Press Releases
Lawsuit 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.
Read MoreThe Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition to host webinar on latest impact report and projects supporting innovative mine reclamation
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition will host a webinar presenting its latest report, “National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities.”
Read MoreGroups File Legal Challenge to the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Biological Opinion
Today, environmental organizations filed a petition for review in federal court challenging a recently issued new biological opinion and incidental take statement under the Endangered Species Act for the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Read MoreLawsuit launched to protect endangered crayfish pushed to the brink of extinction by coal mining in Appalachia
The Center for Biological Diversity and Appalachian Voices filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failure to protect the endangered Guyandotte River crayfish and the threatened Big Sandy crayfish from coal mining pollution. Both species are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Read MoreBiden Administration announces new actions to help energy communities take advantage of historic federal investments in clean energy
Today, the Biden Administration announced a series of actions intended to create jobs, opportunities and investments in energy communities, and to deploy clean energy projects on former mine lands. Appalachian Voices Executive Director Tom Cormons was invited to speak at the announcement.
Read MoreCourt vacates critical West Virginia water permit for Mountain Valley Pipeline
Today, a unanimous panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit vacated the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Water Act § 401 certification for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, finding that the agency’s justification behind its conclusion that the pipeline would not violate the state’s water quality standards was deficient.
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