On May 16, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Ward Mill Dam in an effort to reconnect streams across the Watauga River watershed. The B.O. Ward House and Mill Complex was preserved and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Blog Archives
N.C. Legislators Release Controversial Energy Bill
N.C. House Republicans unsuccessfully proposed a bill after months of secret negotiations with Duke Energy and others that would have cleared the way for multi-year rate hikes, a massive build-out of natural gas infrastructure and more.
Duke Energy rate hike harms low-income families
In North Carolina, electricity rates are set through a “give and take” process that ultimately favors Duke Energy and its shareholders, and harms lower-income families. That’s got to change.
TAGS: Duke Energy electric bill electric rate energy democracy NCUC North Carolina utilities commission
Students Push for Campus Climate Action
College students across the Appalachian region are calling for a host of climate and sustainability initiatives on their campuses.
Beyond the Tuition Bill, College Students Face Stressful Housing and Utility Costs
Nearly half of all college students faced housing insecurity in 2020, according to survey data. While COVID-19 made it harder for students to meet basic needs, the problem is not new.
TAGS: college students community college Energy Insecurity housing costs North Carolina utility bills
N.C. Upholds MVP Southgate Permit Denial
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality again rejected a permit for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s proposed extension into the state. MVP also announced another delay and cost increase for the 300-mile fracked-gas pipeline.
TAGS: mountain valley pipeline mountain valley pipeline southgate mvp MVP Southgate N.C. DEQ North Carolina
Linville Caverns Spider Could Be North Carolina’s Newest State Symbol
A bill currently in the North Carolina legislature would declare the tiny Linville Caverns spider an official state symbol.
N.C. Families Contend With Mounting Bills
Faced with the threat of utility disconnection and even eviction in the pandemic, many North Carolinians are forced to decide between essentials.
TAGS: covid covid-19 energy democracy Energy Insecurity Energy Security evictions North Carolina Utility disconnections
Good and bad bills in NC legislature
It’s spring, which means the bills coming into the North Carolina legislature are about as thick as the pollen in the air here. Our NC Field Coordinator Josh McClenney gives us a quick preview of the 2021 session.
Mussel Sensors Pave the Way for New Environmental Monitoring Tools
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a new system to remotely monitor the behavior of freshwater mussels with the potential to warn scientists of aquatic pollutants.
