Written by Elizabeth E. Payne
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.
Coal Ash Cleanup News in North Carolina and Georgia
Across the Southeast, communities near coal ash impoundments continue to face challenges in getting these facilities cleaned up.
Settlement Reached for Jim Justice Mines
On Sept. 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement resolving thousands of pollution violations against Southern Coal Corporation and 26 affiliated coal mining companies with operations in Appalachia.
Daylight Savings Challenge
For the Daylight Savings Challenge, our Energy Savings team partnered with student volunteers from Appalachian State University to distribute almost 100 energy efficient LED light bulbs to six seniors across Watauga County, N.C.
Coal Ash Water Pollution Permit Disputed
On Nov. 15, Appalachian Voices’ North Carolina team attended a wastewater permit hearing for the Belews Creek Steam Station to help local community members push for stricter water pollution requirements.
French Broad Energy Forum is a Success
Nearly 60 citizens attended an energy efficiency information session in mid-November for members of the French Broad Electric Membership Corp., an electric cooperative that serves six rural counties in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.
Changes at Appalachian Voices
Appalachian Voices welcomes a new Distribution Manager for the Appalachian Voice and our first Southwest Virginia Solar VISTA. We also announce a new position for a current staff member and bid goodbye to a departing staff member.
Repurposing Virginia’s Abandoned Coal Sites
On Nov. 1, Appalachian Voices together with Coal Mining Engineering Services, LLC, and Downstream Strategies released a groundbreaking new report demonstrating how abandoned mine lands can be reimagined to benefit the region.
Southwest Virginians Challenge Mine
On Nov. 7, community members voiced their concerns about the proposed Doe Branch mountaintop removal mine to the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.
Dakota Access Pipeline Stopped, For Now
As protests continue, the Obama administration stepped in to temporarily block the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Ben Bristoll: Bike Delivery Brings The Voice to Roanoke
Ben Bristoll distributed The Appalachian Voice is Roanoke, Va., on his bike and lives his life as sustainably as possible.
