Southwest Va. groups join in with world’s largest grassroots solar event

CONTACTS: Austin Counts, Appalachian Voices, 276-679-1691, austin@appvoices.org Wise County, Va. – The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia joins the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and hundreds of solar installers and grassroots organizations throughout America to showcase thousands of solar-powered homes, schools and businesses for the 24th Annual National Solar Tour, the world’s largest grassroots…

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Community discussion to focus on ecotourism in Southwest Virginia

CONTACTS: Tyler Hughes New Economy Program Manager, Appalachian Voices 276-207-8686, tyler@appvoices.org The New Economy Network of Southwest Virginia and Appalachian Voices are hosting a community discussion on ecotourism in Pennington Gap on Tuesday, August 27. The meeting is free and refreshments will be served. The community discussion will feature a panel of local residents who…

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Southwest Virginia communities first in Central Appalachia to achieve national recognition for advancing solar energy

Saint Paul, VA, July 25, 2019 – Eight Southwest Virginia communities have achieved designation under the national SolSmart program for encouraging the growth of local solar energy markets, at a time when several major solar installations on schools, businesses, and community centers are poised to begin across the region. CONTACTS: Avery Palmer, The Solar Foundation,…

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Appalachian citizens react to Trump administration proposal to close job-training centers

CONTACTS: Adam Wells, Regional Director of Community and Economic Development, adam@appvoices.org, 276-807-8269 Cat McCue, Communications Director, cat@appvoices.org, 434-293-6373 The Department of Labor today published notice in the Federal Register regarding proposed closure of nine federal job-training centers around the country. The Trump administration announced the news last Friday, as people were making plans and starting…

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Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia recognized in national competition

Contacts: Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager chelsea@appvoices.org, 276-207-9636 Cat McCue, Communications Director cat@appvoices.org, 434-293-6373 The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office has recognized the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia in a national competition that supports community groups for innovative solar programs and their ability to reach new markets. Known as the “Solar…

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RECLAIM Act back in Congress

The bill to expedite spending of $1 billion in coal-impacted communities to repurpose old mine sites for new economic projects has been reintroduced into Congress with bipartisan support.

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