RockingChair

Front Porch Blog

Updates from Appalachia

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Kentucky arrow darter photo by Dr. Matthew R. Thomas, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Protecting a unique Kentucky fish from mountaintop removal coal mining

The eye-catching Kentucky arrow darter was just listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, largely due to water pollution from activities like surface coal mining. Increased protection for this rare fish will lead to healthier ecosystems and communities.

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Join our “Daylight Savings Challenge”

The autumn Daylight Savings Time often brings higher energy bills to Appalachian mountain communities. To help folks with their winter energy bills, the Appalachian Voices Energy Savings team has come up with the “Daylight Savings Challenge.” This fall, 100 Appalachian State University students will replace 160 old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs for Boone-area residents by the November 6, helping residents save money and energy.

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The pivot toward gas is especially pronounced in the eastern U.S., with Duke at the forefront of a historic fuel switch.

Duke Energy’s empire grows with natural gas

Duke Energy’s purchase of Piedmont Natural Gas was finalized this week after North Carolina utility regulators signed off on the deal. The acquisition is only the latest development in a regionwide push to expand natural gas investments and infrastructure that foreshadows an energy future experts are urging us to avoid.

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"WeOwnIt is a pro-member, pro-democracy organization that aims to build the foundation for a fair and just economic system.

What do electric co-ops have to do with economic justice?

The nonprofit WeOwnIt initiative was established in 2015 to create a national network for cooperative members of all sectors to have the rights, education and tools to implement organizing practices. This year, WeOwnIt is concentrating efforts towards electric co-ops.

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A growing mine is a growing problem for the Russell Fork River

The history of the Doe Branch mine in Southwest Virginia is long and complicated, and its future remains unclear. A bankruptcy saga with the mine’s previous owner stalled development in the past year, but things appear to be getting back on track — putting the Russell Fork River at risk.

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