Written by AV's Intern Team
AV's Intern Team
Every year, Appalachian Voices is fortunate to assemble a phenomenal team of rockstar interns from numerous Appalachian and East Coast universities. Enjoy these posts from our interns.
Local WV Groups Fight Back Against Industrial Rockwool Facility
Community groups in Jefferson County, W.Va., are challenging local and state government efforts to bring a stone wool insulation manufacturing plant to the area, citing air pollution and other concerns.
States’ Right to Ban Uranium Mining Upheld
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a Virginia mining company that was suing to overturn the state’s 1982 moratorium on uranium mining.
Conservation Group Acquires 235,000 Acres in Central Appalachia
The Nature Conservancy plans to conserve the Southeast Kentucky, Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia land to protect wildlife and water quality while allowing recreational usage.
Massive Greenhouse to Include Sustainable Tech
A 60-acre greenhouse being built in Brown County, Ky., will incorporate recycled rainwater and other technologies to grow produce year-round after its set completion in late 2020.
Environmental Ethics in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is changing its behavior in response to critics that accused the agency of being too cozy with the companies they regulate at an annual conference.
NC Groups Challenge Laws Favoring Industrial Hog Operations
Several N.C. environmental and community groups filed a challenge against laws that limit lawsuits against industrial hog operations, claiming that the facilities violate individual property rights and that the laws discriminate against minority groups.
Endangered Mussels to Get Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to grant critical habitat for four endangered mussel species in 18 states by 2024.
Deadly Elk and Deer Disease Spreads
Wildlife officials discovered cases of Chronic Wasting Disease, which causes brain degeneration in elk and deer, in Tennessee. This has led to some states taking precautions to avoid disease spread.
Study Finds Red Wolves are a Distinct Species
The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that red wolves are a distinct species, allowing the species to be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Agency Says Hellbenders Not Endangered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided not to list the Eastern Hellbender salamander as endangered, prompting protest from conservation groups.
