Written by Rance Garrison

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Rance Garrison

Rance Garrison is an Appalachian Voices Communications Coordinator and Southwest Virginia native who lives and works in Wise County, Virginia. In his spare time, he is a musician, DJ, and writer as well as an avid reader and gamer who enjoys spending time with his wife, dog and cats.

New funding opportunity available for Central Appalachian communities

Small environmental justice organizations, community groups and local governments in Southwest Virginia and West Virginia have an exciting new opportunity to secure funding for their projects. 

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Homecoming: Why rural community economic development matters

For too long, Appalachia’s small, rural communities have been largely left to experience their own slow decline in isolation.

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A group of locals and officials celebrate the opening of new Dante recreation area with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Community celebrates opening of new recreation area in Dante, Virginia

This new recreation area features approximately 16 miles of new trails that will connect to existing trails around the nearby town of Saint Paul, and the campground features full amenities.

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Proposed Regional Hydrogen Energy Hubs Raise Concerns

Two consortiums of power companies and other businesses are seeking federal funding for proposed regional hydrogen energy hubs. Most hydrogen energy production processes produce climate-altering emissions.

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Solar Fund Boosts Renewable Energy Projects

The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund has supported 32 new projects since its launch in November 2021.

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Images shows miners wearing black lung kills t-shirts lobbying Congress

Advocates to Biden admin. on silica dust rule delays: “The longer the administration waits, the more miners will suffer and die”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2023 CONTACT: Trey…

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Image of a mountaintop removal mining site.

Dozens of coal community advocates back new safeguard to strengthen community oversight of mining

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2023 CONTACT: Trey…

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A photo of the Dante Steam building.

Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition report shows how mine cleanup can boost local economies

The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition recently released its 2023 report, “National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities.” The report highlights the coalition’s current work and projects across the Appalachian coalfields of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.

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