Do you have questions about issues such as abandoned coal mines, pipeline impacts or economic recovery for coal communities? Why not ask the experts! Join the Appalachian Voices webinar series featuring professionals, local residents and Appalachian Voices staff members. Together, we will explore environmental issues on the front lines of Appalachia.
Upcoming Webinars
Solar Simplified Webinar 3: Solar by the community for the community
Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, 7 – 8 p.m. ET
Interested in gaining energy independence, cutting pollution and reducing utility bills for your community? Join us to learn from community leaders who have championed solar projects that have benefited their localities. In this webinar, we’ll explore how solar projects can be designed to bring real benefits to any community and how to make these projects happen. A diverse panel of community leaders will share lessons learned from their experiences advocating for and developing local solar projects.
The webinar will share real-life examples of how solar ownership has helped communities build equity, gain energy independence, and build resilience to power outages. Communities come in all shapes and sizes and so do solar projects. Join us to consider how solar might benefit your community.
Previous Webinars
Solar Simplified Webinar 2: Solar for your home
Are you a homeowner interested in the benefits of solar energy and how it can positively impact your life and the environment? During this webinar we explored the various advantages of installing solar panels for your home and provided guidance on how to go solar. Topics include the various financial incentives and rebates available for homeowners who install solar panels, the independence and self-sufficiency that comes with generating your own clean energy, reducing or eliminating your electricity bills, contributing to a stronger power grid, fighting climate change, and the broader economic benefits of solar, including job opportunities. Hear solar experts address doubts and questions people may have about solar energy, installation or incentives. [ Originally aired Apr. 10, 2024. ]
Solar Simplified Webinar 1: Sharing the Benefits and Tackling Concerns About Solar
In this webinar, we talk through concerns we hear about solar, especially in the rural southeastern communities we call home, and share the facts. Solar energy will help us be more self-reliant, save money, and take better care of our land and our people. But fossil fuel interests are spreading deliberate misinformation to stop our communities from moving forward with renewable energy. With more funding available than ever before to help us create our own power, it’s critical our communities aren’t left out. Whether you’re excited about solar or still on the fence, you’ll leave this webinar with an increased understanding of solar and the tools you need to talk with your neighbors about these concerns. [ Originally aired Mar. 27, 2024. ]
Preventing Zombie Mines
Advocates from across coal-mining communities released a new federal policy platform that serves as a road map to address and prevent unreclaimed “zombie mines” — idled modern-era mines that have not been cleaned up by the responsible coal companies. The platform has already been endorsed by 52 community and national organizations. It includes an array of new recommended solutions to thwart the continued zombie mine crisis. Learn more and view the policy platform at https://www.zombiemines.org/. [ Originally aired Feb. 15, 2023. ]
Reforesting Mine Lands Through the Carbon Market
Learn more about Appalachian Voices’ work to launch a pilot reforestation project on abandoned mine lands by engaging with the emerging carbon offset market. This initiative is supported by Carbon180 in their regranting program for environmental justice organizations. Join us to hear from Adam Wells and Diana Dombrowski of Appalachian Voices and Alayna Chuney from Carbon180. [ Originally aired Sept. 20, 2023. ]
Residential Solar Webinar
Curious about how to make your home an energy-efficient solar paradise? Installing solar on your home can be intimidating, but recent new tax incentives make solar and energy efficiency housing upgrades more affordable than ever! These financing options can help you make the most of your home’s energy potential so that you can lower both your utility bills and your carbon footprint. Come join experts from Appalachian Voices, Solar United Neighbors, and the IRS as we walk through how to access all the amazing new energy efficiency and solar financing options! This webinar also includes an extensive Q&A session so that you can get specific answers to solar questions. [ Originally aired Sept. 14, 2023. ]
2023 Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition report Webinar
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition presents its latest report, “National to Neighborhoods: Catalyzing Opportunities for Coal-Impacted Communities.” The report details RAC’s ongoing efforts deploying its innovative mine reclamation model, explains how RAC is leveraging new federal funding opportunities and provides profiles on leading-edge projects throughout Appalachia. The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition is made up of leading organizations in
the just transition movement: Appalachian Voices, Coalfield Development Corporation, Rural Action and Downstream Strategies. Speakers include:
Jacob Hannah with Coalfield Development Corporation, Marrissa Lautzenheiser and Michelle Shively with Rural Action, Joey James with Downstream Strategies, abd Robert Kell and Adam Wells with Appalachian Voices [ Originally aired April 24, 2023. ]
Building a New Economy from the Ground Up
As part of Appalachian Voices’ 25th Anniversary celebration, our New Economy for Appalachia team will host a panel discussion with local leaders, community organizers, and industry leaders who are working to build a more diversified and innovative economy in Virginia’s coalfields. The panel will cover topics including: solar, tourism, outdoor recreation, and community development. [ Originally aired April 25, 2022. ]
Caring for miners with black lung: A panel discussion with medical professionals and leaders of the Black Lung Association
Incidents of black lung have increased sharply over the past 20 years, especially in Appalachia. Caring for the miners afflicted with this progressive and deadly disease is challenging, meaningful, and very necessary work. Join us in April to learn from an expert panel about how the disease is contracted, how it affects the body, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how you can support ailing miners professionally and personally. [ Originally aired April 25, 2022. ]
Appalachian Solar Finance Fund
Learn about the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund (SFF), a new program to jump-start public, nonprofit, and commercial solar projects in coal-impacted communities of Central Appalachia. Members of the SFF Executive Committee will discuss the fund’s purpose and structure, how to apply for funding support, and related workforce development initiatives. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A.
Civic, nonprofit, and business leaders, solar developers, and members of the media and public are encouraged to learn more at solarfinancefund.org [ Originally aired April 21, 2022. ]
Modern Mine Reclamation Needs and the Bonding Crisis
TThe decline of the coal industry nationwide is exposing the deep cracks in the coal mine clean-up process. As more coal companies go bankrupt, it’s revealing that the system that was designed to ensure reclamation is failing. In many cases the funds set aside can’t cover the cost of cleanup. This leaves local communities bearing the burden of dangerous and polluting former mine sites. Learn more about this growing national issue, the proposed solutions that communities have been developing, and how you can help. [ Originally aired April 21, 2022. ]
