Written by AV's Intern Team
AV's Intern Team
Every year, Appalachian Voices is fortunate to assemble a phenomenal team of rockstar interns from numerous Appalachian and East Coast universities. Enjoy these posts from our interns.
An Appalachian Solar Tour
Numerous Appalachian homes and businesses took part in the 2019 National Solar Tour in October, sharing their experiences and opening their doors to the public to view their solar installations.
East TN Coal Ash Concerns Continue
The Tennessee Valley Authority found traces of toxic coal ash in a mysterious dust coating homes and cars in Anderson County, Tenn. The monopoly utility is considering opening a coal ash landfill in Claxton, Tenn., despite local pushback.
EPA Proposes Weakening Rules for Coal Ash and Related Pollutants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to roll back pollution limits for coal-fired power plants pending public comment.
Feds Propose Transporting Liquified Natural Gas on Rails
Federal regulators proposed a rule in October that would allow the transportation of liquefied natural gas by rail without any new safety regulations or testing.
New Federal Pipeline Safety Rules Attract Criticism
Federal regulators announced new pipeline safety rules in September, but pipeline opponents argue the updated rules are not strong enough.
West Virginia Fossil Fuel Severance Tax Impacts State Budget
Lower-than-expected income from fossil fuel severance taxes is putting the West Virginia state budget in a bind. Some advocate for raising the severance tax rate on natural gas.
Western North Carolina Groups Seek Solutions to Human-Bear Interactions
Several groups are collaborating on a study intended to reduce the number of human-bear conflicts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Red River Gorge Destination Resort Concept Raises Questions
A proposed destination resort in the Red River Gorge area was met with questions and concerns from area residents and business owners.
Bill Would Redesignate New River Gorge as National Park
West Virginia congressional representatives introduced a bill in fall 2019 that would create a new national park in the state.