Across Appalachia
Environmental and cultural news briefs
New Effort to Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water
The Environmental Protection Agency set stricter limits on the levels of certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water and is providing funding to test and treat public water systems and private wells.
Study Predicts Five-fold Increase in Regional Wildfires
A recent study warns of a dramatic increase in the amount of land burned by wildfires in southern Appalachian forests, and provides information for fire and land management strategies.
Pisgah View, North Carolina’s Newest State Park, Moves Forward
A 1,300-acre land acquisition advances North Carolina’s newest state park to the master planning stage.
Castle in the Sun
“Kids look at it, and they see a castle,” says Scott Miller, executive director of Just For Kids Advocacy Center, of the nonprofit organization’s new Beckley, West Virginia, headquarters. That castle is now solar-powered by a 14-panel ground array, which was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 25.
Activists Rally Over Pending Fracking on Ohio’s State Lands
A governor-appointed commission could begin approving fracking leases on Ohio’s state lands as early as next month. A rally to oppose the leases will be held Friday, Oct. 27 at noon at the Ohio Statehouse.