Written by Jen Lawhorne
Jen Lawhorne
Jen Lawhorne is a digital campaign coordinator with Appalachian Voices. She likes to daydream about faraway places, whip up delicious recipes, ride bikes, and make most of her activities extra challenging by wrangling a toddler and dog with her.
Solar Beekeeping Expands Regionally
Pairing solar energy with beekeeping helps address the need for clean energy and the rapid loss of pollinator habitat, while boosting economic opportunities for local beekeepers and landowners.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest Plan
A federal judge struck down the U.S. Forest Service’s plan to expand logging in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, finding it violated the Endangered Species Act.
Proposed US Forest Service Reorganization Brings Uncertainty
The U.S. Forest Service is proposing a major restructuring that would consolidate offices and close 57 of its 77 research stations, including several in Appalachia.
Duke Energy uses rigged system to rip its customers off — again
Duke Energy customers could face another major increase in electric bills that would hit families’ budgets hard — just when they can least afford it.
Bob Egbert: A Life of Service and Environmental Advocacy
A Navy veteran, community activist and lifelong environmental advocate, Bob Egbert has spent decades working to protect Virginia’s environment and to strengthen citizen engagement in government.
Why Every Homeowner Should Get a Home Energy Audit
If you’re looking to save money on electric…
Act fast: Lower your electric bill by taking advantage of energy tax credits set to expire by the end of 2025
As we approach the end of 2025, time…
Law Slashes Renewable Energy, Offers Benefits to Coal and Gas
On July 4, President Donald Trump signed into law H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a budget reconciliation package with sweeping impacts on many issue areas, particularly health and the environment.
TVA Pursues Multiple Methane Gas Power Plants and Pipelines
The Tennessee Valley Authority is planning the biggest methane gas buildout of any utility this decade — nine new plants since 2020.
Rural Virginia Community Defeats Massive Gas Plant and Data Center Proposal
Residents of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, came together to help defeat a proposal from Balico, LLC to develop 2,200 acres of rural land for a massive gas power plant and huge data center complex of 84 buildings.
