Report Exposes How Big Coal, Electric Utility Money Dominates Virginia Politics and Policy

In advance of the Governor’s Energy Conference that is sponsored by Dominion Virginia Power, Alpha Natural Resources and Appalachian Power Company, Appalachian Voices and our allies released a white paper highlighting the influence that coal companies and utilities wield over Virginia energy policy. “The top sponsors of the energy conference are also top sponsors of…

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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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TVA Can Negate Coal Plants, Save Billions

Energy Efficiency can lead TVA to Cost, Energy, and Emission Reductions. Soon! An exciting new Synapse study shows us that TVA has much better options than continuing to operate and retrofit its dirty, aging fleet of coal-fired power plants. TVA currently operates 39 boilers, which would cost nearly $12 billion to retrofit. These costs do…

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Chattanooga Shows the Southeast How It is Done on Energy Efficiency

Outgoing Mayor Saves Million$ and Creates Jobs by Mandating 25% Energy Reduction Tennessee has made a name for itself in the last few years by being one of the fastest improving states for energy efficiency, according to industry groups such as ACEEE. Specifically, Chattanooga has gained international notoriety for being the democratically elected best outdoor…

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New Report Details How Duke Energy Can Save the Carolinas Billions

This is a repost from Greenpeace’s Quit Coal blog, written by their NC Organizer, Monica Embrey.. Amidst a whirlwind of controversy this past month, the new Duke Energy has an opportunity to lead the country and act in the best interest of its ratepayers, shareholders and the planet. Today, Greenpeace released our report (PDF) that…

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Organizational Roundup

Coal Ash Debate Spills Into Transportation Bill Appalachian Voices’ Red, White and Water campaign is working to oppose an amendment on the federal Transportation Bill that would essentially halt the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s rule-making process on toxic coal ash storage and disposal. The bill passed the House in April, and is now undergoing review…

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Reflecting on Gainesville Loves Mountains

————————————————————————————————————————————– We’re happy to share this guest blog post by Kathy Selvage. Last month, Kathy traveled to Florida to speak at Gainesville Loves Mountains. There she found engaged citizens with open hearts and minds. ————————————————————————————————————————————– I landed at the airport in Jacksonville, FL., on Saturday afternoon, April 14, 2012 at the behest of Jason Fults…

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Working Together for a Clean Energy Future in Virginia

I’ve been thinking a lot about the future lately. Our family has a set of newborn twins expected home from the hospital within another week or two, and it’s funny how babies simultaneously awaken you to the present moment and highlight the importance of preparing well for the coming decades and beyond. Kids transform the…

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Energy Efficiency in the 112th Congress

A number of bipartisan energy-efficiency bills have emerged or been reintroduced in the 112th Congress. The following four Senate and three House bills are representative of the suite of legislation that aims to incentivize energy-efficiency in homes and businesses. There many bills not listed here, including bills that would extend tax incentives for efficiency upgrades…

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