RockingChair

Front Porch Blog

Updates from Appalachia

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Coal miners call on Congress for support amidst dual threats from black lung and COVID-19

The coal industry is trying to exploit the coronavirus pandemic for a tax break at the expense of healthcare and disability benefits for miners with black lung, but miners are pushing back.

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Va governor signs pipeline bill that protects consumers

A new law in Virginia protects electricity customers from paying for unnecessary natural gas pipelines; it could have impact on the controversial Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

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What do Virginia’s new energy laws mean for the coalfields

New energy laws in Virginia provide significant opportunity for solar development in the state’s historic coalfields, but not enough direct support for communities hit by the clean energy transition.

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quote from a Volunteer Electric Co-op member about her and her husband's experience being disconnected and then having to pay $30 to be reconnected

Tennessee needs a moratorium on utility shutoffs

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our health and livelihoods, utility shutoffs are hurting residents throughout Tennessee. Call Gov. Bill Lee today to ask him to stop utilities from disconnecting people from vital services during this crisis.

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Unreclaimed Aily Branch Mine

Bond-forfeited Virginia Blackjewel mines may finally have a buyer

Three Virginia strip mines, neglected in the wake of the Blackjewel bankruptcy, may finally have a buyer. But it remains to be seen if the new company would be able to reclaim the land.

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