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.
Appalachian Access to Affordable Healthcare
Changes in federal health policy could leave even more residents without adequate access to healthcare — and increase the number of patients who rely on nonprofit safety net clinics. In Southwest Virginia, the grassroots group We Care aims to create more dialogue between the public and legislators about the healthcare system.
Problems Persist for Rover and Mariner East 2 Pipelines During Construction
Construction of two natural gas pipelines has contaminated wetlands or local drinking water systems. State judges and agencies have halted construction in response.
West Virginia Acquires Land for Newly Reintroduced Elk
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is working to increase public land for reintroduced elk herds.
Virginia and North Carolina Vow Climate Action As U.S. Withdraws from Paris Agreement
The governors of North Carolina and Virginia signed a letter agreeing to meet necessary leadership for commitment to Paris Agreement, and Virginia moves forward with plans to limit carbon dioxide emissions.
RECLAIM Act Passes House Committee
A bill to accelerate the reclamation of abandoned coal mines and revitalize local economies moved forward and could be voted on this fall.
Opposition to Potential Nuclear Reactors in Tennessee
The Tennessee Valley Authority is seeking an early permit for modular nuclear reactors in Roane County, Tenn.
Repeal of EPA Methane Rule Denied in Court
The Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to suspend a rule that restricts methane leaks related to natural gas infrastructure were denied by an appeals court.
NC Passes Controversial Solar and Wind Law
A new North Carolina law faces sharp criticism from some advocates of renewable energy, but others are touting it as a win for the solar industry. The law also implements a moratorium on wind development, but an executive directive from the governor placed limits on that moratorium.
Third Coal Ash Recycling Site Announced in NC
Duke Energy plans to follow state law and construct a third coal ash recycling plant in Moncure, N.C.
EPA Sampling for PCB Contamination
The EPA is sampling water and soil in Minden, W.Va., where it is suspected that harmful PCB chemicals may be causing high cancer rates in the area.
