Posts Tagged ‘new economy’
Bills to ensure coal communities are part of America’s economic recovery introduced in Congress
CONTACT: Thom Kay, Legislative Director, thom.kay@appvoices.org, 864-580-1843 Cat McCue, Communications Strategist, cat@appvoices.org, 434-293-6373 Read our March 5 blog for more background. Washington, DC — As coal-impacted communities grapple with economic decline and public health risks made significantly worse by the Covid-19 crisis, Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) introduced two bills in…
Read MoreFighting for equitable land access in Southwest Virginia
Large, out-of-state companies often hold huge tracts of land in Southwest Virginia and across the region for its perceived coal or timber potential — making it difficult for nearby communities to use the land themselves.
Read MoreSouthwest Virginia schools and local governments call for fair solar policies
Several public entities in the region are urging Appalachian Power Company to loosen their restrictive solar policies. On the sunnier side, Appalachian Voices and Iron Works Cycling secured a $25,000 grant for a solar array on the Big Stone Gap, Va., bicycle shop.
Read MoreIron Works Cycling, Appalachian Voices receive $25,000 grant for solar installation
CONTACT: Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager, (276) 207-9636, chelsea@appvoices.org BIG STONE GAP, Va. — Iron Works Cycling and Appalachian Voices have received a grant from the Solar Moonshot Program to install a 16-kilowatt solar energy system on the Big Stone Gap bicycle shop. The project will be constructed today, and is the first to…
Read MoreCharting paths forward for coal communities
For communities that depended on coal, the pandemic is exacerbating an already-urgent set of interlocking problems. Two regional coalitions have released plans to chart a brighter future for communities hit hardest by the changing coal economy.
Read MoreCoalition makes catalytic investment in Appalachian coal mine reuse projects
CONTACT: Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager chelsea@appvoices.org 276-679-1691 Norton, Va. – Furthering its commitment to innovative mine reclamation projects throughout the Appalachian region, the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition (RAC) announced its investment in five projects in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Alabama as part of its inaugural mini-grant program. The coalition solicited mine reclamation and redevelopment project…
Read MoreCoal community leaders release historic platform for national economic transition
Built on community-driven solutions by local, tribal and labor leaders, NET Platform pushes for bold investments in national transition program for those hit hardest by changing coal economy CONTACT: Trey Pollard, Just Transition Fund tpollard@justtransitionfund.org 202-904-9187 Cat McCue, Appalachian Voices cat@appvoices.org 434-293-6373 Listen to the 1-hour press tele-conference here. NATIONWIDE – Today, 80 local, regional,…
Read MoreSouthwest Virginia seeks partners for solar development
CONTACT: Adam Wells, Regional Director of Community and Economic Development, adam@appvoices.org, 276-679-1691 Norton, VA — The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia today released a Request for Information (RFI) for a “co-development concept” for commercial-scale solar projects throughout the seven-county coalfield region. The workgroup seeks to enter into an agreement to collaboratively identify, design and develop…
Read MoreA policymaker’s guide to fostering community solar development
Pro-solar policy is crucial to bringing clean, renewable energy to Southwest Virginia and Appalachia as a whole.
Read More19 old coal sites identified for innovative development projects
Appalachian communities are exploring ways to attract new businesses, pull families out of poverty and strengthen skilled workforces. A primary focus is to redevelop old, unused coal sites.
Read More