Written by Dan Radmacher
Dan Radmacher
Dan is Appalachian Voice's Media Specialist. Previously, he worked as an opinion journalist for newspapers in Illinois, West Virginia, Florida and Virginia, and then as a communications consultant for a number of environmental nonprofit organizations.
Coal Companies Point Fingers as Local Residents Contend With Flood and Home Damage
Geysers, dry wells, damage to buildings and strange slime in creeks have residents near Wolf Pen, West Virginia, looking for answers. Meanwhile, coal companies dodge accountability by blaming each other.
‘Invaded, Disregarded and Dismissed’
Bent Mountain neighbors monitor Mountain Valley Pipeline construction amid rising concerns over degraded pipes and a rushed completion deadline.
Castle in the Sun
“Kids look at it, and they see a castle,” says Scott Miller, executive director of Just For Kids Advocacy Center, of the nonprofit organization’s new Beckley, West Virginia, headquarters. That castle is now solar-powered by a 14-panel ground array, which was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 25.
Greenbrier River Watchdogs Alarmed as Mountain Valley Pipeline Drills
Local residents and water protectors are concerned about pollution and safety risks as boring for the Mountain Valley Pipeline begins beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier River.
Challenges Remain For Mountain Valley Pipeline
In 2022 and 2023, opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline have witnessed a number of victories and setbacks.
Woman Says Pipeline ‘Wrecked’ Farm
Construction for the Mountain Valley Pipeline damaged Karolyn Givens’ farm, and she says neither the state of Virginia nor the company have been able to repair the land and water.
Mine Cleanup Concerns Grow As Industry Declines
The decline of the coal industry is exacerbating failures of the current federal system to ensure that mines are cleaned up.
How the Coal Mine Cleanup System is Failing
The bankruptcy of coal company Blackjewel has exposed many flaws in the current mine cleanup system.
How a Pipeline Battle Led an Advocate for Formerly Incarcerated People Into Solar Workforce Development
Richard Walker of Bridging the Gap in Virginia is working to make sure vulnerable communities are not left behind in the green energy transformation.
The Tennessee Valley Faces Crossroads Between Methane Gas or Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan to transition away from coal has generated significant push-back from environmental and community groups because of its reliance on methane gas instead of renewable energy.
