The Advocate — Issue #139

March 18, 2021

Bills introduced to RECLAIM
decades-old abandoned mines

Thousands of abandoned mine sites need to be cleaned up in Appalachia and across the country, work that can create some 13,000 jobs. Bills introduced by Rep. Cartwright to continue funding and accelerate the cleanup would also bring more than $1 billion to communities hard-hit by coal’s decline.

Building community power in Southwest Virginia

The New Economy Network of Southwest Virginia is the latest in the region’s strong history of grassroots organizing to bring positive change to the region.

Virginia legislature wraps up

We fought hard this year for communities and the environment and won several key victories. Thanks for all your emails and calls to your elected officials!

Stop shutoffs in N.C.

More than 1 million North Carolina families are at risk of utility shutoffs. Tell officials to reinstate the moratorium on disconnections and to extend eviction protections now.

Communities call out Duke Energy’s harmful impacts

People from states served by Duke recently testified before the newly formed, independent People’s Commission that the utility’s record on coal ash, electric rates and other issues is harming communities.

READY FOR THE WILD
Rescue rehabilitates and releases young bears

Chickadee is one of the more than 300 black bears that Appalachian Bear Rescue has saved over the last 25 years. The facility offers a nursery, two recovery centers and four half-acre natural outdoor enclosures for the intrepid ursines to explore.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• Searching for Solar Proposals: The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is seeking installers to develop residential solar projects in the area.
• Reject Duke Energy’s Plan: The monopoly utility’s 15-year plan would wreck the climate and communities across North Carolina.
• Revitalizing Old Mine Sites: A federal grant program meant to renew long-abandoned mine lands has led to both progress and problems.
• Stopping TVA Disconnections: Advocates are calling on President Biden to stop TVA from disconnecting utilities during the pandemic.

CALENDAR

RECLAIM Act Letter Writing Parties
March 18 | March 20

Join us and help advocate for jobs and mine land remediation in Appalachia.

Environmental Injustice: Reckoning with American Waste

March 20: Three writers discuss environmental crises tied to systemic class, racial and geographic prejudices. Appalachian Voices is a partner in this event.

Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition March 20 | March 24

Cast your People’s Choice vote by March 19, register for the awards ceremony Saturday and join a panel discussion on regional photography Wednesday. 

Organic Growers School Spring Conference

Through March 21: Virtual workshops on organic growing and sustainable living.

Wise County Learning Center: Family & Consumer Sciences

March 22: The final opportunity for input on the design of a multi-use community facility for Wise County.

Thanking Virginia Legislators

March 26: Write letters to our legislative champions in the 2021 General Assembly who sponsored bills to benefit Virginians.

What Matters to West Virginia Women

March 30: A “talk and tea” to create dialogue and find solutions to the concerns of women in West Virginia.

Redlining and the Climate Crisis

April 6: The EPA Office of Environmental Justice hosts this educational event on redlining and environmental racism.

Community Conversations for ARC’s Strategic Plan April 12-22: The Appalachian Regional Commission will host five virtual sessions to gather input on what types of projects the federal agency should pursue.

We’re one year into a global pandemic and people across the region are still at risk of evictions and utility shutoffs. No one should have to choose between paying their bills or putting food on the table, especially during a health crisis.

Help us advocate for Appalachian families and protect utility customers.

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