2019 — June/July
Bill Supported by Duke Energy Could Lead to Rate Hikes
Duke Energy is backing a North Carolina bill that could allow the monopoly utility to raise rates with reduced oversight – and an April report shows that Duke targeted its campaign contributions to key legislators involved with the bill.
Read MoreJustice Coal Companies and Federal Agencies Enter Legal Battles
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s family and their companies are involved in new lawsuits with federal mine safety and reclamation authorities.
Read MoreVirginia Budget Excludes Participation in Carbon Cap and Trade Program
Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill impeding Virginia’s ability to take part in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative despite a state board’s April vote to join it.
Read MoreCourt Orders EPA to Revisit Wastewater Rule
A federal court ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review parts of a 2015 rule governing wastewater from power plants after environmental groups argued that it was not sufficient.
Read MoreMiners Pressure Congress for Pension Fix
Dozens of retired coal miners came to the capitol and called on Washington lawmakers to pass legislation to preserve pensions for tens of thousands of retired and working miners.
Read MoreEnergy News Bites
The EPA did not update oil & gas waste rules despite protest, and is expected to change air pollution calculations to decrease health damage estimates. South Carolina passed an electric co-op transparency bill; West Virginia issued a pipeline permit without public input; and Murray Energy lost a labor rights appeal.
Read MoreNorth Carolina: Green and South Fork of the New rivers
Green River Gorge Location: The Green is located near Saluda, N.C., in Polk and Henderson counties. How to access: The gorge has three sections — the Lower Green, the Upper Green and the Narrows. There are specific put-in and take-out spots for each section, and visitors should be aware of which section they are entering,…
Read MoreMaryland: Youghiogheny
Youghiogheny River Location: The Youghiogheny is a 132-mile tributary of the Monongahela River. It begins in West Virginia, flowing through Maryland’s Garrett County and the town of Oakland before entering Pennsylvania. How to access: The Youghiogheny has several public access points maintained by volunteers that include places to make donations, which help volunteers run the…
Read MoreKentucky: Rockcastle and Russell Fork rivers
Rockcastle River Location: The Rockcastle River (pictured on the cover of this issue) flows through portions of Jackson, Rockcastle, Laurel and Pulaski counties in Kentucky. How to access: The put-ins and take-outs for different sections are located along roads and bridges, with the access points visible from the roads. Visit tinyurl.com/rockcastle-river. Difficulty: This river is…
Read MoreOhio: Licking River
Licking River Main Branch Location: The Licking River is a part of the Mississippi River watershed and is located in central Ohio near Newark. How to access: The Riverview Reserve, a 110-acre nature preserve, has an accessible boat launch. From here, paddlers can access the easier section that goes through Blackhand Gorge. The whitewater section…
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