Virginia Takes Lead in Efforts to Reduce Carbon
Gov. Terry McAuliffe has directed the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to begin developing a plan to reduce the carbon emissions from the state’s electricity sector.
Regional Utilities Don’t Plan to Return to Coal
Despite promises made by President Donald Trump to revive the coal industry, CEOs from the region’s largest utilities have stated that they don’t intend to return to burning coal to make electricity.
Citizens Fight New Mines and Mining Problems in West Virginia
Citizens continue to fight mountaintop removal mining happening in West Virginia. As the state’s Surface Mine Board continues to issue new permits, watchdog groups remain vigilant in monitoring for environmental violations.
Coal Ash Storage and Cleanup Problems Continue Across the Southeast
Across the Southeast, problems related to the cleanup and storage of coal ash continue to plague area residents.
Reversing Climate Change Policies
President Trump signed an executive order reversing much of the progress President Obama made towards addressing the realities of climate change. The order calls for the Environmental Protection Agency to overturn the Clean Power Plan, but it will do little to revive the struggling coal industry.