2017 — (April/May)
Pipeline Construction Would Scar Appalachian Trail Vistas
If constructed, the proposed Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines would permanently mar several majestic vistas along the Appalachian Trail. Local residents and avid hikers voice concerns.
Read MoreEnvironmental Votetracker — April/May 2017
How Appalachian House and Senate members voted regarding several environmental issues in February and March.
Read MorePipelines Spark Safety Concerns
While both the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and industry groups say pipelines are the safest way to transport products like natural gas, pipeline incidents are on the rise.
Read MoreCoal Ash Storage and Cleanup Problems Continue Across the Southeast
Across the Southeast, problems related to the cleanup and storage of coal ash continue to plague area residents.
Read MoreWatauga County Launches Seed Library
Following other examples in Appalachia, the Watauga Seed Library was launched in Boone, N.C., on April 1. It will offer community members the chance to receive free seeds to grow in their personal or community gardens.
Read MoreReversing Climate Change Policies
President Trump signed an executive order reversing much of the progress President Obama made towards addressing the realities of climate change. The order calls for the Environmental Protection Agency to overturn the Clean Power Plan, but it will do little to revive the struggling coal industry.
Read MoreMine Safety, Water Quality Targeted in West Virginia Bills
Bills before the West Virginia legislature threaten to diminish mine safety and water quality protections. The measures were proposed by industry groups.
Read MoreSolar Jobs on the Rise
By Elizabeth E. Payne In 2016, a record number of jobs were created to make, sell and install solar panels across the United States, according to a new report by The Solar Foundation. There were 260,077 jobs in the solar industry last year, representing a nearly 25 percent increase from the year before. According the…
Read MoreRetired Miners Face Possible Loss of Benefits
Retired coal miners face possible loss of benefits, a Duke University study reveals coal ash byproducts in area fish, The U.S. State Department approves the Keystone XL pipeline and other shorts from The Energy Report.
Read MoreVA County Bans Fracking, Maryland Close Behind
Augusta County, Va., became the first county in the commonwealth to ban fracking, and the state of Maryland is close behind.
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