Front Porch Blog
Tennessee enacts law halting efforts to take over surface mine regulation from federal government
On May 11, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee enacted a significant law that temporarily halts the state’s pursuit of primacy. Primacy refers to a state’s right to petition the federal government to become the primary authority in issuing surface mine permits and implementing associated regulations.
Read MoreReclaiming Appalachia Coalition report shows how mine cleanup can boost local economies
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition recently released its 2023 report, “National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities.” The report highlights the coalition’s current work and projects across the Appalachian coalfields of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
Read MoreWhat is the debt ceiling, and how could it be used to try to ram through MVP?
What is the debt ceiling, and why can it be used to gain leverage to pass unpopular legislation that otherwise wouldn’t have the necessary votes?
Read MoreBuilding future resilience to extreme cold in the wake of North Carolina’s rolling blackouts
PSE Healthy Energy’s report shows that it’s not necessary for Duke Energy to wait for another emergency situation or just build more electricity generation because “targeted investments in weatherization, energy efficient appliances and demand response programs can keep demand lower and more stable in cold temperatures, and prevent another blackout.”
Read MoreHydrogen gas — what’s all the hype about?
Hydrogen gas as an energy source in Central Appalachia is a real possibility, so we’re unpacking this technology and exploring its potential impact on the health of communities and ecosystems in our region.
Read MoreNot On This Land: Documentary celebrates the community-led fight against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline
The two screenings brought together people to celebrate the fight that brought down the behemoth ACP. “Not On This Land: The Fight Against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline,” directed by Christopher Landry, profiles some of the West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina communities who helped defeat the fracked-gas pipeline.
Read MoreGovernor Youngkin, have you heard? Virginians love RGGI!
Virginians speak up about Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposal to exit the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGG limits carbon pollution from power plants at the lowest possible cost while funneling millions of dollars into at-risk communities.
Read MoreMining agency encourages more, better stakeholder engagement for coal-impacted communities
For years, the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program has been one of the only federal grant programs targeted at revitalizing coal mining communities. It’s now being funded at its highest level to date and is getting a spruce-up from the federal agency that administers it.
Read MoreRemembering Harvard Ayers, founder of Appalachian Voices
Harvard Ayers, founder of Appalachian Voices, passed away on March 9, 2023. Ayers was a true visionary and leaves behind a powerful legacy for the people and environment of Appalachia.
Read MoreMountain Valley Pipeline: Risky, ruinous and roadblocked
Nine years after the Mountain Valley Pipeline project was announced, it remains unnecessary and dangerous to the communities, water resources, lands and habitats through which it is routed.
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