The Energy Report
Blackjewel and Revelation Energy Coal Bankruptcy Raises Concerns for Workers and Mine Cleanup
Two coal company bankruptcies in July resulted in retroactively withdrawn paychecks from coal miners and an unclear future for roughly 13,000 acres of unreclaimed mine land.
Read MoreMountain Valley Pipeline Southgate Public Comment Period Begins
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will be accepting public comments on the 73-mile fracked-gas pipeline through Sept. 16, 2019.
Read MoreMiners Take Black Lung Demands to D.C.
Approximately 150 Appalachian coal miners, widows and their loved ones visited Capitol Hill in July to demand that Congress reinstate a tax rate on coal companies for black lung healthcare and benefits.
Read MoreSouthwest Virginia Communities Designated as Solar-friendly
Eight communities in Southwest Virginia achieved designation under the nationwide SolSmart program in July for taking steps to pave the way for solar projects in their municipalities.
Read MoreCongressional Support for RECLAIM Act Grows
U.S. House of Representatives co-sponsors for the RECLAIM Act grew after a coalition of coal mine reclamation advocates traveled to the nation’s capital to express their support for the bill that would accelerate the spending of money in the in the federal abandoned mine cleanup fund.
Read MoreTrump Administration Charged with Weakening Endangered Species Protections to Favor Coal
Environmental groups plan to sue federal and state agencies for allegedly conspiring to weaken endangered species protections in West Virginia.
Read MoreW.V. Landowners Win Case Against Fracking Company
West Virginia’s highest court unanimously ruled that mineral companies may not use surface owners’ land to reach gas reserves under adjacent properties without obtaining their express permission.
Read MoreCompetitive Electric Cooperative Election in Virginia
Three reform candidates are challenging incumbent Rappahannock Electric Cooperative board members and are pledging to revise co-op policies around transparency and renewable energy if elected in August.
Read MoreNeighbors 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.
Read MoreBill 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.
Read More