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Action needed: Va. General Assembly considers pipeline policy fixes
Late last month, we learned that the U.S. Forest Service rejected the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s proposed route. This development significantly checks the lickety-split pace of the project. If that renews your desire to take action, there are opportunities channel that feeling into these important legislative fights in the General Assembly.
Read MoreAbandoned mines bill directs federal investment to communities hit hardest by coal decline
Contact: Adam Wells, Economic Diversification Program Coordinator, Appalachian Voices 276-679-1691, adam@appvoices.org Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress today would allocate $1 billion for cleaning up abandoned mine lands and advancing economic development in communities across the country that have been hardest hit by the coal-mining industry’s decline. The Revitalizing the Economy of…
Read MoreVa. leaders urge Gov. McAuliffe to reject Dominion’s climate-polluting plan
From Appalachian Voices’ Press Room: Earlier this week, a wide array of Virginia leaders released a letter asking Governor Terry McAuliffe to reject efforts by Dominion Power that would increase carbon pollution in the Commonwealth.
Read MoreDo bankrupt coal company executives really deserve bonuses?
Witnessing the one-sidedness of coal bankruptcies in Appalachia and their aftershocks goes to show who has a voice and whose voices the system values. Take Alpha Natural Resources, which recently received approval to pay its executives millions in bonuses despite not having made a profit since 2011.
Read MoreOur hope for the year ahead
Appalachian Voices is beginning 2016 stronger than ever and positioned to advance a positive future for the region we all love. Standing with citizens from across Appalachia and from all walks of life, we are hard at work and have high hopes for the year ahead.
Read MoreThe 2016 General Assembly session begins in Virginia
Clean energy is a major area for potential policy changes during this year’s General Assembly session. But some of the most exciting measures that legislators are considering face significant challenges. Here is a roundup of energy bills to watch.
Read MoreOpen for business — APCo’s energy efficiency program
For folks living and working in western Virginia, Appalachian Power Co. is now offering its first-ever energy efficiency audit program for homeowners. There’s quite a lot more APCo could be doing, but this is a good start and we applaud the company.
Read MoreFederal agency considers restricting surface mining in Tennessee
Ridgeline corridors across a 67,000-acre area of Tennessee could be protected from surface mining. The U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is considering granting the state’s request for a ban. Submit your comment in support of the Cumberland Mountains before Jan. 25!
Read MoreA winning approach for the Clean Power Plan in Virginia
A new study shows that, in complying with the federal Clean Power Plan, Virginia should prioritize renewable energy and energy efficiency and allow for participation in carbon trading with other states in order to boost economic activity, cut electricity costs, and safeguard healthy air. Such an approach could yield more than $25 million a year for economic development efforts in Southwest Virginia.
Read MoreNorth Carolina’s reckless approach to the Clean Power Plan: Part 3
By 2020, and without making any changes, North Carolina will likely be 80 percent of the way toward meeting the federal goal for cutting carbon pollution. But it would miss out on a momentous opportunity to leverage the Clean Power Plan for job growth and helping lower-income families. Rather than resist the EPA, our state leaders should step up and position the Tar Heel state as a clean energy leader.
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