The Mine Safety and Health Administration’s proposed new regulations would reduce worker exposure to silica dust, but advocates say better enforcement measures are needed.
Molly Moore
Molly is passionate about sharing the environmental and cultural stories of our region. She has worked with Appalachian Voices since 2011 and currently serves as AV's Director of Program Communications and Editor of The Appalachian Voice publication.
Blog Archives
The Appalachian Voice
Black Lung Resurgence Drives Push to Protect Coal Miners Against Silica Dust
Silica dust is behind a dramatic increase in the number of miners becoming ill with the most severe form of black lung disease.
Bankruptcy Proposal Would Dodge Mine Cleanup Laws
As the Blackjewel bankruptcy continues, the responsibility to reclaim mine sites and workers’ compensation for past medical bills are still major issues.
TAGS: bankruptcy blackjewel coal bankruptcy coal miners mine reclamation Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
The Appalachian Voice shifts to publishing online
We are ceasing the print publication of The Appalachian Voice for the time being due to the impact of the pandemic, but we will continue to publish new stories online.
Monacan Nation Opposes Water Utility Development at Historic Site
Update: July 20, 2020 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers extended the comment period for the water infrastructure permit at the historic Rassawek site until June 7, 2020. More than 12,000 comments were filed against the James River Water Authority’s…
Tennesseans Raise Coal Ash Concerns
Local residents are fighting against the Tennessee Valley Authority’s proposed coal ash landfill in Anderson County, Tenn., while others sued the utility in court over health problems they allege are linked to the Bull Run power plant.
TAGS: Coal Ash Environmental Protection Agency Tennessee Tennessee Valley Authority TVA TVA Kingston coal ash spill
Endangered Species Rulings Could Impact Energy Projects
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed the protection of 445 stream miles in Central Appalachia in January that serves as habitat for two at-risk aquatic species.
TAGS: big sandy crayfish Endangered species guyandotte river crayfish Mountaintop Removal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Trump Proposes Major Rollback of Key Environmental Law
The president’s planned changes to the National Environmental Policy Act include eliminating a requirement for agencies to review the cumulative impacts of certain infrastructure projects on climate change.
TAGS: environmental reviews National Environmental Policy Act NEPA rollback President Trump Southern Environmental Law Center
Permit for Perry State Forest Mine in Ohio Cancelled
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency cancelled a key water quality permit for a proposed coal mine in Perry State Forest in January.
Draft Plan for Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Released
The U.S. Forest Service released its draft plan for North Carolina’s Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. The public comment period runs through May 14, and multiple public meetings are scheduled.
