The Appalachian Voice
Support Grows for Mine Reclamation Bill
Numerous Appalachian coal-bearing communities have passed resolutions calling on federal legislators to pass a bill that would reauthorize a program that funds cleanup of abandoned mine lands.
Read MoreBlack Lung Healthcare Legislation Sees Progress
Congress temporarily reinstated a tax on coal companies that funds black lung benefits for miners and their families in December. Advocates continue to push for further protections for coal workers.
Read MoreEnvironmental Votetracker — Spring 2020
See how Appalachian legislators at the federal level voted in late 2019.
Read MoreBeware of Spreading These Common Invasive Species
Don’t be fooled by their looks — many popular plants sold in nurseries are actually invasive species that can kill off local flora.
Read MoreThe Impacts of Coal Bankruptcies
With industry projections trending downwards, questions continue about whether the mine reclamation system can handle ongoing bankruptcies.
Read MoreBetting the Farm on a “Wild West” Hemp Economy in Appalachia
Ever-changing laws and regulations, a saturated CBD market and high operating costs are stressing the region’s industrial hemp farmers.
Read MoreSenate Bill Would Expand Virginia Wilderness
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Virginia Wilderness Additions Act in January, which would increase two wilderness areas in Bath County, Va., by 5,600 acres.
Read MoreNC Litter-Free Coalition Pays Youth for Trash Cleanup
An anti-litter group in Murphy, N.C., partnered with dozens of local businesses and individuals to pledge money to young people who fill trash bags with litter in Cherokee County.
Read MoreWater Contamination in Paden City, W.Va.
Residents of Paden City, W.Va., have dealt with chemical water pollution since at least March 2019.
Read MoreForest Service Pulls West Virginia Logging Project
In December, the U.S. Forest Service cancelled a 2,400-acre logging plan in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest after environmental groups challenged the project.
Read More