Front Porch Blog
Energy policy in Virginia: 2017 General Assembly update
It’s “crossover” time at the Virginia General Assembly. Here at Appalachian Voices, we are closely tracking bills that will impact Virginia’s energy future. Will the commonwealth continue the fossil fuel-friendly policies of the past, or will we start building a clean energy economy today?
Read MoreFighting for clean water after the Stream Protection Rule
When Congress voted last week to overturn the Stream Protection Rule, people braced themselves for the coming impacts. But threats to public water from corporate and political interests are nothing new in Central Appalachia, nor is the problem unique to this area. In the face of these threats, communities fighting for clean water need our continued support.
Read MoreServing residents by saving energy
Students at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. spent a recent Saturday volunteering with Appalachian Voices and others to give two local homes an energy efficiency boost. The work was part of the school’s 18th annual MLK Challenge. “They caught energy leaks I knew nothing about,” said Faith Wright of Vilas, N.C., who was grateful for the volunteer energy of what she called the “student worker bees.”
Read MoreDefending our vision for Appalachia
In our view, the new administration’s approach to environmental protection and national energy policy is dangerously shortsighted. We will do everything we can to see that the laws protecting our natural heritage and the communities of Appalachia are enforced, and not be distracted from our vision for a healthy, sustainable future for our region and beyond. We know you’ll stand with us during this uncertain time.
Read MoreDuke Energy neighbors say “goodwill” package is meant to buy silence
From the Alliance of Carolinians Together Against Coal Ash: On Friday the 13th, Duke Energy released a “goodwill” offer to residents on wells near the company’s coal ash sites. To many residents, however, the ominously timed release is more hush money than it is an act of goodwill.
Read MoreStanding up for the Stream Protection Rule
Countless citizens have worked for years to push for a federal rule that would help safeguard drinking water sources and surface waters in coal-impacted communities. It finally goes into effect today, but Congress and the incoming administration have vowed to kill it. Appalachian Voices, in alliance with others, is standing up to defend the Stream Protection Rule.
Read MoreNorth Carolina hosts day of climate action Jan. 23
Join us on Monday, January 23 for the North Carolina Statewide Day of Action for Climate Justice! Events will be held in Asheville, Boone, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Pink Hill, Raleigh and Winston-Salem to ask for policies that promote clean energy jobs and climate justice for all people
Read MoreThe “Fox Guarding the Henhouse” cabinet
Many of Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointees take positions that threaten public health, air and water quality, and our natural heritage, and that accelerate climate change. Appalachian Voices is joining with clean energy advocates, climate activists and public health proponents across the country in urging the Senate to stand for our health and environment and reject these nominees.
Read MoreCongress takes aim at stream protections
In December, the Obama administration released the final Stream Protection Rule knowing it would be a likely top target for the incoming Republican-controlled Congress. And it is, indeed, in the crosshairs — but members of Congress should understand they’re gambling with Appalachia’s health and economic future, all for a risky bet on coal’s unlikely comeback.
Read MoreAww shucks, y’all …. thanks!
We’re doing a little victory dance today! Blue Ridge Outdoors’ readers voted Appalachian Voices the Best Environmental Organization in 2016. Aww shucks — thanks everyone. We’re committed to living up to the honor in 2017, and beyond.
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