The Appalachian Voice
Duke Energy Wants to Raise Rates to Pay for Coal Ash Cleanup
Energy giant Duke Energy has signaled to the North Carolina Utilities Commission that it will seek to raise its rates, in part to pay for the nearly $5 billion needed to clean up its coal ash impoundments.
Read MoreMarching for Science and Climate and Other Shorts
Appalachian Voices was proud to join hundreds of thousands of U.S. residents who marched in Washington and around the nation for science and for the climate. We also released a new study on energy efficiency in Western North Carolina.
Read MoreTennessee Broadband Law Brings Opportunities and Restrictions
A new Tennessee law will provide $45 million in grants and tax credits for private companies to subsidize the buildout of rural fiber networks. It also allows rural electric cooperatives to provide broadband.
Read MoreEnvironmental Votetracker — June/July 2017 issue
How Appalachian House and Senate members voted regarding several environmental issues in April and May.
Read MoreAgricultural Runoff Defiles Shenandoah River
A recent report documented numerous instances of agricultural runoff polluting the Shenandoah River with the E. Coli bacteria.
Read MoreArt Exhibit Raises Awareness of New River
An new art exhibit raises awareness about water quality issues facing the New River. It is on display at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone, N.C., through July 29.
Read MoreCoal Plant Waste Standards Put on Hold by EPA and Other Shorts
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency has stalled regulations that would prevent water pollution from coal power plants, a new study finds a link between natural gas fracking and increased infant mortality, and new drilling activities for the Rover Pipeline were put on hold after a massive spill into Ohio wetlands.
Read MoreVirginia Takes Lead in Efforts to Reduce Carbon
Gov. Terry McAuliffe has directed the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to begin developing a plan to reduce the carbon emissions from the state’s electricity sector.
Read MoreRegional Utilities Don’t Plan to Return to Coal
Despite promises made by President Donald Trump to revive the coal industry, CEOs from the region’s largest utilities have stated that they don’t intend to return to burning coal to make electricity.
Read MoreCitizens Fight New Mines and Mining Problems in West Virginia
Citizens continue to fight mountaintop removal mining happening in West Virginia. As the state’s Surface Mine Board continues to issue new permits, watchdog groups remain vigilant in monitoring for environmental violations.
Read More