2022 — Summer
Confronting Rising Black Lung
Amid an ongoing surge in severe black lung disease among coal miners, federal lawmakers have introduced a number of bills aimed at assisting affected miners and their families. The Inflation Reduction Act shored up funding for benefits, and advocates are pushing for additional measures.
Read MoreNative Plant Rescue Squad Aims to Boost the Biodiversity of Tennessee Neighborhoods
By saving native plants from destruction and helping these plants find new homes, the Native Plant Rescue Squad is “helping reconnect people to themselves through the natural world.”
Read MoreConservation Crew Builds Trails in Dante, Virginia
Conservation crew members spent 10 weeks creating trails in Southwest Virginia.
Read MoreAs EPA Prepares to Update Federal Air Quality Limits, Coal Dust Looms Large in Eunice
Frustrated with constant coal dust, residents of Eunice, West Virginia, asked the state to install an air quality monitoring device in their community. The request was denied.
Read MoreNo Easy Answers on Coal Ash Cleanup
To protect groundwater and community health, coal ash ponds must be cleaned up. But, as communities in Tennessee have learned, safely removing the toxic waste brings its own set of challenges.
Read MoreSnorkelers Explore Appalachia’s Diverse Freshwater Life
The rivers and streams of southern Appalachia attract snorkelers with their wide variety of species and beautiful sites.
Read MoreHow the Coal Mine Cleanup System is Failing
The bankruptcy of coal company Blackjewel has exposed many flaws in the current mine cleanup system.
Read MoreInteragency Group Aims to Get Federal Funds to Coal Communities
The Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization has a guide to help coal-impacted communities access federal funding opportunities.
Read MoreVirginia Agency Orders Bristol to Address Polluting Landfill
Residents are hopeful after the Bristol Virginia City Council responds to the state Department of Environmental Quality’s order to address landfill concerns.
Read MorePresence of Needle Ants in the Smoky Mountains Threatens Native Species
Invasive ants in the Smoky Mountains pose a threat to native species in the area.
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