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Duke Energy neighbors say “goodwill” package is meant to buy silence
From the Alliance of Carolinians Together Against Coal Ash: On Friday the 13th, Duke Energy released a “goodwill” offer to residents on wells near the company’s coal ash sites. To many residents, however, the ominously timed release is more hush money than it is an act of goodwill.
Read MoreStanding up for the Stream Protection Rule
Countless citizens have worked for years to push for a federal rule that would help safeguard drinking water sources and surface waters in coal-impacted communities. It finally goes into effect today, but Congress and the incoming administration have vowed to kill it. Appalachian Voices, in alliance with others, is standing up to defend the Stream Protection Rule.
Read MoreCongress takes aim at stream protections
In December, the Obama administration released the final Stream Protection Rule knowing it would be a likely top target for the incoming Republican-controlled Congress. And it is, indeed, in the crosshairs — but members of Congress should understand they’re gambling with Appalachia’s health and economic future, all for a risky bet on coal’s unlikely comeback.
Read MoreGov. Cooper nominates new environmental secretary
Gov. Roy Cooper has appointed Michael Regan as the next secretary of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. Regan pledged to develop greater transparency at the agency. That alone could signal a shift from the prior DEQ leadership’s approach to public engagement on environmental issues.
Read MoreMountaintop removal limited — not stopped — in Tennessee
The Obama administration has approved a petition from Tennessee to designate some 75,000 acres of mountain ridges off limits for surface coal mining. The move protects mountain streams, wildlife habitat, scenic views and eco-tourism assets of the iconic Cumberland Plateau. But other mountains in Tennessee are still threatened with mountaintop removal mining. Take action today.
Read MoreFinal Stream Protection Rule released
On Monday, the U.S. Department of the Interior released the Stream Protection Rule, which aims to protect streams from the impacts of surface and longwall mining. The final rule offers only modest improvements to protections for public waterways, but it is well worth defending from congressional attack.
Read MoreWhy is Dominion’s IRP important for Virginia’s future?
In Virginia, electric utilities providing public services are regulated to ensure that they balance reliability, sustainability, and affordability. That balancing act is what “integrated resource planning” is all about. In this blog, we dive into the recent plan from Dominion Virginia Power, the heavyweight in the state’s electric sector whose choices affect not only its customers, but virtually all of us, and our environment.
Read MoreTrouble is afoot in NC special session
After days of deflecting questions and refusing to explain their priorities for the “emergency session,” Republicans introduced a slew of bills that would make sweeping changes and dramatically shift the balance of power away from the governor. Take action to stop this blatant abuse of power.
Read MoreDevastating Forest Fires Ignite Southeast
Numerous forest fires burned across the Southeast throughout the autumn. Nearly 120,000 acres of forest burned, and the city of Gatlinburg, Tenn., was badly damaged, with 14 lives lost.
Read MoreW.V. Chemical Spill Settlement Reached
A settlement in a class-action lawsuit compensates residents affected by the Jan. 9, 2014, chemical spill at Freedom Industries in Charleston, W.Va., which dumped 7,500 gallons of the coal-washing chemical MCHM into the Elk River.
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