Written by Dan Radmacher
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Dan Radmacher
Dan is Appalachian Voice's Media Specialist. Previously, he worked as an opinion journalist for newspapers in Illinois, West Virginia, Florida and Virginia, and then as a communications consultant for a number of environmental nonprofit organizations.
Amid heat wave, Virginians now have new protections from power shut-offs
The heat means higher electric bills for everyone — including people who could hardly keep up with payments before the heat wave started.
Mountain Valley Pipeline Safety Issues Continue
The recent failure of a section of pipe during testing has heightened residents’ long-standing concerns about deteriorated pipe and rushed construction putting their safety at risk.
The Peoples’ Protector
From fighting the Mountain Valley Pipeline to building a community garden, protecting people is at the heart of Crystal Mello’s work.
Biden Admin Finalizes Silica Rule Update
A new federal rule would cut miners’ exposure to silica dust, but miners and their advocates have concerns about whether industry will follow the new rule under the current enforcement mechanisms.
EPA Action to Prevent Power Plant Pollution
New EPA rules to regulate pollution from coal and gas power plants could have major impacts on public health and the environment.
Coal Companies Point Fingers as Local Residents Contend With Flood and Home Damage
Geysers, dry wells, damage to buildings and strange slime in creeks have residents near Wolf Pen, West Virginia, looking for answers. Meanwhile, coal companies dodge accountability by blaming each other.
‘Invaded, Disregarded and Dismissed’
Bent Mountain neighbors monitor Mountain Valley Pipeline construction amid rising concerns over degraded pipes and a rushed completion deadline.
Castle in the Sun
“Kids look at it, and they see a castle,” says Scott Miller, executive director of Just For Kids Advocacy Center, of the nonprofit organization’s new Beckley, West Virginia, headquarters. That castle is now solar-powered by a 14-panel ground array, which was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 25.
Greenbrier River Watchdogs Alarmed as Mountain Valley Pipeline Drills
Local residents and water protectors are concerned about pollution and safety risks as boring for the Mountain Valley Pipeline begins beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier River.
Challenges Remain For Mountain Valley Pipeline
In 2022 and 2023, opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline have witnessed a number of victories and setbacks.