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
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.
Southwest Va. groups join in with world’s largest grassroots solar event
CONTACTS: Austin Counts, Appalachian Voices, 276-679-1691, austin@appvoices.org Wise…
Old Dominion Power rate proposal would harm Southwest Virginia communities
Old Dominion Power is seeking a massive rate increase, which would increase average residential electricity bills by nearly $29 per month and make it more difficult for Southwest Virginia businesses and residents to access solar power. Now is your chance to speak up!
Southwest Virginia’s natural resources present new opportunities and challenges
Join us for a discussion on how we can leverage ecotourism into a burgeoning new economy for the region!
Community discussion to focus on ecotourism in Southwest Virginia
CONTACTS: Tyler Hughes New Economy Program Manager, Appalachian…
Ancestors: Honoring the Past Through Work in Black Cemeteries
Writer Terran Sparkle Young describes her experience as a Black American learning about her family’s history and a local overgrown cemetery.
