The Advocate — Issue #152

MVP still facing multiple roadblocks

What does the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s latest decision really mean for the Mountain Valley Pipeline? Find out in this update.

A cloud of coal dust

As residents of the Eunice community in West Virginia grapple with coal mine dust, regulations governing air pollution offer little help.

A new coalition in the Tennessee Valley

We’re proud members of the new Clean Up TVA coalition, which is calling on the Tennessee Valley Authority to foster a just, equitable and fossil-fuel-free energy future.

Leadership needed for mine cleanup

Oversight from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is necessary to ensure that every coal mine site is cleaned up. Tell President Biden to appoint an agency director!

Landfill haunts Bristol residents

Terrible, persistent smells from the Bristol landfill have put a damper on quality of life for residents of the Twin Cities. Officials acknowledge the problem, but there’s no clear path forward.

In Case You Missed It…

• Action needed! Tell your U.S. representative to improve health care access for miners with black lung!
• A win for solar in Boone: Local utility rescinds proposed fee, but residents want to see more.
• Crayfish habitat protected! 446 miles of Appalachian streams are listed as critical habitat for two rare species.
• Introducing the STREAM Act: A bipartisan bill to clean up acid mine drainage.
• Appalachian Solar Finance Fund: Watch the latest webinar to learn more about how this new program is jump-starting solar in the region!

CALENDAR

Red Fox Storytelling Festival
April 29-30: This festival in downtown Pound, Virginia, includes storytelling professionals, hiking, a street dance and more.

2022 Spring Garden Fair
April 30-May 1: The Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport, Tenn., offers a weekend of gardening, heritage farming and environmental education.

Spring 2022 Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival

May 5-8: Taking place at the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center in Pittsboro, NC, the festival features music, dance, art and education. Stop by the Appalachian Voices table!

Mount Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally
May 6-8: Annual Blue Ridge Discovery Center rally returns to restored “Spike Camp.” Includes field trips, workshops and children’s programs. $25 for non-members. Troutdale, Va.

Planning for utility-scale and consumer solar
May 18, 3 p.m.: A panel discussion with representatives of the solar industry and environmental and workforce advocacy groups on solar development in Virginia. RSVP required.

Energy Democracy Heroes: Virtual panel discussion

May 25: Meet the people who are changing the world by changing their local energy systems. Part of Appalachian Voices 25th Anniversary celebration

Hands Across the Appalachian Trail
May 28, 1-3 p.m.: Join friends and neighbors to celebrate the AT and protect it from the Mountain Valley Pipeline. 2030 Narrows Road, Pearisburg, VA 24134

Offices in:

Boone, NC • Charlottesville, VA

Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Durham, NC

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