Written by Kevin Ridder
Kevin Ridder
Born in Arizona and raised in Tennessee, Kevin’s love of the mountains drove him to move even further east to Boone, N.C., where he serves as The Appalachian Voice's Associate Editor and a communications associate for the organization.
Black Lung Healthcare Legislation Sees Progress
Congress temporarily reinstated a tax on coal companies that funds black lung benefits for miners and their families in December. Advocates continue to push for further protections for coal workers.
The Impacts of Coal Bankruptcies
With industry projections trending downwards, questions continue about whether the mine reclamation system can handle ongoing bankruptcies.
Duke Energy rate hike hearings underway in North Carolina
Duke Energy is trying yet again to make ratepayers foot the bill for coal ash cleanup and so-called grid-improvement — but time is still left to tell North Carolina ratepayers No More Rate Hikes for Dirty Energy!
Seeking a Path to 100% Clean Energy
Localities across Appalachia and the nation have pledged to fully convert to green power — but restrictive policies and monopoly utilities are holding them back.
Appalachian Power Restricts Solar Savings in Virginia
Public schools and other government entities in Virginia are unable to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of solar due to restrictive policies put in place by Appalachian Power.
A High Price for Low-Quality Water
Residents of Martin County, Ky., and many other rural communities often deal with contaminated water despite exorbitant monthly bills.
MVP Ordered to Halt Work, Buckingham Gets Day in Court
Federal regulators ordered Mountain Valley Pipeline developers to halt work in mid-October, and a community’s legal challenge against a proposed compressor station in Union Hill, Va., moved forward.
Kentucky Agency and Conservationists Fight Proposed Gas Pipeline
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest are fighting a proposed Louisville Gas & Electric natural gas pipeline that would cut through the protected woodland.
Rate Hike Provision Backed by Duke Energy Fails to Pass NC Legislature
The North Carolina General Assembly removed a controversial provision from a ratemaking bill that would have allowed Duke Energy to enact multi-year rate hikes.
West Rim Loop Trail
A hike through Cloudland Canyon State Park reveals spectacular views of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
