Front Porch Blog
Federal negligence allowed coal companies to shrug off their responsibility for black lung benefits
For decades, coal companies ignored a federal requirement to provide enough funds for black lung benefits — and the government let them.
Read MoreSaving Appalachian streams for crayfish and communities
Two imperiled crayfish will have more protected habitat in Appalachian streams if a plan by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is approved. The agency is taking public comment now.
Read MoreReforming Virginia’s energy system continues
Virginia lawmakers took a critical step this session in keeping a proposal to end monopoly electric utilities under consideration for 2021.
Read MoreDuke Energy rate hike hearings underway in North Carolina
Duke Energy is trying yet again to make ratepayers foot the bill for coal ash cleanup and so-called grid-improvement — but time is still left to tell North Carolina ratepayers No More Rate Hikes for Dirty Energy!
Read MoreBeginning of the end of N.C.’s coal ash crisis
North Carolinians have won a major victory with the announcement that Duke Energy would remove coal ash from its remaining sites. Appalachian Voices is proud to have worked side-by-side with the people who fought so hard, for so long to defend their communities.
Read MoreLocal governments call for abandoned mine cleanup
Local governments in Southwest Virginia and Pennsylvania are passing resolutions supporting cleanup of abandoned coal mines. A bill that would extend federal funding passed the House Natural Resources Committee last week.
Read MoreThe change in Richmond can bring change statewide
Advocates for clean energy, environmental justice and fair electricity pricing are leveraging the shift in political power in Richmond to advance their missions. Here’s some of the bills Appalachian Voices is working on this session.
Read MoreMomentous win for environmental justice and against pipelines!
Communities and organizations fighting the proposed fracked-gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline celebrated a monumental win for environmental justice this week.
Read MoreDuke Energy rate hike hearings 2020
After our victory on North Carolina’s Senate Bill 559, Duke Energy is yet again asking the state regulators for permission to raise the rates it charges families and businesses.
Read MoreProgress on healthcare for miners with black lung disease
Congress reinstated a tax to fund healthcare and benefits for miners with black lung and their families for 2020 — but further action is needed to extend the tax and support the fund for 10 years.
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