Written by Molly Moore
Molly Moore
Molly is passionate about sharing the environmental and cultural stories of our region. She has worked with Appalachian Voices since 2011 and currently serves as AV's Director of Program Communications and Editor of The Appalachian Voice publication.
Draft Plan for Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Released
The U.S. Forest Service released its draft plan for North Carolina’s Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. The public comment period runs through May 14, and multiple public meetings are scheduled.
TVA Stifles Small-Scale Solar in the Tennessee Valley
The Tennessee Valley Authority is ending its home solar program, called Green Power Providers, at the start of 2020.
Bankruptcies Shake Coal Industry
Murray Energy filed for bankruptcy in October, the latest of eight coal bankruptcies in 2019. Legal disputes regarding the summer Blackjewel bankruptcy continue.
Bills Support Miners’ Pensions, Black Lung Benefits
A Senate bill would help fund miners’ pensions, including those affected by recent bankruptcies. In the House, a bill would re-instate a historic tax on coal companies to fund healthcare for miners with black lung disease.
Coal Company Seeks Mine Permit in Tennessee Wildlife Area
Federal regulators have reopened the permit process for a proposed 422-acre mine in Campbell County, Tenn., which was met with objections from environmental groups.
Member Spotlight: Waltr Lane
A profile on Waltr Lane, a distributor of The Appalachian Voice who refers to himself as a “greenneck poet.”
Environmental Groups Sue Four Coal and Chemical Facilities
Environmental groups have sued three coal facilities and one chemical plant for the alleged illegal pollution of adjacent waterways.
Summiting Grandfather Mountain
On this classic Western North Carolina hike, hikers can see a fantastic view of the cliffside profile for which Grandfather Mountain is named.
Miners Take Black Lung Demands to D.C.
Approximately 150 Appalachian coal miners, widows and their loved ones visited Capitol Hill in July to demand that Congress reinstate a tax rate on coal companies for black lung healthcare and benefits.
