Posts Tagged ‘infrastructure investment jobs act’
The importance of sustained investment in our Appalachian communities
Appalachian communities have been putting funding from two major federal laws to good use, adopting more sustainable and resilient forms of energy. Read about how recent executive orders and proposals from Congress could impact these popular programs.
Read MoreTrump expected to rescind programs established to support struggling coal and power plant communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 20, 2025 CONTACTDan Radmacher, Appalachian Voices, (540) 798-6683, dan@appvoices.org Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is expected, on day one of his presidency, to rescind an executive order issued by President Joe Biden that established new federal programs to support economic growth and environmental health and safety in coal mining communities and…
Read MoreHow the Department of Government Efficiency’s plans will harm Appalachian communities: Part 1
The Department of Government Efficiency’s proposal to cut funding for “unauthorized” programs would mean the end of programs and agencies that directly benefit Appalachians.
Read MoreCommunity members resist proposed Eastern Kentucky Prison
A controversial prison project in Eastern Kentucky has resurfaced, despite community opposition that had kept the proposal at bay for several years.
Read MoreConservation groups defend in court the ability of citizens to report problems with coal mines to federal authorities
Today, a federal judge approved a motion by conservation groups to join in the defense of a Biden administration rule that makes it easier for individuals and community organizations to report problems related to coal mining directly to federal regulators.
Read MoreMassive Funding Boost Spurs Coal Clean-up Efforts in Appalachia
Appalachian states received $725 million from the federal government this summer to clean up decades-old abandoned mines. Read about their efforts!
Read MoreCoal community advocates bash cuts to federal mine reclamation funding and urge restoration in FY25 budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2024 CONTACT Trey Pollard – trey@pollardcommunications.com – 202-904-9187 READ LETTER HERE COAL COUNTRY – As Congress advances a government funding bill that slashes millions in funding for the agency charged with supporting critical mine reclamation projects and enforcing mine reclamation standards, seventeen local, regional and national organizations released a letter…
Read MoreNo time to waste averting another coal mine cleanup crisis
Regulators are ignoring a growing crisis unfolding in modern mine reclamation. Coal companies are often failing to complete timely reclamation, and safeguards to ensure mine cleanup are failing. Communities are already seeing a new, more devastating wave of abandoned mines — a problem that will get worse without action.
Read MoreCommunity celebrates opening of new recreation area in Dante, Virginia
This new recreation area features approximately 16 miles of new trails that will connect to existing trails around the nearby town of Saint Paul, and the campground features full amenities.
Read MoreStatement by Appalachian Voices on House Appropriations Committee proposed cuts to interior and environment agency budgets
Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee released its proposed FY 2024 budget for the Department of Interior and Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal includes a 10% budget cut to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s operational budget, while also providing a $1 million increase to the budget for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program.
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