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.
Environmental Votetracker — June/July 2019 issue
See how Appalachian legislators voted on several environmental topics in April and May 2019.
West Virginia groups take legal action to halt water quality violations at 15 coal facilities
CONTACTS: Erin Savage, Appalachian Voices Central Appalachian Program…
Environmental Groups Reach Agreement with Forest Service for Timber Sale
After three years of deliberations with environmental groups, the U.S. Forest Service reduced the acreage of a timber sale in the Jefferson National Forest and took other measures to protect water quality.
Friends of Perry State Forest Fight Mine Permit
The proposed 545-acre strip mine in Ohio would encompass 12 percent of the state forest and would be managed by the former CEO of a coal company that covered up water quality violations.
Kentucky Holds Hearing on 10,000-acre Mining Ban
Residents of Harlan County, Ky., are seeking to ban surface mining on 10,000 acres of land near the towns of Benham and Lynch.
Groups Urge Virginia Mining Agency to Strengthen Regulations
Environmental groups are calling on Virginia regulators to strengthen coal mining rules by making it easier for citizens who file complaints to be involved in site inspections, strengthening bonding requirements and more.
West Virginia Enacts Coal Tax Cut
Gov. Jim Justice signed bills dropping a tax on coal from 5 to 3 percent over the next three years and granting a 35 percent tax credit to coal companies buying new equipment for new or expanded mining operations.