August/Sept 2019 - Features
The August/September issue explores a broad range of topics, including growing public frustration with the Tennessee Valley Authority and continued protests and legal delays affecting major fracked-gas pipelines.
We also look at local attempts to tackle the problem of food insecurity, share one man’s inspiring effort to save rare heirloom apple varieties, and examine how sustainable agriculture practices and local ingredients are influencing our region’s vineyards and distilleries. In addition, we feature community efforts to restore and protect historic African-American cemeteries. Check out these stories and more below!
Challenging TVA
Tired of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s frequent rate increases and lack of transparency and clean energy, communities across the region are pushing for change in the monopoly utility.
Restoring Black Cemeteries
Across the region, communities are working to document and preserve historic African-American cemeteries. Hear from people involved in this work, including reflections from a writer who discusses her family’s past through the lens of a local cemetery.
Featured Stories
Pipelines Continue to Face Obstacles
As the Mountain Valley Pipeline continues to cause problems and spark protests, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline faces new legal troubles.
A Tale of Orchards Past
Apple aficionado Tom Brown has dedicated more than 20 years of his life to saving Appalachia’s forgotten heirloom apples.
Tackling Food Insecurity
To combat food insecurity, some programs work to fill gaps in federal food assistance programs, while others are getting creative with food systems and supporting local farmers. All of them are making a difference in the fight against hunger, and all face challenges.
Aug/Sept 2019 - Columns
Hiking the Highlands
Summiting Grandfather Mountain
On this classic Western North Carolina hike, hikers can see a fantastic view of the cliffside profile for which Grandfather Mountain is named.
Naturalist's Notebook
Tangled Up in Kudzu
The story behind the highly invasive vine that is creeping across the Southeast, and what can be done to stop it.
Member Spotlight
Taking Energy Democracy to the People Through Tours
Alongside partner organizations and concerned citizens, Appalachian Voices launched an Energy Democracy Tour to educate residents in Virginia, North Carolina and the Tennessee Valley on how to take back their electric system from monopoly utilities.
The Magic of Summer: A note from our executive director
A message from Appalachian Voices’ Executive Director Tom Cormons about late summer and our connection to nature.
Member Spotlight: Vesta Jean Lenhart
Appalachian Voices member Vesta Jean Lenhart’s desire to preserve mountains goes back to her childhood in Eastern Kentucky.
Politics
The Trump Administration’s Environmental Record
A partial summary of President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s established track record of reducing environmental protections.
Environmental Votetracker — August/September 2019 issue
See how Appalachian legislators at the federal level voted in June and July 2019.
Across Appalachia
Job Corps Sites to Remain Open
The Trump administration reversed its decision to privatize 16 federal job centers and close nine after public and political backlash.
Ohio River Protections Now Optional
In June, an interstate regulatory agency voted to replace mandatory water quality protections for the Ohio River with voluntary guidelines that states can choose whether or not to follow.
Federal Approval Rescinded for Kentucky Prison
The project would have used public money, including abandoned mine reclamation funds, to build a federal prison on a former coal mine in Letcher County, Ky.
Energy Report
Trump Administration Charged with Weakening Endangered Species Protections to Favor Coal
Environmental groups plan to sue federal and state agencies for allegedly conspiring to weaken endangered species protections in West Virginia.
W.V. Landowners Win Case Against Fracking Company
West Virginia’s highest court unanimously ruled that mineral companies may not use surface owners’ land to reach gas reserves under adjacent properties without obtaining their express permission.
Competitive Electric Cooperative Election in Virginia
Three reform candidates are challenging incumbent Rappahannock Electric Cooperative board members and are pledging to revise co-op policies around transparency and renewable energy if elected in August.