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.

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A group of people are seated around tables as if speaking in a meeting.

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.

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woman with brown hair in a white sweatshirt stands outdoors

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.

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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.

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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.

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Autumn leaves dot the surface of a creek that seems to have a dark discoloration.

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.

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Four women of various ages are standing on a slope in a forested area. Trees are bare except for evergreens and the ground is littered with fall foliage in browns and dull reds. The women are wearing cool weather clothes and one looks like she is speaking toward the camera while leaning one arm against a tree trunk.

‘Invaded, Disregarded and Dismissed’

Bent Mountain neighbors monitor Mountain Valley Pipeline construction amid rising concerns over degraded pipes and a rushed completion deadline.

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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.

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Heavy equipment and vehicles are seen in a fenced off area of disturbed land next to a river.

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.

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Mountain Valley Pipeline pipes litter the ground along the pipeline in front of a Virginia home.

Challenges Remain For Mountain Valley Pipeline

In 2022 and 2023, opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline have witnessed a number of victories and setbacks.

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