The coal industry is trying to exploit the coronavirus pandemic for a tax break at the expense of healthcare and disability benefits for miners with black lung, but miners are pushing back.
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Coal miners call on Congress for support amidst dual threats from black lung and COVID-19
Monday, April 27th, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Va governor signs pipeline bill that protects consumers
Friday, April 24th, 2020 | Posted by Peter Anderson | No Comments
A new law in Virginia protects electricity customers from paying for unnecessary natural gas pipelines; it could have impact on the controversial Atlantic Coast Pipeline. [ Read More ]
What do Virginia’s new energy laws mean for the coalfields
Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
New energy laws in Virginia provide significant opportunity for solar development in the state's historic coalfields, but not enough direct support for communities hit by the clean energy transition. [ Read More ]
Tennessee needs a moratorium on utility shutoffs
Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 | Posted by Brianna Knisley | No Comments
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our health and livelihoods, utility shutoffs are hurting residents throughout Tennessee. Call Gov. Bill Lee today to ask him to stop utilities from disconnecting people from vital services during this crisis. [ Read More ]
Bond-forfeited Virginia Blackjewel mines may finally have a buyer
Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Three Virginia strip mines, neglected in the wake of the Blackjewel bankruptcy, may finally have a buyer. But it remains to be seen if the new company would be able to reclaim the land. [ Read More ]
“Environmentalist” Tom Clarke abandons mines in West Virginia
Friday, April 3rd, 2020 | Posted by Erin Savage | No Comments
With the failure of coal operator ERP's unconventional scheme, West Virginia must contend with the company's environmental violations and mines in need of cleanup. [ Read More ]
Companies play hot potato with unreclaimed Blackjewel mines
Tuesday, March 31st, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Virginia regulators, a surety insurance company, and two coal companies are playing hot potato with 22 of bankrupt Blackjewel’s coal permits — and none of them want to be left with the responsibility of reclaiming the sites.
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Utilities must suspend service disconnections and waive late fees
Monday, March 30th, 2020 | Posted by Kevin Ridder | No Comments
Millions of Americans have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They should not have to worry about having their power or water turned off as a result. [ Read More ]
Black lung service providers shift in the face of COVID-19
Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
As coal miners with black lung disease have a heightened risk of complications from coronavirus, black lung healthcare providers work to respond to the global pandemic. [ Read More ]
Finally, Virginia lawmakers heed public’s call for clean energy
Friday, March 20th, 2020 | Posted by Peter Anderson | No Comments
After years of advocacy by Appalachian Voices and many others, the Virginia legislature 2020 session produced bold measures that will move us toward a cleaner, more equitable energy economy -- but there is work left to do. [ Read More ]
NC should order “no shut offs” for all utilities during pandemic
Friday, March 20th, 2020 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
Appalachian Voices and other groups are calling on North Carolina leaders to order no shut-offs of electricity, water and other critical public services during Coronavirus emergency. [ Read More ]
Justice family mines pose massive threat to Virginia reclamation fund
Thursday, March 19th, 2020 | Posted by Matt Hepler | No Comments
Satellite photos taken years apart reveal that little reclamation has taken place at several Virginia mines owned by the family of billionaire West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. [ Read More ]
