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.
Virginians March for Climate Justice
More than 600 people turned out for a “March on the Mansion” in Richmond on July 23 to tell Gov. Terry McAuliffe to stand against fossil-fuel polluters and stand with people who are fighting fracked-gas pipelines, toxic coal ash and climate change.
Spurring Civic Involvement for Clean Water, Mine Reclamation
In late July, several federal agencies held public comment periods regarding critical clean water and coal mining issues. Appalachian Voices submitted comments and called on mountain lovers to add their voices.
Welcome Lara, Farewell to Hannah and Tarence
Appalachian Voices welcomes a new Virginia Field Organizer and wishes good luck to two departing staff members.
Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining in West Virginia
Two mountaintop removal coal mines are proposed in West Virginia, and another relatively new mine faces a pollution lawsuit. Meanwhile, federal courts upheld the EPA’s denial of the largest mountaintop removal permit ever proposed.
West Virginia County Denied Regulation of Frack Wastewater, Regional Problem Unveiled
A federal judge invalidated an ordinance that banned fracking wastewater from being stored, disposed of or used in Fayette County, West Virginia.
Alpha Natural Resources to Exit Bankruptcy
Alpha Natural Resources won approval to emerge from bankruptcy. The plan rests on the transfer of Alpha’s core coal assets to new company, Contura Energy, Inc.
Federal Support for Clean Energy Financing and other shorts
Federal support for clean energy financing, carbon emissions from coal mine drainage, new pollution controls for a proposed natural gas plant and more short stories.
Groups Face High Price if They Lose Appeal of Duke Energy Gas Plant
Two North Carolina nonprofit organizations face $98 million bond that would bar their legal challenge against Duke Energy’s proposed gas-fired power plant near Asheville.
Gov. McAuliffe Forms Working Group to Cut Carbon Emissions
Virginia Gov. McAuliffe issued executive order directing state officials to form a working group to recommend ways to reduce carbon pollution across the state.
Reform of Federal Coal Leases
A White House report highlights the need for federal coal lease reform that takes into consideration the market price of coal and external environmental costs.
