The Advocate — Issue #153

A community of resistance

Three women have fought the Mountain Valley Pipeline since 2014, uniting in a coalition that spans multiple states.

TVA: Bring clean energy and good jobs to Cumberland

TVA recently announced it will shut down a coal-powered plant in Tennessee. Instead of replacing coal with efficient renewable energy, TVA wants to invest billions of ratepayer dollars in a new methane gas plant.

Mine clean-up laws aren’t up to the challenge

The system to ensure that surface mines get cleaned up and restored is under intense strain as the coal industry declines.

Push clean energy jobs legislation forward!

The Senate has an opportunity to deliver a robust clean energy and manufacturing bill with a strong focus on environmental justice. But they need to make budget reconciliation a priority now!

Duke Energy’s fossil-focused Carbon Plan misses its targets

Duke’s plan to cut carbon emissions is far too dependent on polluting fracked gas. It doesn’t capture the benefits of distributed renewables and energy efficiency or include tools that would help low-income ratepayers afford their bills. Be on the lookout for public comment opportunities!

In Case You Missed It…

• MVP Update: Mountain Valley Pipeline announces they will go back to the drawing board and seek federal environmental permits a third time.
• Legal Action on Mine Cleanup: Alongside partners, we filed notice of our intention to sue A&G Coal for failing to reclaim three Wise County, Va., mines. A&G is owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and his family.
• Climate Change & Rural Health: Climate change is bringing hotter nights, more mosquito- and tick-borne disease, and effects on mental and maternal health to the mountains.

CALENDAR

Extreme Heat, Climate Change, and Racial Equity

May 20, 6-8 p.m.: Institute for Contemporary Art and Richmond Racial Equity Essays Project host a screening of the documentary: “Cooked: Survival by Zip Code.” Richmond, Va.

Energy Democracy: Building an energy system that works for everyone

May 25, 6:30 p.m.: Meet the people who are changing the world by changing their local energy systems. Part of Appalachian Voices 25th Anniversary celebration

Remember Kingston: Solidarity Event

May 26, Noon EDT/ 11 a.m. CDT:

Join the livestream to hear the fearless wives of the Kingston workers tell their story, demand justice, and discuss the precedent of this case for other coal-affected communities across the country including Michigan City, Indiana, where Just Transition Northwest Indiana is working to prevent a coal ash spill into Lake Michigan. 

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

Kingston Coal Ash Workers TN Supreme Court Hearing

June 1, 10:30 a.m. EDT, 11:30 a.m. CDT

Gather outside the Tennessee Supreme Court in Nashville to support the workers who spent years cleaning up the largest industrial disaster in US history — the Kingston Coal Ash Spill. Please wear black and bring a solemn, respectful presence.

Edge of Appalachia Preserve Workday Trail Maintenance
June 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Volunteers can help remove trash and debris, and repair muddy or washed out sections of trail. West Union, Ohio.

Gob: Coal Waste or Treasure?
June 6, 1-2:30 p.m.: We are teaming up with Virginia Conservation Network for a webinar on coal waste, what it can be used for and how it’s regulated.

Elk Shoals Homecoming

June 12, 1-5 p.m.: The New River Conservancy hosts an afternoon celebration with picnics and hikes. New River State Park, Elk Shoals Access, West Jefferson, N.C.

Boonerang Music, Art and Food Festival
June 17-18: Come by the Appalachian Voices table during this fun festival in downtown Boone, NC!

Juneteenth 2022: “Lift Every Voice”
June 18, 4-8 p.m.: Free community event and jubilee! Join for community conversation, live entertainment and more. Christiansburg Institute Campus, Christiansburg, Va.

2022 Virginia Brownfields Conference

June 22-23: This event in St. Paul and Norton, Va., will focus on brownfield development, downtown revitalization and ecology.

Offices in:

Boone, NC • Charlottesville, VA

Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Durham, NC

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