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.
North Carolinians React to Proposed Fracking Rules
The N.C. Mining and Energy Commission held public hearings in August and September on the proposed rules it has put forth to regulate fracking in the state. At each of the four hearings held across the state, North Carolinians overwhelmingly expressed concerns with the rules’ shortcomings and the state’s rush to begin fracking.
Gainesville Commission Votes to End Mountaintop Removal Coal Purchases
On Sept. 18, city commissioners in Gainesville, Fla., voted 5-2 for a policy that could end the local power plant’s purchases of Appalachian coal mined by mountaintop removal, and they unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the destructive practice. The move makes Gainesville the first city with a municipal utility to adopt such a policy.
Appalachian Power seeks solar “standby” charge
Virginia’s second-largest electric utility wants permission to levy a charge on residential customers who produce their own power but remain connected to the grid.
Black lung disease reaches near-record levels
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has released research on the “entirely preventable” resurgence of black lung among coal miners.
Rallying for Appalachian Environmental Justice
Appalachian Voices has recently been on the road and joining up with many of our partners to stand strong on mountaintop removal coal mining and climate change.
Appalachian Voices Hosts Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Knoxville
A special selection of award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure and conservation are screening Thursday, Oct 30 at the Bijou Theater in Knoxville, Tenn.
Don’t Tax the (Virginia) Sun
Appalachian Voices and coalition partners recently helped hundreds of Virginians stand up to oppose an unfair tax on residential solar installation.
As Companies Warn of More Layoffs, Lawmakers Look to Employment Training Programs
Two Appalachian coal companies warned nearly 1,500 West Virginia employees that layoffs are likely this fall, underscoring the dire need for other job opportunities in central Appalachia.
Long-Awaited Coal Ash Bill Leaves Communities at Risk
This September, North Carolina’s first bill regulating the disposal of coal ash became law. Legislators praised the law as the strongest in the nation, but environmental groups and citizens living next to coal ash ponds say it is not strong enough.
Health Research Disregarded in Mountaintop Removal Mine Permitting
In both West Virginia and Kentucky this year, federal courts have ruled against groups that believe scientific research into the impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining on health should be considered by the agencies in charge of issuing permits.
