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.
Seen a Hellbender? Tell the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking people to report sightings of the large aquatic salamanders to aid in conservation efforts.
State Governments Pass Bills to Increase Penalties for Pipeline Protests
Since March, three states have passed bills that increase punishments against people who protest oil and gas development and designate oil and gas facilities as critical infrastructure.
Virginia Commits to Environmental Justice Council
Gov. Ralph Northam permanently established the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice in March.
Kentucky Awards $4.7 Million in Environmental Grants
In June, Kentucky announced about $4.7 million in grants to fund 78 recycling, composting and household hazardous waste projects.
Trump Administration Loosens Clean Air Regulations
In recent months, federal regulators have weakened two national air pollution standards and opted not to upgrade a third.
Workers Demand Compensation after Kingston Coal Ash Exposure
Sick and dying workers who helped clean up the 2008 Kingston coal ash spill rejected a settlement in April, and are now looking to sue for damages.
West Virginia Reintroduces Northern Bobwhite Quail to State
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources started a five-year restoration of the game species in March.
Projected Layoffs for Murray Energy Workers
Bankrupt coal company Murray Energy has filed several notices warning of impending mass layoffs.
Promoting equity in the transition to clean energy
A new report examines the economic, social and health disparities associated with energy development, and highlights promising points of intervention to reduce inequities in the transition to clean energy.
Restoring Appalachia through outdoor recreation
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition held a webinar in May in which regional organizations including Appalachian Voices spoke on innovative mine reclamation work being done to turn coal-impacted lands into outdoor recreation hot spots.
