The Advocate — Issue #155

TVA can grow jobs by saving energy

Investing in energy efficiency and renewables instead of fracked gas would help the Tennessee Valley Authority create more long-term jobs as they replace the retiring Cumberland and Kingston coal-fired power plants.

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Duke Energy’s carbon plan meets with criticism

We submitted comments to the N.C. Utilities Commission showing how Duke could curb carbon emissions without expanding fracked gas.

New climate deal announced

 The Senate deal would reduce emissions and help coal-impacted communities and rural areas transition to a prosperous, healthy clean-energy future. And it’s a win for black lung benefits. But it also includes a promise of an unspecified permit reform bill by the end of September.

Virginia rallies for RGGI!

Are you interested in defending Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative? We are organizing regional rallies in Roanoke, Abingdon, Harrisonburg, Woodbridge and Virginia Beach to show Governor Youngkin that Virginians care about climate action, and we need YOU! 

MVP comment period closing today! 

Add your name to our petition telling the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that the Mountain Valley Pipeline doesn’t deserve four more years to harm Appalachia! 

In Case You Missed It…

• Now hiring! We’re seeking a skilled and collaborative IT Specialist and a North Carolina Campaign Manager to join our team working to build a clean energy future for the region. 
• Protesters marched backward in Richmond to protest Gov. Glenn Younkgin’s efforts to get Virginia out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
• The Supreme Court decision in West Virginia vs. EPA is bad, but there’s still a lot we can do to fight climate change. 
• Five U.S. senators introduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act aimed at improving the benefits process for disabled coal miners and their families.

Join us August 25 for another 25th anniversary event! We’ll examine our work on current mining impacts, securing health benefits for miners suffering from black lung, and addressing the mine cleanup crisis.

CALENDAR

Banister River Cleanup July 30, 10 a.m to 2 p.m.: Teams of volunteers with 7 Directions of Service will remove trash from creeks, streams and trails leading to the Banister River. Chatham, Va.

New River Conservancy Annual Meeting 2022
July 31, 1:30-5 p.m.: Featuring live music, conversation and food. Tickets: $15 for adults; $5 for children. River Ridge Land and Cattle Company, Independence, Va.

Swiss National Holiday Raclette Party
Aug. 1, 5-8 p.m.: Celebrate with a dinner of melted cheese paired with potatoes, cured meat, bread and vegetables. Tickets $22. Helvetia, W.Va.

Virtual Rally for RGGI and Climate Action!
Aug. 3, 6 p.m.: Join us to learn how you can help stop Gov. Glenn Youngkin from removing Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Solar Happy Hour in Blacksburg with SUN

Aug. 4, 4:30-6 p.m.: Clean energy advocates from Solar United Neighbors and Appalachian Voices will discuss solar opportunities at Rising Silo Brewery. Blacksburg, Va.

Lewisburg Literary Festival

Aug. 5 and 6: A free celebration of literature features visiting authors, workshops, music and performance art. Downtown Lewisburg, W.Va.

The Appalachian Voice Volunteer Night

Aug. 8, 5-8 p.m.

Join us to help mail copies of the newspaper to businesses and volunteers across the region. Pizza provided! Email [email protected] to RSVP. 589 W. King St., Boone, N.C.

Wild Foods Walk at Warwoman Dell
Aug. 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Search for paw paw, wood nettle, huckleberries, fungi and more as you learn about the edible wild foods of late summer! Clayton, Ga.

Where We Stand: The ongoing fight against mountaintop removal’s impacts
Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m.: A 25th anniversary event highlighting Appalachian Voices’ work to stop new surface mining permits, secure black lung benefits, and address the bankruptcy crisis.

King Street Farmers’ Market

Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m.: Pick up fresh, local food and stop by the Appalachian Voices table to learn about advancing local clean energy. Boone, N.C.

Offices in:

Boone, NC • Charlottesville, VA

Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Durham, NC

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