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.
FirstEnergy and Murray Energy Face Bankruptcy
Murray Energy could go bankrupt by the end of 2017 if the federal government does not intervene to save FirstEnergy, one of Murray’s main customers, from bankruptcy.
Five Tennessee Counties Help State Reach Air Quality Standards
For the first time in 20 years, Knox, Anderson, Loudon, Blount and Roane counties in Tennessee have met federal air quality standards for particulate matter.
Pennsylvania Protects Stream
The Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board recently rejected a permit for underground longwall mining at the Polen Run stream.
Cultivating Forest Medicinals, Creating Healthy Economy
Appalachia’s forest are home to a stunning array of medicinal plants. A movement called forest farming is emerging to grow these plants in private forestland to decrease strains on plant populations and strengthen the market for the region’s botanicals.
The Human Impact: Mining and Fracking in Appalachia
Extracting coal and natural gas is linked to a range of health problems in Appalachia, including shorter life expectancies.
Wildflower Wonders
Wildflowers are one of Appalachia’s most vibrant symbols of summer. As the season’s end nears, we explore a few beautiful, unique flowers that blossom in late summer along mountain trails, forests and riverbeds.
Communities Aim to Solve the Opioid Epidemic
Opioid abuse is on the rise across America, and Appalachia has been hit particularly hard. In response, some local governments and treatment centers are trying new treatment methods, with varying degrees of success. Efforts are also underway to curb the availability of opioid prescriptions and eliminate the stigma associated with addiction.
A Burning Issue: The Health Costs of Coal Ash
Coal ash has been linked to a number of health problems, and community concerns have spurred researchers from the University of North Carolina to investigate drinking water wells in the state.
Traversing the Rock Formations at Kentucky’s Natural Bridge
On the outskirts of the Red River Gorge, hikers at Natural Bridge State Resort Park walk among natural sandstone structures and climb stairs amid thickets of rhododendron and the shade of hemlocks.
Two Interstate Pipelines Clear Regulatory Hurdles Despite Opposition
As the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines clear some of the regulatory hurdles in their way, communities have rallied to state public hearings on water quality certifications to voice their opposition.
