The Advocate — Issue 163

Remembering Harvard Ayers

Harvard Ayers was the founder of Appalachian Voices and a leading voice for many environmental causes.

What’s the latest on Mountain Valley Pipeline?

Find out where Mountain Valley Pipeline stands and how you can help stop this dangerous project!

Benefits for miners with black lung falling behind

We released a report with Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center showing that federal benefits paid to miners with black lung are now valued at 40% less than when the program was created.

No new pipeline in Middle Tennessee!

Tell the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that Middle Tennessee does not need a new gas pipeline that would destroy private property, streams, wetlands and prime farmland, and increase methane emissions!

Northern long-eared bats added to Endangered Species List

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently classified northern long-eared bats as endangered. The move could help save the species, whose population has been ravaged by a deadly fungal disease.  

In Case You Missed It…

• Now hiring: We’re looking for an executive assistant based in Charlottesville, Va., to work with our leadership team and board of directors!
• A closer look at black lung benefits: Appalachian senators asked the government to study whether current benefits are sufficient for miners with black lung disease. 
• Are we really recycling? If you’re ready to read the answer, check out Matt Dhillon’s article in The Appalachian Voice. 
• Landfill remediation raises new concerns: Community advocates are pushing for protective measures as work to remediate the troubled Bristol landfill begins. 
• Biden budget includes coalfield investments: We’re urging Congress to pass Biden’s proposed funding increases for mine inspectors and mine cleanup. 
• Nuclear company wants to refine uranium in Erwin, Tennessee: Local activists raise environmental and safety concerns

Spring into action!

Donate to help us protect the beauty, culture and communities of Appalachia.

CALENDAR

FERC Cumberland Pipeline Public Comment Period

Now-March 27: Tell FERC that Middle Tennessee doesn’t need a new pipeline and methane gas plant!

NAAQS Public Comment Period 

Now-March 28: Tell the EPA to strengthen standards for respirable dust and soot by submitting comments before the period ends!

RGGI Public
Comment Period 

Now-March 31: Protest Gov. Youngkin’s proposal to withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a program that reduces carbon emissions while building climate resiliency.

NCUC Duke Energy Progress Rate Hike Hearing

Greene County: March 20, 7 p.m.

Robeson County: March 21, 7 p.m.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is hosting public hearings on Duke Energy’s proposed rate increases. Attend or submit a written comment!  

RGGI Action Night 

March 22, 6 p.m.: Sierra Club’s virtual event discussing Virginia’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, why it’s important, and how you can take action to defend it. 

“Calls From Home” Film Screening 

March 22, 7-9 p.m.: A short documentary about mass incarceration in Appalachia. Free. Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C.

From Fridge to Furnace: Energy Efficiency for Your Buildings and Community

March 23, 12-1 p.m.: Learn how congregations and nonprofits can save money through energy efficiency.

Dickenson County UNITY Listening Session
March 23, 5:30 p.m.: Join fellow community members to discuss life in the coalfields and your vision for the future

Labor Women Who Lead
March 25, 10-11a.m.: A virtual roundtable discussing how to get more women into family-sustaining union jobs.

Solar for Nonprofits Workshop

March 28, 6-7:30 p.m.:

Faith Lutheran Church recently went solar, and is hosting a workshop with experts to help other nonprofits learn how to do the same! Oak Ridge, Tenn.

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