McAuliffe Lauds Carbon Capture Technology, But Coal’s Impacts Go Beyond CO2 Pollution

By Hannah Wiegard | January 9, 2014 |

TerryMcblog
Virginia Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe claims that “we need to build on the assets we have” by using carbon capture technology. But carbon pollution isn’t the only measure of coal’s impact on Virginia. Continuing to mine and burn coal will still cause serious problems: more destructive mountaintop removal, toxic mining waste, air and water pollution from power plants, all while southwestern Virginia continues to feel the worst effects of deferring a cleaner energy future.

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The Gap Between Environmental Protection and DENR’s Skewed Self-perception

By Brian Sewell | January 7, 2014 |

Vacant responses to public criticism do nothing to lessen the disappointment of a vocal public demanding a safe environment
With the management of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ penchant for self-praise, the future must seem pretty bright. But beyond the narrative contrived in media releases, public criticism and displays of distrust in the agency’s direction have become commonplace in North Carolina’s largest newspapers and media outlets. And it’s making North Carolina’s environmental community stronger.

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Carbon Controversy: EPA Gathers Feedback on Emissions Rules

By AV's Intern Team | December 9, 2013 |

By Brian Sewell This fall, public listening sessions held by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency served as an opportunity to influence future rules to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, the centerpiece of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan. Comments submitted by citizens and stakeholders, and the large turnouts and media attention at the 11…

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Interview with Tom Perriello

By Molly Moore | August 23, 2013 |

Tom Perriello, a lifelong resident of Ablemarle County, Va., is a steadfast supporter of environmental and poverty concerns. He used his background in law to prosecute warlords in West Africa, was named one of Time Magazine’s “40 under 40” in 2010, and represented Virginia’s 5th district from 2009 to 2011. While in Congress, he supported…

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Tenn. Tuesday – Compromise is Not a Condition

By Brian Sewell | August 20, 2013 |

We’ll kick off this Tennessee Tuesday post with what seemed like a small story in the big world of Tennessee politics. Last week, the New York Times editorial page blog offered some extra thoughts on a Tea Party letter to Tenn. Senator Lamar Alexander, in which the Tea Party compelled Alexander to retire from office…

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June is “Solar Energy Month” in North Carolina

By AV's Intern Team | June 12, 2013 |

By Chelsey Fisher Editorial assistant, Summer 2013 On the heels of Republican-led legislative threats to environmental protection and renewable energy in North Carolina, Republican Governor Pat McCrory deemed June “Solar Energy Month” at a solar farm in Wake County on June 4. This acknowledgment is definitely deserved, considering North Carolina ranked fourth in the nation…

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Tenn. Tuesday: Energy Savings! Victories!

By JW Randolph | May 21, 2013 |

…HaslamConnectedLobbyistSellingPublicLandstoCoalCompanies! OH MY!! Good morning, and welcome to your Tennessee Tuesday, our weekly holler from your Tennessee hills. Drop us a note in the comments to say hello, let us know a bit about yourself, what you’re interested in and what stories we might be missing. It’s been a busy couple of weeks for the…

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