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.
Virginia Budget Excludes Participation in Carbon Cap and Trade Program
Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill impeding Virginia’s ability to take part in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative despite a state board’s April vote to join it.
Court Orders EPA to Revisit Wastewater Rule
A federal court ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review parts of a 2015 rule governing wastewater from power plants after environmental groups argued that it was not sufficient.
Miners Pressure Congress for Pension Fix
Dozens of retired coal miners came to the capitol and called on Washington lawmakers to pass legislation to preserve pensions for tens of thousands of retired and working miners.
Appalachians testify in Congress to end mountaintop removal
Residents of coal-impacted communities went to Washington, D.C., to share how strip mines have affected their lives and to support a moratorium on destructive strip mining.
Pipelines Plagued by Lawsuits and Delays
Construction remains halted on most of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s route and on some of the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s route due to a slew of legal issues.
Solar Projects Shine in Southwest Virginia
Collaborative efforts to bring solar to businesses, homes, schools and an abandoned mine move forward.
A Quest to Protect At-Risk Bats
Researchers and conservationists found and saved the land where a colony of endangered Virginia big-eared bats roost.
Eastern Kentucky Community Groups Pursue Solar
Four community-led organizations in Letcher County, Ky., plan to install solar arrays to combat rising electricity costs.
Building a Better Economy
Communities across Appalachia are striving to build a more resilient and sustainable economy.
