Written by Elizabeth E. Payne

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Elizabeth E. Payne

A native of Boone, N.C., Lee earned degrees in archaeology and ancient history at Brown University and Boston University, and received a Ph.D. in Near Eastern languages and civilizations from Yale University. She served as our AmeriCorps Communications associate from 2015-16, and as our Communications Associate from 2016-2017.

Following the White Blaze

For nearly 70 years, adventurous souls have been thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. People embark on the challenge for various reasons, but no one who makes the journey is ever the same again.

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Resistance to Pipelines Across the East

As more and more pipeline projects are proposed to bring fracked gas out of the Appalachian Basin, residents are rising up to voice their opposition and fight to stop the pipelines from endangering their communities.

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Peters Mountain

In the Pipelines’ Paths: Environmental damages to special places

Both the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines threaten to damage historic and scenic sites along their paths through West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. Places such as Bent Mountain and Peters Mountain could be permanently scared, while parts of the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway could also be impacted.

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Pipeline Construction Would Scar Appalachian Trail Vistas

If constructed, the proposed Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines would permanently mar several majestic vistas along the Appalachian Trail. Local residents and avid hikers voice concerns.

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The pivot toward gas is especially pronounced in the eastern U.S., with Duke at the forefront of a historic fuel switch.

Pipelines Spark Safety Concerns

While both the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and industry groups say pipelines are the safest way to transport products like natural gas, pipeline incidents are on the rise.

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Atlantic Coast Pipeline Environmental Review Underway

Environmental and community groups have raised concerns about the the federal draft environmental review of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The public comment period is open until April 6, 2017.

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Delay in Mountain Valley Pipeline

The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Mountain Valley Pipeline has been delayed indefinitely, but the Trump administration expedited action on the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines.

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West Virginia Contends with Aftermath of 2014 Chemical Spill

Three years after the chemical MCHM spilled from a storage tank into the Elk River, leaving 300,000 West Virginia American Water Company customers without safe drinking water, a tentative settlement was reached between the private water utility and the state Public Service Commission and Consumer Advocate.

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Mine Permit Disputes on Coal River Mountain

Coal River Mountain Watch continues to fight mountaintop removal coal mining in West Virginia. Alpha Natural Resources and its subsidiaries hold four active surface coal mining permits on Coal River Mountain that cover 5,600 acres.

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Virginia Uranium Mining Ban Lawsuit Continues

Lawyers for the company Virginia Uranium are seeking permission to mine for the element despite a current ban in the state.

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