Front Porch Blog
Crowded lame duck session in D.C. brings dangers and opportunities for Appalachian communities
With just a few weeks remaining in this session of Congress, we’re fighting one alarming bill, working to pass two positive measures, and urging the Senate to confirm key appointments. Our Legislative Director Chelsea Barnes shares what’s happening on Capitol Hill.
Read MoreNew Virginia task force to host listening sessions and support community engagement
A state agency is taking the exciting step of holding listening sessions in Southwest Virginia to solicit local input on how the commonwealth can support the region’s economic future.
Read MoreNorth Carolina Utilities Commission should make the right decision on Duke’s Carbon Plan
Why do legislators and those who blindly accept Duke’s promises act surprised when vague commitments around affordability result in ratepayers getting the short end of the stick? Why do they feign surprise when Duke Energy suggests missing a timeline they set for themselves? Why do they pretend to be shocked when years of advocacy and “compromise” result in a utility cherry-picking what they want, robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Read MoreMonitoring air quality across Appalachia
After a decade of focusing on water pollution from coal mining, Appalachian Voices’ coal impacts team is embarking on an ambitious project to monitor air pollution in communities impacted by coal mining and other fossil fuel infrastructure, and in other communities where air quality is an environmental justice concern.
Read MoreThe choice for North Carolina’s energy future: high rates or renewable energy?
I live in Duke Energy Progress territory, covering the eastern part of North Carolina and South Carolina along with a little patch in western North Carolina including Buncombe County. Soon, Duke Energy Progress plans to raise our rates, and I’m not sure it’s justified.
Read MorePictures don’t do it justice, and neither would a pipeline
All of the abundant natural beauty and wildlife we observed could be threatened if gas giant Kinder Morgan has its way.
Read MoreSolar developments are bringing energy and jobs to Southwest Virginia
The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wise Primary School for a new rooftop solar installation was the result of years of effort and the latest marker of success in the effort to diversify the economy of seven coalfield counties in Virginia.
Read MoreDemocracy in action
Voting an exercise in community. It’s an exercise in finding ways in each of our own lives that build a more equitable and resilient community that works for all of us.
Read MoreEnbridge’s 122-mile pipeline in Tennessee is not a done deal
Converting the Kingston Fossil Plant to a natural gas facility would expose local communities — who already suffered the 2008 Kingston Coal Ash Spill — to more pollution while creating very few permanent jobs.
Read MoreWhy we will win
Mara Eve Robbins, a stalwart activist in the movement against the Mountain Valley Pipeline, reflects on community and hope in this special guest blog.
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