The Appalachian Voice
Global Recycling Changes Affect Tri-Cities Area
Multiple recycling programs in the tri-cities area of Virginia and Tennessee have been affected by a Kingsport recycling facility’s closure that is linked to China’s ban on the import of 24 recyclable materials.
Read MoreCongressional 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.
Read MoreTVA Releases Long-term Energy Plan, Announces Retirement of Two Coal Power Plants
The Tennessee Valley Authority plans to add between four and nine gigawatts of solar power over the next 20 years, and voted to close two old coal-fired power plants in February.
Read MoreFriends 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.
Read MoreWestmoreland Coal Allowed to Sever Worker Agreements
In February, a federal judge allowed Westmoreland Coal Company to terminate benefits for current and retired coal miners.
Read MoreKentucky 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.
Read MoreGroups 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.
Read MoreWest 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.
Read MoreFracking Company to Pay Millions for WV Clean Water Act Violations
Fracking company Antero Resources was ordered to pay $3.15 million for state and federal water pollution violations and to undertake an estimated $8 million cleanup.
Read MoreNC Governor Proposes Wind Energy Study
Gov. Roy Cooper’s proposed budget for 2019 to 2021 includes $300,000 for a study to determine the state’s feasibility for offshore wind energy.
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