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.
Appalachian Voices marches for science
Despite chilly winds and rain, Appalachian Voices’ staff members and volunteers spanned out across the region last weekend to “March for Science” with thousands of others in D.C., Charlottesville and Asheville.
Who Profits from the Pipelines?
Expansion of the natural gas infrastructure through constructions such as the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines carry significant risks to the environment and communities near them. But they also carry significant financial benefits for the companies that build them, which may help explain the rush to build more and more pipelines.
Following the White Blaze
For nearly 70 years, adventurous souls have been thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. People embark on the challenge for various reasons, but no one who makes the journey is ever the same again.
Resistance to Pipelines Across the East
As more and more pipeline projects are proposed to bring fracked gas out of the Appalachian Basin, residents are rising up to voice their opposition and fight to stop the pipelines from endangering their communities.
In the Pipelines’ Paths: Environmental damages to special places
Both the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines threaten to damage historic and scenic sites along their paths through West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. Places such as Bent Mountain and Peters Mountain could be permanently scared, while parts of the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway could also be impacted.
Pipeline Construction Would Scar Appalachian Trail Vistas
If constructed, the proposed Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines would permanently mar several majestic vistas along the Appalachian Trail. Local residents and avid hikers voice concerns.
Pipelines Spark Safety Concerns
While both the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and industry groups say pipelines are the safest way to transport products like natural gas, pipeline incidents are on the rise.
Delay in Mountain Valley Pipeline
The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Mountain Valley Pipeline has been delayed indefinitely, but the Trump administration expedited action on the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines.
West Virginia Contends with Aftermath of 2014 Chemical Spill
Three years after the chemical MCHM spilled from a storage tank into the Elk River, leaving 300,000 West Virginia American Water Company customers without safe drinking water, a tentative settlement was reached between the private water utility and the state Public Service Commission and Consumer Advocate.
Atlantic Coast Pipeline Environmental Review Underway
Environmental and community groups have raised concerns about the the federal draft environmental review of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The public comment period is open until April 6, 2017.