Appalachia's Health Report
The Appalachian region is acutely impacted by the struggle to address the social and environmental factors that contribute to health problems.
Cultivating Forest Medicinals, Creating Healthy Economy
Appalachia’s forest are home to a stunning array of medicinal plants. A movement called forest farming is emerging to grow these plants in private forestland to decrease strains on plant populations and strengthen the market for the region’s botanicals.
Two Interstate Pipelines Clear Regulatory Hurdles Despite Opposition
As the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines clear some of the regulatory hurdles in their way, communities have rallied to state public hearings on water quality certifications to voice their opposition.
Aug/Sept 2017 - Columns
Hiking the Highlands
Traversing the Rock Formations at Kentucky’s Natural Bridge
On the outskirts of the Red River Gorge, hikers at Natural Bridge State Resort Park walk among natural sandstone structures and climb stairs amid thickets of rhododendron and the shade of hemlocks.
Naturalist’s Notebook
Wildflower Wonders
Wildflowers are one of Appalachia’s most vibrant symbols of summer. As the season’s end nears, we explore a few beautiful, unique flowers that blossom in late summer along mountain trails, forests and riverbeds.
Member Spotlight
Hellos and Goodbyes — Aug/Sept 2017
We welcome three new members to our Tennessee Energy Savings team, and bid farewell to our former Tennessee VISTA service member and the graphic designer for The Appalachian Voice.
Politics
RECLAIM Act Passes House Committee
A bill to accelerate the reclamation of abandoned coal mines and revitalize local economies moved forward and could be voted on this fall.
Environmental Votetracker — Aug/Sept 2017 issue
How Appalachian House and Senate members voted regarding several environmental issues in June and July
Across Appalachia
West Virginia Acquires Land for Newly Reintroduced Elk
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is working to increase public land for reintroduced elk herds.
EPA Sampling for PCB Contamination
The EPA is sampling water and soil in Minden, W.Va., where it is suspected that harmful PCB chemicals may be causing high cancer rates in the area.
U.S. Department of Justice Withdraws Funding Request for Kentucky Prison
The Dept. of Justice withdrew a funding request for a proposed prison on former mountaintop removal site in Eastern Kentucky.
Energy Report
Problems Persist for Rover and Mariner East 2 Pipelines During Construction
Construction of two natural gas pipelines has contaminated wetlands or local drinking water systems. State judges and agencies have halted construction in response.
Virginia and North Carolina Vow Climate Action As U.S. Withdraws from Paris Agreement
The governors of North Carolina and Virginia signed a letter agreeing to meet necessary leadership for commitment to Paris Agreement, and Virginia moves forward with plans to limit carbon dioxide emissions.
Opposition to Potential Nuclear Reactors in Tennessee
The Tennessee Valley Authority is seeking an early permit for modular nuclear reactors in Roane County, Tenn.