Front Porch Blog
Webinar series to explore coal impacts and just transition issues
Appalachian Voices is working with our partners in the RECLAIM Coalition to put on a series of educational webinars this spring that will take an in-depth look at a number of issues related to coal mine cleanup and economic transition in coal-impacted communities.
Read MoreGetting federal dollars to the communities that need them most
An early version of a new mapping tool from the Biden administration highlights communities facing climate and environmental justice challenges. This tool will help determine how federal dollars are spent, so we need you to help make sure that the map is correct!
Read MoreCongress: Now is the moment to clean up acid mine drainage
Congress can clean up orange water by removing red tape. Join the efforts of community leaders across the country and tell Congress to let states use their infrastructure funding for acid mine drainage treatment!
Read MoreThe ACP was canceled but we still lost our land
A lot of irreparable harm can be inflicted during a fossil fuel pipeline fight. Just because a pipeline is eventually canceled, doesn’t stop it from bulldozing through precious land and water and exhausting community members to the bone as they fight for their lives.
Read MoreWhat’s a public utility without public control?
TVA, the nation’s largest public utility, used the opportunity of a global pandemic to cancel public listening sessions entirely and to withhold written public input from the media and public. The utility explained the move by claiming that it lacked the technological capabilities to host a virtual public input meeting.
Read MoreLegal victories against Mountain Valley Pipeline make completion unlikely
Prospects for the future of the Mountain Valley Pipeline are grim for the company and its investors after recent decisions by judges at the federal leval and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Read MoreWhat it takes to reenergize Southwest Virginia
Economic development in Southwest Virginia could get a long overdue jumpstart with the suggestions Virginia Energy outlined in its Reenergize Southwest Final Report. The report, which was released in December 2021, makes recommendations for the General Assembly to support the economic transition in the coalfields after eliminating the state’s coal tax credits in 2021.
Read MoreGov. Jim Justice’s Straight Fork Surface Mine again facing possible permit revocation
Updated Jan. 20, 2022: On Jan. 13, Virginia Energy sent a letter to A&G Coal Corporation suspending the permit for the Straight Fork Surface Mine after the corporation failed to respond to the Dec. 8, 2021 show cause order. The permit suspension gives the Justice company until Feb. 14 to deal with the ongoing violations. Failure to do so will then trigger permit revocation and a determination of bond forfeiture.
Read MoreCan’t stop, won’t stop! Fighting to protect you and the environment at Virginia’s General Assembly
Virginia’s 2022 General Assembly gaveled in on January 12 for two months of legislative wrangling in the crowded halls of the state capitol! We expect to play defense on protecting pivotal laws that tackle the climate crisis, while pushing for progress in key areas. Don’t sit this one out — we need all Virginia hands on deck!
Read MoreFederal review of mining rule may speed up complaint process
An upcoming federal review of a mining rule could help speed up the process for coalfield residents who file federal complaints about state mining agencies.
Read More