The Appalachian Voice
The Changing Nature of Rural Electric Cooperatives in the 21st Century
Learn more about how rural electric cooperatives are leading the way to a more sustainable energy future, by helping their members pay for energy efficiency home improvements.
Read MoreWhat’s Coming Down the Natural Gas Pipeline?
Fracked from the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations, a surplus of natural gas could surge into Virginia and North Carolina if new pipelines and infrastructure projects are approved. Citizens and economic experts are raising questions about how steep a toll — both financially and environmentally — these investments in natural gas will take.
Read MorePower of Cooperation: Co-ops put solar on rooftops
By banding together in solar cooperatives, residents are negotiating better prices for home solar installations, supporting each other through the process, and becoming more empowered solar advocates.
Read MoreRECLAIMing Central Appalachia
A rare bipartisan proposal aims to tackle two pressing issues related to the flailing coal industry — the need for new economic opportunities in central Appalachia and repairing environmental damage from decades of mining.
Read MoreIndustrial Hemp Offers Hope to Appalachia’s Farmers and Environment
Virginia farmers will soon be able to grow hemp for industrial purposes — albeit with restrictions. Industrial hemp farming is also being explored to varying degrees in Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Read MoreService, Music and Community at Appalachian South Folklife Center
The Appalachian South Folklife Center in southern West Virginia has weathered many storms over the past half century, yet continues to provide help to residents in need, education for youth, and a safe harbor for activists.
Read MoreStates Consider Cuts to Mine Safety, Coal Taxes
Legislation in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia related to mine safety laws and coal taxation policies is showing how far Appalachian lawmakers will go in attempts to sustain the ailing industry.
Read MoreBankrupt Coal Companies Dodge Liabilities and Distribute Bonuses
Three major U.S. coal companies have filed bankruptcy and are grappling with their liabilities to restore sites after mining and their obligations to employees, past and present.
Read MoreControversy Shrouds Coal Ash Cleanup
In March, the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality held hearings across the state to solicit stakeholder comments on the cleanup plans for North Carolina’s 33 Duke Energy coal ash impoundments. The state also lifted do-not-drink warnings from households with contaminated wells near coal ash ponds.
Read MoreEnvironmental Votetracker — April/May 2016
See how Appalachian congressional representatives voted on several environmental issues during February and March 2016.
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