Front Porch Blog
Updates from Appalachia
Hurricane Matthew flooding elevates coal ash concerns
Earlier this month, North Carolina was devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Matthew. Flooding occurred across much of the state, with the hardest impacts felt in the east and among communities that are least able to bounce back from such a catastrophic event. While the flood waters are still receding, we are learning about the impacts left in their wake.
Environmental justice in Buckingham County
A proposed compressor station along the Atlantic Coast Pipeline route would pose public health risks and increase noise pollution in a rural, historically black community. Citizens are fervently urging local officials to reject the project, which would severely impact the viability of the pipeline overall.
Solar and energy efficiency…like peanut butter and jelly
While energy efficiency is just as clean as solar when it comes to emissions, efficiency by itself can’t produce energy for customers looking for a clean energy option, and solar without energy efficiency can’t reach the full extent of its potential. Both are valuable and can, and should, work together as an integrated solution to create cleaner and cheaper energy.
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.
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.
