Update: House Passes Dirty Coal Package

UPDATE: Last Friday, the House passed the Dirty Coal package, H.R. 3409, by a vote of 233-175. Thirteen Republicans, led by Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8), crossed party lines to oppose the bill and stand up for Appalachian communities and public health. The three parts of the bill not related to mountaintop removal mining had received…

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Coming Soon: 5th Annual Weekend in Wise

The 5th Annual Weekend in Wise County, hosted by the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards and the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition amid Virginia’s treasured Appalachian Mountains, is just around the corner. October 12 through 14, experience the beauty and culture of southwest Virginia and learn about mountaintop removal coal mining. Participate in tours of mountaintop…

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After Coal: Welsh and Appalachian Mining Communities

What happens to a community historically centered around coal mining when the coal runs out? The story of fossil fuels is a story of booms and busts, and reports indicate that Central Appalachia is on the brink of the greatest bust yet. Central Appalachian coal is running out — the U.S. Energy Information Administration anticipates…

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Looking Beyond November

Last week, Appalachian Voices was on the front lines of our democracy at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Our “bourbon and bluegrass” reception for our friends and allies was a smashing success, with impassioned calls to end mountaintop removal coal mining and rousing endorsements of our work from Sen. Ben Cardin, Van Jones and…

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Moving Our Energy Policy Forward

Appalachian Voices’ Director of Programs Matt Wasson addresses a live and online audience about mountaintop removal and coal waste. Tennessee Director JW Randolph and D.C. Director Kate Rooth greet EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson at the DNC. Last night, it was great to see our Director of Programs Matt Wasson, our good friend from Tennessee, Ann…

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DNC Dispatch: Key political players attend App Voices party

Greetings from the DNC! We had an absolutely fantastic evening at our “Bourbon, Bluegrass and a Better Future for Appalachia” reception in the heart of the convention area in uptown Charlotte yesterday. A full house joined us to celebrate our work protecting the environment and communities of Appalachia. Van Jones speaks to a crowd of…

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Another Setback for the Much Needed Cross-State Pollution Rule

A critical clean air rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which would help provide cleaner air for an estimated 240 million Americans — including Appalachians — was dealt a setback today by the U.S. Court of Appeals which rejected the rule 2-to-1. Finalized in August 2011, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule would help prevent…

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ODEC Puts Coal Plant on Ice

Wise Energy for Virginia For Immediate Release – August 9, 2012 ODEC Puts Plans for Coal Plant On Ice Clean energy groups rejoice but vow to stay vigilant ——————————————————————- Contact: Mike McCoy, Appalachian Voices (434) 293-6373 Beth Kemler, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (804) 335-0915 Glen Besa, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter (804) 387-6001 Cale Jaffe, Southern…

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