Posts Tagged ‘Economy’
The Power of Energy Efficiency — Building a Stronger Economy for Appalachia (Part 5)
Tapping into Appalachia’s vast potential for energy efficiency will help to alleviate poverty and create local jobs while reducing the environmental impact associated with our energy use. In fact, energy efficiency may be the most vital solution to Appalachia’s energy and economic future.
Community Impacts of Controversial Coalfields Expressway Project in Va. to Receive Thorough Review
Agency letters Federal Highway Administration, May 22, 2014 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sept. 11, 2012 Environmental Protection Agency, Sept. 7, 2012 Corps of Engineers, Sept. 7, 2012 Contact: Jane Branham, Southern Appalachia Mountain Stewards, samsva@gmail.com, (276) 565-6167 Deborah Murray, Southern Environmental Law Center, dmurray@selcva.org, (434) 977-4090 Marley Green, Sierra Club, marley.green@sierraclub.org,…
Read MoreThe Power of Energy Efficiency — Building a Stronger Economy for Appalachia (Part 4)
This is the fourth installment in a five-part series illustrating the need for greater investments in residential energy efficiency as an economic driver in rural Appalachia. In this post, we explore the history and role of rural electric cooperatives, and explain why they should be doing more to help their members reduce their energy bills, and how they can overcome any barriers they face.
Virginians applaud new federal carbon pollution protections
Representatives of Virginia business, national security, health and agricultural sectors joined environmental advocates this week in praising the newly announced carbon pollution limits for existing power plants as necessary public health and security safeguards, and a beneficial economic driver.
The Power of Energy Efficiency — Building a Stronger Economy for Appalachia (Part 2)
The small businesses, churches and schools you’re likely to find in a typical Appalachian town are pillars of their communities. But they’re not sources of significant employment. For most of rural Appalachia, poverty, high unemployment and the lack of economic diversity are persistent problems that have yet to be addressed in any comprehensive, effective manner.
Climate Change has “firmly moved into the present”
Not only is climate change real, it has “firmly moved into the present” and its impacts “are expected to become increasingly disruptive across the nation throughout this century and beyond.” That’s according to the U.S. National Climate Assessment, a report five years in the making that was released today.
The Power of Energy Efficiency — Building a Stronger Economy for Appalachia (Part 1)
When you think of poverty, what words do you associate with it? Many of us might think of words like “low-income,” “unemployment” or “homelessness.” Unfortunately, it is not often that we associate poverty with electricity costs, because for many across the United States, especially those living in the South and Appalachia, electricity costs play a significant role in worsening the impacts of poverty.
Central Appalachian-focused James River Coal Company enters bankruptcy
This week, James River Coal Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court. Like Patriot Coal, which reemerged from bankruptcy in December, the Richmond, Va.-based company’s operations are concentrated in Central Appalachia and are located in some of the counties most economically vulnerable to coal’s downturn.
Spotlight on Eastern Kentucky Economy
By Molly Moore When more than 1,700 citizens gathered in Pikeville, Ky., to discuss ideas for regional economic revitalization at the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) Summit last December, the crowd was diverse. In attendance were concerned citizens, grassroots organizers and many of the state’s government and business leaders. During breakout sessions, participants discussed topics…
Read MoreIntroducing Energy Savings for Appalachia
Energy Policy Director Rory Mcilmoil writes about AV’s innovative new campaign, Energy Savings for Appalachia, which is promoting home energy loan programs to help residents finance the cost of home energy improvements, and introduces the new Energy Savings Action Center.
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