RockingChair

Front Porch Blog

Updates from Appalachia

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For Appalachian communities, the 117th Congress brought significant victories, but work remains

As the new Congress begins, we at Appalachian Voices are taking stock of the many victories achieved in the 117th Congress that just came to a close.

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Power outages and rolling blackouts hit Appalachia and the Southeast during winter storm

During this weekend’s unusually low temperatures, people whose power is produced by the Tennessee Valley Authority and Duke Energy have experienced coordinated, rolling electricity blackouts to reduce electricity demand and prevent major grid outages that could take days or weeks to restore.

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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.

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yellow figures with speech bubbles stand on a road in small-town Appalachia

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.

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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.

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