Written by Elizabeth E. Payne
Elizabeth E. Payne
A native of Boone, N.C., Lee earned degrees in archaeology and ancient history at Brown University and Boston University, and received a Ph.D. in Near Eastern languages and civilizations from Yale University. She served as our AmeriCorps Communications associate from 2015-16, and as our Communications Associate from 2016-2017.
Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines Struggle to Get Underway
While preliminary tree felling has been approved for the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines, the projects are still being met with staunch resistance from activists and lawmakers alike.
Deal Reached Over Seeping Coal Ash Ponds in NC
Duke Energy agreed to pay for multiple leakages from coal ash impoundments at three of its power plants.
Coal Mine Deaths Rise in 2017, Agency to Reconsider Black Lung Rule
Coal mining fatalities are nearly double what they were last year, and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration announced it would revisit a rule intended to protect miners from black lung disease.
Underground Gas Liquids Storage Facility Clears Hurdle
The Appalachia Storage and Trading Hub, which would store natural gas liquids, cleared the first of two application phases for a $1.9 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Chinese Company Signs 20-Year West Virginia Gas Deal
China Energy Investment Corp., Ltd., signed a 20-year, $83.7 billion deal to invest in shale gas and chemical manufacturing in West Virginia, raising questions about long-term implications.
Courts Confirm Citizen Rights to Inspect Mines
A federal district court in Virginia confirmed that citizens have the right to accompany mine inspections under federal and state law.
New N.C. Policies Threaten Solar Investments
A new rule ordered by the North Carolina Utilities Commission has garnered praise from Duke Energy, while solar advocates fear it may harm the economic viability of solar projects.
Duke Energy, Professors Collaborate in “Independent” Studies
An investigation by WBTV unveiled possible collusion between Duke Energy and two University of North Carolina at Charlotte professors studying the impact of Duke’s coal ash ponds.
Federal Agency Approves Dam Projects Over Objections
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued licenses for two West Virginia hydropower projects in September despite concerns from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.
