The Advocate — Issue #141

May 20, 2021

N.C. Upholds MVP Southgate Permit Denial

The N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality again said “No” to a key permit for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s proposed 73-mile extension into the state. MVP also announced another delay and cost increase for the 300-mile fracked-gas pipeline.

N.C. families contend with mounting bills

Faced with the threat of utility disconnection and even eviction in the pandemic, many North Carolinians are forced to decide between essentials.

Tell the Army Corps: “Don’t Rush MVP’s permit!”

We need your help to tell regulators to perform a thorough review of Mountain Valley Pipeline’s 404 Clean Water Act permit, which could allow them to discharge pollutants into habitat for endangered species.

Coal communities and mine cleanup update

With bills on the Hill, proposals from the White House, new projects underway, and new reports issued and forthcoming from grassroots advocates, there is a lot happening when it comes to coal communities and mine cleanup!

New tool tracks reforestation on old surface mines

On May 26 Appalachian Voices and Skytruth release a new report and web map tool that uses satellite imagery to track the rate of growth on old surface coal mines since 1984. Join us for the webinar release!

South Carolina botanists discover a new wildflower

The only known population of Shealy’s saxifrage can be found at a preserve in Pickens County, South Carolina. Photo by Jim Fowler.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• In Memoriam of Eula Hall. Appalachia lost a champion for rural healthcare, equity and justice in the passing of Eula Hall on May 8 in Eastern Kentucky.
• Running MVP’s Route. Three women ran 415 miles alongside the Mountain Valley Pipeline and raised more than $13,000 for the fight against the fracked-gas pipeline.
• Students Face High Costs. Beyond the tuition bill, college students confront stressful housing and utility costs as nearly half faced housing insecurity in 2020.
• Good News for Clean Water. Despite a legal setback, overall the Red River ruling will help communities fight back against pollution from mountaintop removal coal mines.

Now Hiring

We’re hiring a new program manager for our New Economy program in Southwest Virgina (and other positions)! Come join our dynamic team!

CALENDAR

Webinar: Mine Reforestation Assessment tool

May 26: Join us for the release of a new report and web tool that tracks forest growth on old surface mines.

Benefits of Residential Solar

May 27: Join this Solar Workgroup discussion on the benefits of installing solar in Southwest Virginia.

The Festy: Rising Appalachia Shows

June 9, 10: We’re partnering with The Festy for Rising Appalachia’s shows. Stay tuned for more information and be on the look out for our limited-edition merchandise. Charlottesville, Va.

Webinar Series: The Rural-Urban Divide

June 18, 15, 22, 29: Join Appalachian Voices and others for a discussion on the divide and ways to overcome it.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As we strive to preserve a healthy environment and transition to a more just economy for our region, Appalachian Voices is equally committed to upholding the rights of all of our region’s people.

To further solidify our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and to hold ourselves accountable, we are sharing this statement developed by Appalachian Voices staff and approved by our board of directors.

Appalachian Voices | Contact us | Donate
Manage your subscriptions