Front Porch Blog
Updates from Appalachia
Crowded lame duck session in D.C. brings dangers and opportunities for Appalachian communities
With just a few weeks remaining in this session of Congress, we’re fighting one alarming bill, working to pass two positive measures, and urging the Senate to confirm key appointments. Our Legislative Director Chelsea Barnes shares what’s happening on Capitol Hill.
New Virginia task force to host listening sessions and support community engagement
A state agency is taking the exciting step of holding listening sessions in Southwest Virginia to solicit local input on how the commonwealth can support the region’s economic future.
North Carolina Utilities Commission should make the right decision on Duke’s Carbon Plan
Why do legislators and those who blindly accept Duke’s promises act surprised when vague commitments around affordability result in ratepayers getting the short end of the stick? Why do they feign surprise when Duke Energy suggests missing a timeline they set for themselves? Why do they pretend to be shocked when years of advocacy and “compromise” result in a utility cherry-picking what they want, robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Monitoring air quality across Appalachia
After a decade of focusing on water pollution from coal mining, Appalachian Voices’ coal impacts team is embarking on an ambitious project to monitor air pollution in communities impacted by coal mining and other fossil fuel infrastructure, and in other communities where air quality is an environmental justice concern.
The choice for North Carolina’s energy future: high rates or renewable energy?
I live in Duke Energy Progress territory, covering the eastern part of North Carolina and South Carolina along with a little patch in western North Carolina including Buncombe County. Soon, Duke Energy Progress plans to raise our rates, and I’m not sure it’s justified.
