Written by Molly Moore
Molly Moore
Molly is passionate about sharing the environmental and cultural stories of our region. She has worked with Appalachian Voices since 2011 and currently serves as AV's Director of Program Communications and Editor of The Appalachian Voice publication.
Congressional Hearing Addresses Abandoned Mine Cleanup
Regional leaders testified in front of a U.S. House subcommittee about strategies to restore abandoned mines and witnesses expressed support for the RECLAIM Act.
Friends of Perry State Forest Fight Mine Permit
The proposed 545-acre strip mine in Ohio would encompass 12 percent of the state forest and would be managed by the former CEO of a coal company that covered up water quality violations.
Kentucky Holds Hearing on 10,000-acre Mining Ban
Residents of Harlan County, Ky., are seeking to ban surface mining on 10,000 acres of land near the towns of Benham and Lynch.
Groups Urge Virginia Mining Agency to Strengthen Regulations
Environmental groups are calling on Virginia regulators to strengthen coal mining rules by making it easier for citizens who file complaints to be involved in site inspections, strengthening bonding requirements and more.
West Virginia Enacts Coal Tax Cut
Gov. Jim Justice signed bills dropping a tax on coal from 5 to 3 percent over the next three years and granting a 35 percent tax credit to coal companies buying new equipment for new or expanded mining operations.
Barbara Jividen
Construction of the Mountaineer XPress Pipeline near Barbara Jividen’s home came with concerns about safety risks posed by the fracked-gas line.
Kentuckians Petition State to Block Surface Mining Near Two Towns
Filers of the petition argue that future surface coal mining near Benham and Lynch, Ky., would harm residents’ health and enjoyment of the area, as well as the towns’ historic character and attempts to attract tourism.
Vigilant Volunteers Monitor Pipeline Construction
Local residents are monitoring pipeline construction along the routes of several major projects. Some people are checking on the health of impacted streams, and others are deploying aerial surveillance.
Member Spotlight: John and Faye Cooper
John and Faye Cooper, owners of the renowned Mast General Store, are longtime supporters of Appalachian Voices and a host of charitable causes in the North Carolina High Country.
