The Appalachian Voice
North Carolina’s Complicated Road to Renewables
As coal ash continues to plague communities across North Carolina, the state’s legislature is debating whether to invest in or put a freeze on renewable energy. The Energy Freedom Act, introduced by House Republicans, would allow third party solar sales in the state and has the potential to increase investments in solar energy. The bill…
Read MoreAn Enterprising Idea
Entrepreneurs — and their supporters — believe that jumpstarting the mountain economy begins with investment in local business.
Read MoreIntegrating a Plant Medicine Economy
Scientific analysis of locally grown herbs is helping farmers, entrepreneurs and consumers take advantage of the region’s botanical bounty.
Read MoreAdvancing Quality of Life for Patients with Black Lung
Rural pulmonary rehabilitation helps patients struggling with black lung disease improve their well-being.
Read MoreHemp Makes A Comeback
Several states are moving forward with the process of bringing industrial-scale hemp to Appalachian farms and factories.
Read MoreBlazing Trails in Mars Hill
A North Carolina mountain-bike park intends to draw bikers from around the country all year long.
Read MoreReworking the Region
From innovative job-training models and worker-owned business to the prospect of federal funding to reinvigorate Appalachia, people across the region are working for a stronger economy.
Read MoreMcAuliffe Fast-tracks Efficiency
Citing the clean energy sector as a “key strategic growth area” for Virginia’s economy, Governor Terry McAuliffe moved up the state’s goal to reduce retail electricity use by 10 percent from 2022 to 2020. The governor appointed 12 individuals from the public and private sector to his Executive Committee on Energy Efficiency, which is tasked…
Read MoreIn Defense of Food Security
Veteran farmers and gardeners find that working the land can help with the transition from solider to civilian.
Read MoreKids in Parks Reconnects Families with the Outdoors
Trailside brochures guide children through educational, nature-based activities.
Read More