Written by Contributing Writers

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Contributing Writers

Fracking rig

Activists Rally Over Pending Fracking on Ohio’s State Lands

A governor-appointed commission could begin approving fracking leases on Ohio’s state lands as early as next month. A rally to oppose the leases will be held Friday, Oct. 27 at noon at the Ohio Statehouse.

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Dried stalks and seed pods stand out against trees and a blue sky mottled by clouds.

Bewitched Botany

Discover the sinister beauty of four toxic plants that call the mystical Appalachian Mountains home: pokeweed, dolls’ eyes, climbing nightshade and jimsonweed.

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Report: Blue hydrogen hype not backed up by science

According to new research, making hydrogen from natural gas, so-called “blue hydrogen,” is not much better than burning fossil fuels, and would waste billions in federal government spending while worsening climate change.

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Bright yellow, green and blue squiggles of lightweave through a dark, forest floor.

Chasing the Light of Bioluminescence

Something enchanting lives in Appalachia’s forests. From green glows to bright sparks, bioluminescent lights glow in the summer nights.

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Man and woman sit at table in front of blue backdrop

Fate of Mountain Valley Pipeline’s North Carolina extension still unclear

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper raised concerns about the Southgate project, which has drawn opposition from local governments and elected officials who say it threatens private property rights and tourism efforts.

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a dark bog turtle with yellow markings on its neck

Saving the Tiny Bog Turtle Could Have a Big Impact on Conservation

A petition to protect southern bog turtles under the Endangered Species Act could also help protect their mountain bog homes. But with diminishing habitat and other threats, time could run out for North America’s smallest turtles.

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An older woman and man stand at a podium, with people seated on either side. Photo is taken from the perspective of an audience member several rows from the stage

Landfill Remediation Raises New Concerns

As remediation of the troubled Bristol landfill begins, community advocates are petitioning for an alert system, increased air quality monitoring and relief measures for residents who experience strong airborne pollution at home.

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pile of empty plastic and aluminum containers

Are We Really Recycling?

A look at our recycling systems reveals less of our plastic is actually being recycled than one might think.

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A painting of boots, a hat and other gear used by coal miners.

Bills Aim to Help Miners with Black Lung and Surviving Family Access Benefits

Miners with black lung disease face a difficult process to obtain modest benefits, as do their widows. Two bills in Congress aim to help miners with the disease and their bereaved families, including by tying benefit levels to inflation.

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A woman poses next to her husband with her arm around his shoulders.

Fighting for Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Families

Kathryn South’s husband, Mike South, was diagnosed with black lung disease at age 35. As they grappled with his disease, the couple also navigated the arduous legal process to obtain federal black lung benefits, a fight that Kathryn continued even after Mike’s passing.

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