A New Economy for Appalachia
America’s energy landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, resulting in substantial economic impacts in Central Appalachia, which has historically been driven by the coal industry. The inevitable decline of the coal industry is causing hardship for many families in the region and serves as a wake-up call that now is the time to diversify our economy.
A window of opportunity has opened for Central Appalachia. Recognizing this, a growing number of local residents, elected officials, economic development leaders and institutions are making choices to move toward a new economy, and calling for policies and ways of thinking to carry the region into a future of economic resilience and shared prosperity.
Appalachian Voices is integrally involved in this challenge, bringing to bear the four key principles of community engagement, economic diversification, land restoration and growing the clean energy sector. Our New Economy for Appalachia program is based out of our Norton, Va., office in the heart of Southwest Virginia’s coal country.
We facilitate opportunities for residents from all walks of life and with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to become more engaged in sharing ideas and making decisions about their economic future. We hosted community visioning forums and built an online “wiki” site to provide citizens an opportunity to make their voices heard. In 2016, we participated in the University of Virginia College at Wise’s “Economic Forum of 2016,” a first-ever event of its scope, drawing hundreds of citizens, economic development experts and others.
While our efforts are focused in Southwest Virginia, we recognize that the movement for a just transition away from the coal economy is a regional one, and closely collaborate with partner groups working toward similar goals. Together with citizens, leaders and organizations across Central Appalachia, we are pressing for increased federal funding to help mountain communities diversify their economies by transforming previously mined lands into sites for sensible economic development, and working to bring investments in solar and other renewable energies to the region.
Our Mountain Ascent newsletter celebrates the victories in our efforts to build a new economy in the coalfields.
Latest News
Touring solar successes in Southwest Virginia
Residents from across the region toured solar installations in Abingdon and Wise County, Va., to learn more about solar development, financing options and more.
Dante: A beacon of hope for Southwest Virginia
The small community of Dante is bringing big dreams into action. Appalachian Voices volunteer Sara Lamb shares highlights of the Dante Community Association’s work and reflects on what this progress means for Southwest Virginia.
Appalachian Voices receives grant for solar in Southwest Virginia
Appalachian Voices has received a federal grant to help further the mission of the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia to develop the region as a hub for the solar industry, creating jobs and community wealth.
Mendota Rail-to-Trail Moves Forward
Organizers opened a 3.1-mile section of the planned 12.5-mile Mendota Trail in Bristol, Va., in August. The trail is slated to run along a former railway path from Bristol to Mendota, Va.
Wise County Solar Tour
Tour some of Wise County’s solar energy installations on Oct. 19 as part of the 24th Annual National Solar Tour.
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.
