New energy laws in Virginia provide significant opportunity for solar development in the state’s historic coalfields, but not enough direct support for communities hit by the clean energy transition.
Blog Archives
Old Dominion Power raises rates on Southwest Virginians amid economic crisis
CONTACT: Chelsea Barnes New Economy Program Manager chelsea@appvoices.org 276-679-1691 The Virginia State Corporation Commission has approved a rate increase request from Old Dominion Power, which will add about $20 to average residential monthly bills in its Southwest Virginia service effective…
TAGS: electric company ODP Old Dominion Power rates scc southwest virginia state corporation commission Virginia
Va governor signs pipeline bill that protects consumers
CONTACT: Cat McCue 434-293-6373 cat@appvoices.org This week, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed into law HB 167, which protects utility customers from paying for large new gas pipeline costs if the State Corporation Commission (SCC) determines that new pipeline capacity is…
Bond-forfeited Virginia Blackjewel mines may finally have a buyer
Three Virginia strip mines, neglected in the wake of the Blackjewel bankruptcy, may finally have a buyer. But it remains to be seen if the new company would be able to reclaim the land.
Finally, Virginia lawmakers heed public’s call for clean energy
After years of advocacy by Appalachian Voices and many others, the Virginia legislature 2020 session produced bold measures that will move us toward a cleaner, more equitable energy economy — but there is work left to do.
TAGS: Dominion Energy electric monopoly energy democracy general assembly Solar Energy utility reform VCEA Virginia
Virginia issues new enforcement actions for Justice family mine violations
Mining companies owned by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and his family have chronically violated environmental standards and failed to pay fines and fees. Virginia regulators recently issued notices of mine permit revocation and bond forfeiture for two of the family’s companies.
TAGS: bond forfeiture Coal environmental violations mine reclamation self-bonding Virginia Virginia DMME West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice
Pristine Waters At Bottom Creek Gorge
The Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve in Montgomery County, Va., contains more than 5 miles of trails and the second-highest waterfall in the state.
Virginia Legislature Passes Clean Economy Act
The Clean Economy Act would require Virginia to transition to 100 percent renewable energy and emit no carbon from the power sector by 2050.
Virginia coalfield localities call for renewed federal funding for mine cleanup
CONTACT: Thom Kay, Senior Legislative Representative, thom.kay@appvoices.org, 864-580-1843 Cat McCue, Senior Communications Strategist, cat@appvoices.org, 434-293-6373 Norton, Va. — Seven local governments in Southwest Virginia have passed resolutions calling on the state’s congressional delegation to support federal legislation that would reauthorize…
