk.

‘Invaded, Disregarded and Dismissed’

Bent Mountain neighbors monitor Mountain Valley Pipeline construction amid rising concerns over degraded pipes and a rushed completion deadline.

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