The Advocate — Issue #61

Last week, the world lost a true warrior for environmental justice and human rights, and Appalachian Voices lost a colleague and true friend. Known to many as “The Chief,” Lenny had the qualities of a leader, and touched the lives of thousands of environmental activists, organizers and concerned citizens around the country and beyond.

Read more

We Made it! Highlights from the People’s Climate March

Appalachian Voices recently joined 400,000 people in New York City for the largest climate march in history. And it was truly inspiring. While massive extractive fossil fuel interests try everything in their power to tighten their grip on our region’s energy future, moments like these show we are making progress.

Read about our experience!

In September, Gainesville, Fla., became the first city in America to enact a policy to reduce its reliance on mountaintop removal coal. This is the story of how a committed group of local residents and the Gainseville Loves Mountains group created the movement to end this destructive form of coal mining to their hometown.

Read the inspiring story

Our Water, Our Future

Appalachian Voices joined dozens of residents from Appalachia and allies from across the country in Washington, D.C., recently to pressure the White House Council on Environmental Quality to protect Appalachia’s water and future from coal pollution. Now it’s your turn to add your voice to ensure that the Obama administration takes action.

Read Dana Kuhnline’s update on the event
TAKE ACTION at iLoveMountains.org: Send a note to the CEQ

Don’t Tax the Sun

Hundreds of Appalachian Power customers in Virginia have stood up to oppose an unfair tax on residential solar installations. Appalachian Voices and partners helped residents attend meetings and send letters to the state’s utility commission to point out how the fee will actually punish homeowners who want to invest in clean energy. A decision from the commission is expected in the next several weeks.

Read more about this effort

North Carolinians Take Stance on Fracking Issue

Over 1,800 North Carolinians attended four public hearings across the state in support of much stronger rules to regulate hydraulic fracturing. At the final hearing in the western part of the state, Appalachian Voices joined 600 concerned citizens to show opposition to fracking and support for tighter regulations. The state’s Mining and Energy Commission expects to receive thousands more written comments before the deadline of Sept. 30. Add your voice today!

Read more about the hearings

Honoring Jean Ritchie

The “Dear Jean” CD, featuring Kathy Mattea, John McCutcheon, and a host of other artists in tribute to folk icon and Kentucky native Jean Ritchie, was officially released this month and already has been at the top of the Folk DJ charts. Appalachian Voices is honored to receive a portion of the proceeds for our work to end mountaintop removal coal mining.

Watch the “Black Water” video
Purchase the “Dear Jean” CD

Become a Mountain Protector and join us in our mission to defend Appalachia for your grandchildren to enjoy.

Donate today!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Davis Wax
Whether he’s building trails or volunteering with Appalachian Voices, Davis steps up to make a difference for the mountains.

ENERGY TIP
OF THE MONTH
The average family can save $96 a year just by line drying your clothes. Learn more about this and other tips in our new Energy Savings Updates!