Blog Archives

New Virginia task force to host listening sessions and support community engagement

yellow figures with speech bubbles stand on a road in small-town Appalachia

A state agency is taking the exciting step of holding listening sessions in Southwest Virginia to solicit local input on how the commonwealth can support the region’s economic future.

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New film highlights Southwest Virginia change-makers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 9, 2022 CONTACT: Jan Canterbury, (703) 314-3996, nutzynomad@gmail.com NORTON, Va. — The key questions posed in the new documentary “Change-makers of the SWVA Coalfields,” are deeply felt: Can we really revitalize Southwest Virginia? How can we

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Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia to hold ribbon-cutting celebration for Wise Primary School installation

At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, members of the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia will gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new rooftop solar installation at Wise Primary School.

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Solar Panels on Southwest Virginia Schools Signal a Diversifying Economy

A project manager in a neon vest and construction hat kneels atop the roof of the St. Paul school..

School solar projects demonstrate how Virginia’s coalfield counties are diversifying their economies and energy options with solar power.

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The Beast of Bristol: The Landfill Haunting Residents of the Twin Cities

two people in front of a large guitar statue hold signs about the landfill problems

Terrible, persistent smells from the Bristol landfill have put a damper on quality of life for residents of the Twin Cities. Officials acknowledge the problem, but there’s no clear path forward.

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What it takes to reenergize Southwest Virginia

Economic development in Southwest Virginia could get a long overdue jumpstart with the suggestions Virginia Energy outlined in its Reenergize Southwest Final Report. The report, which was released in December 2021, makes recommendations for the General Assembly to support the economic transition in the coalfields after eliminating the state’s coal tax credits in 2021.

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Online tool helps track status of mine ownership in aftermath of Blackjewel bankruptcy

The fate of thousands of acres of mines requiring tens of millions of dollars of reclamation was thrown into doubt when Blackjewel, Revelation Energy and affiliated mining operations filed for bankruptcy in July 2019.

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New tool helps track large number of mine permits set to be voided in Blackjewel bankruptcy

mountaintop removal coal mine

Appalachian Voices has created a web page designed to help concerned residents, reporters and regulators track the status of mines caught up in the Blackjewel bankruptcy where the permits will become void once the Blackjewel companies cease to exist at the end of the year.

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The Sun is Shining on Southwest Virginia’s Growing Solar Industry

Learn about several exciting updates on the bright future for Southwest Virginia’s growing solar energy industry, broken down into four categories: 1) residential solar, 2) commercial solar, 3) utility solar and 4) shared solar!

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New Clinch River State Park Showcases Biodiversity

park sign

Supporters of Southwest Virginia’s newest state park hope that it will foster a conservation mindset and bring awareness to the Clinch River’s rich biodiversity.

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