Appalachian Voices and our allies are raising concerns related to the process and substance behind Duke Energy's grid modernization pilot. [ Read More ]
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Brian Sewell
Brian is an environmental news junkie concerned with our lagging energy policy and revealing the true cost of coal on our health, the environment and the climate. He is Appalachian Voices' Director of Strategic Advancement.Duke Energy’s grid modernization pilot still shortchanges ratepayers
Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
Trump’s war on reality
Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 | Posted by Brian Sewell | 1 Comment
To revive coal and ignore climate change, the White House must wage war on reality itself. [ Read More ]
A historic step backward
Tuesday, October 10th, 2017 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
The Clean Power Plan represented a historic if modest step toward curbing carbon pollution and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy nationwide. Repealing the rule is a historic step backward.
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All the ways this White House props up coal
Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 | Posted by Brian Sewell | 2 Comments
The coal lobby’s influence over the White House is a given at this point — as is the White House’s willingness to put its finger on the scale in favor of our dirtiest, most carbon-packed energy sources. [ Read More ]
Senate confirms Scott Pruitt to lead EPA
Friday, February 17th, 2017 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
As expected, the Senate has confirmed former Oklahoma attorney general and walking conflict of interest Scott Pruitt to be the next administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If President Trump still plans to cripple the EPA, as he repeatedly promised during his campaign, the man to lead that effort begins work on Monday. [ Read More ]
Congress takes aim at stream protections
Friday, January 13th, 2017 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
In December, the Obama administration released the final Stream Protection Rule knowing it would be a likely top target for the incoming Republican-controlled Congress. And it is, indeed, in the crosshairs -- but members of Congress should understand they’re gambling with Appalachia’s health and economic future, all for a risky bet on coal’s unlikely comeback.
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Gov. Cooper nominates new environmental secretary
Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
Gov. Roy Cooper has appointed Michael Regan as the next secretary of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. Regan pledged to develop greater transparency at the agency. That alone could signal a shift from the prior DEQ leadership’s approach to public engagement on environmental issues. [ Read More ]
Trouble is afoot in NC special session
Thursday, December 15th, 2016 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
After days of deflecting questions and refusing to explain their priorities for the “emergency session,” Republicans introduced a slew of bills that would make sweeping changes and dramatically shift the balance of power away from the governor. Take action to stop this blatant abuse of power. [ Read More ]
Duke Energy’s empire grows with natural gas
Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
Duke Energy’s purchase of Piedmont Natural Gas was finalized this week after North Carolina utility regulators signed off on the deal. The acquisition is only the latest development in a regionwide push to expand natural gas investments and infrastructure that foreshadows an energy future experts are urging us to avoid. [ Read More ]
Rebukes, a resignation and more reasons to worry about coal ash in NC
Thursday, August 11th, 2016 | Posted by Brian Sewell | 1 Comment
Where does the war of words over coal ash health advisories leave North Carolinians with contaminated drinking water? Exactly where they were before: as distrustful of DEQ and DHHS as they are of their water’s safety. But in the battle between state employees and the McCrory administration, residents are clear on who they trust. [ Read More ]
An open letter to the North Carolina General Assembly
Monday, June 27th, 2016 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
In an open letter addressed to North Carolina lawmakers by the Alliance of Carolinians Together (ACT) Against Coal Ash, citizens threatened by coal ash pollution call on decision makers to take urgent action to ensure coal ash is cleaned up and impacted communities have access to clean water. [ Read More ]
Peabody Energy joins coal bankruptcy club
Thursday, April 14th, 2016 | Posted by Brian Sewell | No Comments
While the company no longer operates in Central Appalachia, the story of Peabody Energy’s downfall is similar to those of major producers in the region, where coal mining communities have plenty of first-hand experience with what happens next. [ Read More ]
