Press Releases
Biden administration announces $11 billion clean energy initiative for rural America
At the White House today, the Biden Administration announced the single largest investment in rural electrification since the 1936 Rural Electrification Act — $11 billion in grant and loan opportunities to help rural communities access clean, reliable, affordable electricity.
Read MoreU.S. Forest Service ignores responsibility to protect Jefferson National Forest
Today, for the third time, the U.S. Forest Service has revised the rules of the Jefferson National Forest Plan to allow the harmful Mountain Valley Pipeline to be constructed through national forest in Giles and Montgomery counties, Virginia, and Monroe County, West Virginia.
Read MorePublic forum for community development to be held in Scott County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2023 CONTACT Emma Kelly, New Economy Field Coordinator, emma@appvoices.org, (276) 289-1003 Scott County — A group of non-profit organizations —, including Appalachian Voices, Virginia Organizing, The Clinch Coalition and Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards — is holding the fifth event in a series of community listening sessions in Scott County on…
Read MoreSen. Joe Manchin re-introduces egregious Mountain Valley Pipeline giveaway
Today, Sen. Joe Manchin introduced a third version of his “permitting reform” bill, the Building American Energy Security Act, which, consistent with past proposals, attempts to override normal regulatory and judicial processes to create a way forward for the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Read More35 Organizations endorse congressional appropriations roadmap to spur coal community economic development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2023 Contact: Trey Pollard – trey@pollardcommunications.com – 202-904-9187 READ THE LETTERS HERE: Senate Letter and House Letter COAL COUNTRY – Local, regional and national leaders representing 35 organizations sent a letter to congressional leaders today urging them to back key investments in community and economic development as well as the…
Read MoreLawsuit launched to protect endangered West Virginia species from coal hauling
Conservation groups intend to sue the U.S. Forest Service over the agency’s failure to protect several endangered species from the harmful effects of coal hauling in the Monongahela National Forest. The suit would also protect the species’ critical habitats.
Read MoreStatement from Appalachian Voices on U.S. Department of Energy inserting itself into the Mountain Valley Pipeline process
With no current action on the pipeline pending before FERC, the letter is an unnecessary and unusual step by the Biden administration, and one that contradicts the commitment to environmental justice highlighted in the administration’s new executive order signed on Friday.
Read MoreThe Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition releases new report, “National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities”
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition released its annual report, “National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities,” and hosted a webinar on Friday, April 21.
Read MoreBiden administration builds on commitment to environmental justice
In a Rose Garden ceremony this afternoon, President Joe Biden signed a new executive order building on his administration’s efforts to work to ensure that everyone in the United States can live in a safe and healthy environment, protected by the nation’s environmental and civil rights laws.
Read MoreMcCarthy’s debt ceiling proposal guts economic revitalization efforts in coal communities
Today, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled bill text for a proposal to lift the debt ceiling while significantly reducing funding for government programs. The proposal includes provisions to repeal advanced manufacturing tax credits and advanced energy tax credits enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, including bonus incentives for projects in “energy communities” designed to help communities impacted by coal mine closures and power plant closures recover and grow new clean energy job opportunities.
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