Front Porch Blog
Updates from Appalachia
October is Solar Month in Southwest Virginia!
In October, residents in Southwest Virginia will have the chance to tour some of the region’s solar energy installations. Solar organizations are teaming up to showcase solar energy systems across the region as part of the 24th Annual National Solar Tour.
Say “no” to Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate extension
The same company that has wracked up hundreds of water quality violations building the Mountain Valley Pipeline wants to extend the pipeline another 70 miles. A public comment period is open now.
A decision point for abandoned coal mines
An accurate inventory of abandoned coal mine lands is imperative for understanding the scope of the problem, where funding needs to be directed, and how much funding is necessary.
Bond forfeitures begin on bankrupt Blackjewel and Revelation mine permits
An unreclaimed coal mine has sent mud and debris onto a neighboring property. The mine is one of five Virginia permits owned by bankrupt Revelation Energy and Blackjewel that are now facing bond forfeiture, which means the state or the mines’ insurance companies could take over the cleanup.
Blackjewel’s black lung problem
Bankrupt coal company Blackjewel owes nearly $10 million in taxes to the fund that provides benefits to miners with black lung disease whose employer has gone bankrupt.
