Press Releases
Lawmakers, groups demand FERC deny Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate’s extension request
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 25, 2023 CONTACT Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, Appalachian Voices, (540) 798-6683, dan@appvoices.org Jessica Sims, Virginia Field Coordinator, Appalachian Voices, (804) 356-1228, jessica@appvoices.org Morgan Caplan, Sierra Club, morgan.caplan@sierraclub.org WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission closed the comment period for the docket following the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s request for a…
Read MoreEnvironmental justice council recommends strict soot and ozone standards
Today, the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council voted unanimously to submit a letter to the Biden administration highlighting the disproportionate impact of fine particulate matter and ozone pollution on low-income communities and communities of color.
Read MoreAppalachian senators introduce bill to support families of deceased miners
Today, Sens. Mark Warner (VA), Tim Kaine (VA), Joe Manchin (WV), Sherrod Brown (OH), Bob Casey (PA) and John Fetterman (PA) introduced legislation to ease the process for families of deceased miners to apply for black lung benefits. Surviving dependents can apply to receive black lung benefits after a miner’s death, but filing for benefits is complex and burdensome.
Read MoreStatement by Appalachian Voices on House Appropriations Committee proposed cuts to interior and environment agency budgets
Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee released its proposed FY 2024 budget for the Department of Interior and Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal includes a 10% budget cut to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s operational budget, while also providing a $1 million increase to the budget for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program.
Read MoreFederal court stays Mountain Valley Pipeline’s biological opinion again
Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit issued a stay of the biological opinion and incidental take statement under the Endangered Species Act for the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Read MoreAdvocates, coal miners applaud progress towards new silica dust rule
Today, the Biden Administration’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released a long-delayed draft rule to protect coal miners from exposure to respirable silica — the principal cause of the resurgence of deadly black lung disease.
Read MoreAdvocates to Biden admin. on silica dust rule delays: “The longer the administration waits, the more miners will suffer and die”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2023 CONTACT: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com, 202-904-9187 COAL COUNTRY – Today, 28 groups sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging the release of a long-delayed rule to protect coal miners from exposure to respirable silica – the principal cause of the resurgence of deadly black lung disease in coal miners.…
Read MoreStatement by Appalachian Voices on FERC allowing construction of Mountain Valley Pipeline to resume
We know that the MVP cannot be built in compliance with our nation’s bedrock environmental laws — which is why the company and its supporters went to the extraordinary length of having Congress attempt to sidestep them.
Read MoreDozens of coal community advocates back new safeguard to strengthen community oversight of mining
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2023 CONTACT: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com COAL COUNTRY – Last night, 28 groups formally submitted comments in support of a new proposal by the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE) that ensures action is taken in response to citizen complaints about safety, pollution, and other violations at coal mining…
Read MoreTDEC to hold public hearing regarding application for water permits associated with proposed pipeline project
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will hold an informational session followed by a public hearing concerning Section 401 Water Quality Certification for stream and wetland alterations associated with the Cumberland Gas Pipeline Project that would span three rural Tennessee counties, crossing seven wetlands and 155 streams.
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