Water advocates and lawmakers urge Congress to appropriate funds to address legacy water issues in West Virginia

Pastor Brad Davis speaks at a podium inside the West Virginia State Capitol, addressing a small audience. In front of him, photos and displays show images of pollution, contaminated water, and environmental impacts, while attendees watch and record the presentation with cameras and a smartphone.

Nearly 40 organizations and nine bipartisan West Virginia state lawmakers sent a letter to congressional appropriators requesting $250 million in targeted funding to address water quality in the state. The organizations wrote this letter after working with congressional offices to get language submitted to the House Appropriations Committee.

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Saving 5 Miles on the Gauley River

Overhead view of the Gauley River and adjacent land that the Arc of Appalachia hopes to conserve. Photo courtesy of Arc of Appalachia

Arc of Appalachia, an Ohio-based nonprofit, launched a campaign to purchase and protect 1,336 acres in Nicholas County, West Virginia. The property includes 5 miles along the Gauley River and 1 mile of Big Beaver Creek.

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A black water spill, precarious permits, a contempt hearing and a new Justice company enters the scene

Water in Jacob’s Fork runs sludge black, resulting in violations issued against a coal company owned by Sen. Jim Justice and his family. Photo by Jamie Powers

West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice is the richest senator in the country, according to recent reporting that also highlights his substantial debts. In light of this news, we thought it appropriate to provide an update on our team’s continued work to deal with the ongoing impacts of his family’s coal empire, and their decades-long track record of environmental destruction.

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