As coal collapses, the industry is leaving behind thousands of acres of mined lands in various states of environmental destruction. A new report seeks to understand the scope of the problem and outline potential solutions. [ Read More ]
A new wave of abandoned coal mines?
Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 | Posted by AV's Intern Team | No Comments
New Tennessee law is a giveaway for coal companies
Monday, July 26th, 2021 | Posted by Matt Hepler | No Comments
A new Tennessee law that changes the way surface mining is regulated in the state will force Tennessee taxpayers to prop up the industry and make it easier for coal operators to walk away from mine reclamation. [ Read More ]
The greenwashing of the Mountain Valley Pipeline
Friday, July 16th, 2021 | Posted by Front Porch Blog | No Comments
The developers of the climate-catastrophe that is the Mountain Valley Pipeline proudly announced a deal to offset the project's carbon emissions. Don't be fooled. [ Read More ]
White House group focuses on supporting coal communities
Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
A group of top White House cabinet members and policy advisors is tasked with helping coal communities revitalize their economies. Learn more about the process and how to get involved. [ Read More ]
A bond forfeiture, unpaid fines, and a no-show: one month in the life of a Jim Justice family coal mine
Friday, July 9th, 2021 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
As a Virginia mine continues to rack up environmental and safety problems, state regulators are proceeding with their strongest enforcement option — bond forfeiture. Based on the track record of related Justice family companies, the situation is not likely to improve. [ Read More ]
Knoxville community groups call for affordable utilities
Friday, July 2nd, 2021 | Posted by Brianna Knisley | No Comments
The Knoxville Water and Energy for All campaign is made up of community and faith groups with a mission to bring solutions to the root problems of unaffordable bills and disconnections in Knoxville. [ Read More ]
Enforcement of mine cleanup rules is needed to protect communities, create jobs
Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
During a recent House Natural Resources hearing on the issue of sluggish, inadequate, or totally non-existent reclamation on currently permitted coal mines, community advocates called for federal regulators to firmly enforce existing regulations and act in the public interest. [ Read More ]
Duke Energy rate hike harms low-income families
Monday, June 21st, 2021 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
In North Carolina, electricity rates are set through a "give and take" process that ultimately favors Duke Energy and its shareholders, and harms lower-income families. That's got to change. [ Read More ]
Stakeholder process invites Southwest Virginians to comment on state support for the region
Thursday, June 17th, 2021 | Posted by Katie Moody | No Comments
The Virginia DMME held the first of three listening sessions to hear Southwest Virginians' thoughts on how the state can support the region going forward as the coal tax credits expire. Residents can submit comments in person, by mail or online. [ Read More ]
Collapse of the coal industry: Problems and recommendations
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 | Posted by Erin Savage | No Comments
Coal mine regulations have not kept up with the industry's collapse, leaving regulators without the money – or the legal tools – to address growing problems of scarred landscapes and polluted waters. [ Read More ]
Pushing for democracy in electric co-ops
Saturday, June 5th, 2021 | Posted by Emily Piontek | No Comments
Communities in Appalachia are starting to make progress reforming their electric co-ops to be more democratic and transparent in their governance. [ Read More ]
Google Earth teams up with Appalachian Voices
Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 | Posted by Erin Savage | No Comments
Appalachian Voices teamed up with Google Earth on a video to show how the search engine's satellite imagery helps us protect the environment. [ Read More ]
