Written by Kevin Ridder
Kevin Ridder
Born in Arizona and raised in Tennessee, Kevin’s love of the mountains drove him to move even further east to Boone, N.C., where he serves as The Appalachian Voice's Associate Editor and a communications associate for the organization.
Contending with Contamination in Minden, W.Va.
Minden, W.Va., residents have been plagued with toxic PCBs for decades. Now the town is on the Superfund list and residents are once again calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to relocate the entire community.
TVA Faces Criticism Over Coal Ash, Transparency
The Tennessee Valley Authority and its contractor Jacobs Engineering are facing a new lawsuit regarding their cleanup of the 2008 Kingston coal ash spill. Additionally, state and federal lawmakers are backing a U.S. House bill that would require more transparency from the monopoly utility.
Neighbors of Mountaintop Removal Testify Before Congress
In April, people living near coal strip mines testified before a U.S. House subcommittee about how mountaintop removal coal mining has affected their lives and communities.
Bill Supported by Duke Energy Could Lead to Rate Hikes
Duke Energy is backing a North Carolina bill that could allow the monopoly utility to raise rates with reduced oversight – and an April report shows that Duke targeted its campaign contributions to key legislators involved with the bill.
Virginia Budget Excludes Participation in Carbon Cap and Trade Program
Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill impeding Virginia’s ability to take part in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative despite a state board’s April vote to join it.
Court Orders EPA to Revisit Wastewater Rule
A federal court ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review parts of a 2015 rule governing wastewater from power plants after environmental groups argued that it was not sufficient.
Miners Pressure Congress for Pension Fix
Dozens of retired coal miners came to the capitol and called on Washington lawmakers to pass legislation to preserve pensions for tens of thousands of retired and working miners.
Pipelines Plagued by Lawsuits and Delays
Construction remains halted on most of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s route and on some of the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s route due to a slew of legal issues.
Solar Projects Shine in Southwest Virginia
Collaborative efforts to bring solar to businesses, homes, schools and an abandoned mine move forward.
