Across Appalachia
Virginia Outlaws Box Turtles as Pets
The new regulation, which took effect in July, aims to reduce poaching and mitigate turtle population decline from habitat loss.
Read MoreLinville Caverns Spider Could Be North Carolina’s Newest State Symbol
A bill currently in the North Carolina legislature would declare the tiny Linville Caverns spider an official state symbol.
Read MoreMussel Sensors Pave the Way for New Environmental Monitoring Tools
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a new system to remotely monitor the behavior of freshwater mussels with the potential to warn scientists of aquatic pollutants.
Read MoreTennessee Drafting Public Recreation Plan
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is in the process of developing the state’s 10-year public recreation plan after gathering public input on priorities.
Read MoreWV Bills to Relax Water Protections Seen as ‘Dangerous’
Environmental groups in West Virginia are pushing back against two bills in West Virginia that would relax regulations on above-ground chemical storage tanks and ease groundwater quality standards.
Read MoreNew River Gorge Becomes Newest National Park
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, established in December 2020, is West Virginia’s first national park.
Read MoreRegional Universities Win EPA Grants For Sustainability Projects
Three universities in Appalachia were among 32 higher education institutions that were awarded grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for projects that include developing water pipes from recycled plastic and researching the air quality impact of exhaled carbon dioxide.
Read MoreFuture is Uncertain for Trump-era Changes to Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Under the prior administration’s reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, companies would not be fined for incidental bird killings that result from events such as oil spills. The Biden administration has blocked the change from going into effect while it seeks more public comment.
Read MoreAsian Carp Barriers to be Erected on Tennessee, Cumberland Rivers
As Tennessee continues its battle against invasive Asian carp, environmentalists say plans to erect new barriers to stop the carp from entering the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers are a step in the right direction.
Read MoreCalls to Expel WV Attorney General Over 2020 Election Lawsuit
A coalition of West Virginia lawmakers and civil-rights groups are calling on state legislators to also oust and disbar Attorney General Patrick Morrisey for participating in what they’re calling “un-American” efforts to disenfranchise voters in the presidential election.
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