The Appalachian Advocate — Issue 138

February 20, 2021

Mining Remains Aggressive on Coal River Mountain

Despite a national coal downturn, mining has not slowed much in Raleigh County, West Virginia, where companies have proposed two new mountaintop removal coal mines. Above, a photo of a massive surface mine on Coal River Mountain shows the proximity of dust to the adjacent neighborhood (photo courtesy of Coal River Mountain Watch).

Biden’s Executive Order an Enormous Step for Appalachia

The order puts the U.S. in a position to confront climate change, create good-paying jobs and protect communities from polluted land, air and water.

TVA Should Clean Up its Act

In line with Biden’s executive order, environmental and community advocates say the federally owned utility should be required to completely cut carbon emissions by 2035.

Virginia General Assembly Session Extended to Feb. 26

We have just a few weeks to get bills over the finish line on solar energy, pipeline regulations and more that could bring positive change to the commonwealth.

Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Latest Challenges

The long-contested MVP faces new delays due to water-crossing permits, and the Virginia legislature considers bills that would protect water quality from pipelines.

Yurts: The significance of a circle

Yurts offer an affordable, cozy housing option with a light environmental footprint. One woman-owned company in Floyd, Virginia, saw orders increase in 2020.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• Accountability for Duke Energy:
  A watchdog coalition held a hearing in front of the People’s Commission to examine Duke Energy’s harmful policies and practices.
• Celebrating Black History:
  The Appalachian African-American Cultural Center in Pennington Gap, Va., educates visitors about Black heritage in the region.
• Protecting Migratory Birds:
  The Biden administration recently delayed the implementation of Trump-era changes to a vital bird law.
• River Enthusiast Russ Moxley: Appalachian Voices’ newest Board member has a long history of leading water conservation efforts.

CALENDAR

Stitching Story and Silence Circles

Feb. 22, March 15, April 19: Craft a quilt square and be part of a multi-state ARTivism project aiming to protect waters threatened by the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

“Wilmington On Fire” Film Screening and Discussion

Feb. 25: This documentary chronicles the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, in which a white supremacist mob killed a multitude of African-Americans.

Birdwatching from your Couch

March 13: Learn the basics of birding from home with Nova Conservation.

Wise County Extension Learning Center Workshops

The Wise County Cooperative Extension is seeking input on the design of a facility that will best meet community needs.

March 1: Livestock and animal production

March 8: Gardening and crop farming

March 15: Youth programs (4-H)

March 22: Family and consumer sciences

Uncovering and Sharing Regional Black Narratives

March 2: Join Black in Appalachia’s Alona Norwood and William Isom for a virtual discussion on Black history in the region.

Organic Growers School Spring Conference

March 13-21: The 23rd annual conference will offer virtual workshops on organic growing and sustainable living.

Virginia Solar Summit

March 16-18: Join Appalachian Voices for this virtual event focusing on ground-up solar development in the Commonwealth.

New Economy Network Meeting

March 17: Join this virtual event to discuss inequitable land ownership, cooperatives, and post-secondary education in Southwest Virginia.

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