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.
Empower Kentucky Plan Would Create Jobs, Boost Energy Efficiency
A new plan by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth sets a path for the state to reduce its carbon footprint, increase social justice, create jobs and boost the economy.
Congress Passes Budget Deal
In a last minute deal, Congress passed a compromise budget in late April that will fund federal obligations through September 2017. The budget includes funding for miner’s health care benefits that were lost during bankruptcy hearings for the parent companies.
Residents Allege Herbicide Spraying Caused Health Problems
A group of Tennessee residents believe that excessive spraying of herbicides by Powell Valley Electric Cooperative in June of 2016 has caused major health problems for them and their pets.
Duke Energy Wants to Raise Rates to Pay for Coal Ash Cleanup
Energy giant Duke Energy has signaled to the North Carolina Utilities Commission that it will seek to raise its rates, in part to pay for the nearly $5 billion needed to clean up its coal ash impoundments.
Marching for Science and Climate and Other Shorts
Appalachian Voices was proud to join hundreds of thousands of U.S. residents who marched in Washington and around the nation for science and for the climate. We also released a new study on energy efficiency in Western North Carolina.
Coal Plant Waste Standards Put on Hold by EPA and Other Shorts
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency has stalled regulations that would prevent water pollution from coal power plants, a new study finds a link between natural gas fracking and increased infant mortality, and new drilling activities for the Rover Pipeline were put on hold after a massive spill into Ohio wetlands.
Regional Utilities Don’t Plan to Return to Coal
Despite promises made by President Donald Trump to revive the coal industry, CEOs from the region’s largest utilities have stated that they don’t intend to return to burning coal to make electricity.
Testifying Before Congress on Mine Reclamation
Thom Kay, our senior legislative representative, testified before Congress in May regarding reclamation of former coal mines. He spoke before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Southwest Virginia Sunshine
Appalachian Voices and our partners were proud to co-host the Southwest Virginia Solar Fair on May 9, 2017.
New Entrance Fee for WV State Parks and Forests and Other Shorts
New fees will affect West Virginian state parks and forests, wildlife officials are asking for help documenting the Timber Rattlesnake and the Stay Together Appalachian Youth Project will host a summer institute in July.
