Research reveals gaps in Virginia’s utility shutoff policies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2022 CONTACT Emily Piontek, emily@appvoices.org Charlottesville, Va. — Today, Appalachian Voices released a white paper on the state of utility shutoff policies in Virginia. Policies to govern water, gas and electric utility shutoffs during extreme weather conditions, including high- and- low temperatures, are not codified in state law, leaving financially-strapped…

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New film highlights Southwest Virginia change-makers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 9, 2022 CONTACT: Jan Canterbury, nutzynomad@gmail.com NORTON, Va. — The key questions posed in the new documentary “Change-makers of the SWVA Coalfields,” are deeply felt: Can we really revitalize Southwest Virginia? How can we break down barriers to transform this proud and productive region into one that offers good-paying jobs and…

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People’s Energy Plan listening and info session, Charlotte, NC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2022 CONTACT Maddy Koch, North Carolina Field Coordinator, maddy@appvoices.org Charlotte, N.C. — Appalachian Voices and Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) will host a listening and information session on North Carolina energy in Charlotte on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. The event is part of our People’s Energy Plan, a…

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Parties reach agreement on offshore wind project with significant customer cost protections

CONTACT Tasha Durrett, SELC Communications Manager, tdurrett@selcva.org Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, dan@appvoices.org CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Today the Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Counsel, Dominion Energy, Walmart, the Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices filed a settlement proposal with Virginia’s State Corporation Commission, ending months-long debate regarding the funding and ratepayer risks surrounding Dominion’s…

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Community advocates in MD, OH and VA applaud new abandoned mine clean-up investments, push for solution to tackle acid mine drainage crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2022 Contact: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com APPALACHIA — Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced the release of $74 million in funds for abandoned mine land clean up in Maryland, Ohio and Virginia. Virginia will receive $22.7 million, while Ohio will get $46.4 million in investments and $4.8 million will head to Maryland.…

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Statement on MVP Southgate’s Voluntary Dismissal of NC Eminent Domain Pursuit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2022 CONTACT: Ridge Graham, N.C. Field Coordinator, ridge[at]appvoices.org On Thursday, Oct. 20, Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, filed a voluntary dismissal of eminent domain proceedings in Alamance, Guilford and Rockingham counties, North Carolina. The pipeline company had been seeking eminent domain easements on 70 private properties to construct the proposed MVP…

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Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia celebrates Wise Primary School installation

Note: This press release has been corrected to note that estimated savings are for the Wise County school system, not just Wise Primary School. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2022 CONTACT Emma Kelly, New Economy Field Coordinator, emma@appvoices.org Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, dan@appvoices.org WISE, Virginia — On Tuesday, members of the Solar Workgroup of Southwest…

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