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One fish, two fish … Dead fish
A study from researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) published this month provides strong new evidence that mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia is devastating downstream fish populations.
Fortunately, the Obama administration has an opportunity to take meaningful action to protect Appalachian streams.
Environmental community calls for major changes to North Carolina House’s coal ash bill
Environmental community calls for major changes to North Carolina House’s coal ash bill
Read MoreParallels between New England whalers and Appalachian coal miners
Nick Mullins, a former Va. coal miner, discovers the parallels between New England whalers from two centuries ago and the current conundrum facing Appalachia’s coal mining community. Nick and his family are journeying around the east this summer on the “Breaking Clean Tour” to raise public awareness of mountaintop removal mining, and learn about more sustainable paths to prosperity.
Stories from South Central Regional Jail, WV
The January spill of the coal-processing chemical MCHM in West Virginia poisoned the tap water of some 300,000 people. Stories are now emerging that some of them were inmates at the regional jail who were denied access to ample, clean water.
Mountain Justice Summer – 10 Years Strong!
Mountain Justice Summer Camp, a week-long gathering of Appalachian advocates, celebrated its 10th anniversary this month. Appalachian Voices Grassroots Organizing Intern Chloe Crabtree reflects on the experience and what it means to act.
Read MoreThe Power of Energy Efficiency — Building a Stronger Economy for Appalachia (Part 4)
This is the fourth installment in a five-part series illustrating the need for greater investments in residential energy efficiency as an economic driver in rural Appalachia. In this post, we explore the history and role of rural electric cooperatives, and explain why they should be doing more to help their members reduce their energy bills, and how they can overcome any barriers they face.
’80s Flashback: Dr. Hansen’s carbon dioxide warning
On this date in 1988, Dr. James Hansen of NASA testified about the scientific evidence clearly linking carbon dioxide to global climate shifts before a Congressional committee. But Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” was one of the top tunes of the time and that attitude drowned out climate scientists for years. Twenty-six years later, America is beginning to take Hansen’s warning seriously.
O, to have the bully pulpit of Congress
Rep. Nick Rahall — like too many others in Congress — apparently sees no problem using that forum to spout untruths and fabrications to further his own agenda. In this case, he mischaracterizes the EPA’s veto of a permit for one of the largest mountaintop removal mines in the region in order to safeguard Appalachia’s waters and communities.
Read MoreTennessee sprouting up as a leader in home energy efficiency
Summer has arrived in Tennessee. Gardens are starting to produce a bounty of flowers and veggies. The longing for home grown tomatoes will soon be satisfied, and energy efficiency prospects are springing up all across the volunteer state. It’s exciting to see Tennessee sowing the seeds of a sustainable energy efficiency program, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this effort.
From farm to fork to mountain trails: summer edition of The Appalachian Voice
Dive into summer with the June/July issue of The Appalachian Voice, featuring ecotourism attractions in southwest Virginia, destination farmers markets and environmental news coverage. Learn about genetically modified organisms and what some common labels really mean about your food. Investigate the issues surrounding coal, coal ash and carbon dioxide. This latest mountain news reporting encourages you to get out and explore your community.
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