Coal Ash Archives < Appalachian Voices

In “Valley so Low,” an environmental disaster creates a crisis for cleanup workers – and restitution proves elusive

By Contributing Writers | December 18, 2024 |

“Valley So Low” explores 15 years of harm to the workers who cleaned up the Kingston Coal Ash Spill and their pursuit of justice.

For 16th Anniversary of Kingston Coal Ash Spill, Communities Honor Cleanup Workers

By Dan Radmacher | December 17, 2024 |

For the 16th anniversary of the devastating Kingston Coal Ash Spill, families and allies of cleanup workers, including the Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices, set up billboards commemorating the heroic cleanup workers whose health has been impacted by the exposure to coal ash.

New limits on power plant pollution aim to protect communities and the climate

By Dan Radmacher | May 23, 2024 |

Four rules finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency late last month will limit pollution from power plants — reducing climate-altering emissions, protecting the health of nearby communities and speeding the transition to renewable energy.

EPA Action to Prevent Power Plant Pollution

By Dan Radmacher | May 12, 2024 |

New EPA rules to regulate pollution from coal and gas power plants could have major impacts on public health and the environment.

Communities honor Kingston coal ash cleanup workers with video, billboards, and ceremony for 15th spill anniversary

By Dan Radmacher | December 19, 2023 |

To honor cleanup workers for the 15th anniversary of TVA’s Kingston Coal Ash Spill, communities released a powerful short video and set up five billboards. Roane County, which just established the spill anniversary as an annual day of remembrance for the workers, will also hold a ceremony on Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. ET on the steps of the Roane County Courthouse: 200 E Race St #11, Kingston, TN 37763.

Remembering David Hairston

By The Appalachian Voice | July 27, 2023 |

It is with great sorrow that we reflect on the life of David Hairston, a profoundly inspirational community leader, a deeply respected member of the Appalachian Voices Board of Directors, and a treasured friend to many.

Turning Coal Ash into Art

By AV's Intern Team | January 19, 2023 |

In Walnut Cove — a community whose history has been tainted by coal ash for decades — The Lilies Project has turned coal ash into art, and is expanding to encompass the town’s story beyond coal ash.

No Easy Answers on Coal Ash Cleanup

By Ben Bolling | August 25, 2022 |

10 people raise their fists in front of a bronze statue

To protect groundwater and community health, coal ash ponds must be cleaned up. But, as communities in Tennessee have learned, safely removing the toxic waste brings its own set of challenges.

Communities call out Duke Energy’s harmful impacts

By AV's Intern Team | March 17, 2021 |

People from states served by Duke Energy recently testified before the newly formed, independent People’s Commission that the utility’s record on coal ash, electric rates and other issues is harming communities.