A new NIOSH research letter has found that black lung rates in Appalachia are at their highest level in nearly 50 years. 🔗 More from @npr.org: https://loom.ly/scn9NDc

We all want clean water and healthy communities. But misinformation about #CoalAsh — the waste left behind after burning coal for electricity — puts this at risk. 🔗 Speak up about coal ash storage today: https://appvoices.org/actions/speak-up-about-coal-ash-storage/

Our wins and progress at Appalachian Voices begin with dedicated and passionate people like you. If you care about Appalachia’s future, we’d love for you to become a member this summer! 🔗 Consider making a gift today: https://appvoices.org/donate/. #Nonprofit #Donations #Donate #Appalachia

Our friends at Building Community Not Prisons are calling on Congress to rescind the $500 million for a new prison in Letcher County, Kentucky. Tell Congress: stop this prison and invest in real solutions for Letcher County instead. https://loom.ly/pImC6a4

“This is unacceptable,” writes Tennessee State Senator Heidi Campbell for The Tennessean. 🔗 Read more about #TVA from Campbell: https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/07/27/tva-public-input-energy-plan/91039220007/

Abingdon's ElderSpirit community members are thrilled with their new energy savings, with several residents reporting bills as low as $8 per month! Community members gathered to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of the community’s new solar arrays last week. https://loom.ly/9HS4avQ

Appalachian Voices is #hiring! We’re looking for a part-time Black Lung Coordinator to join our Coal Impacts team and help build grassroots power with individuals impacted by black lung. 🗓️ Apply by Aug. 13 for early consideration: https://appalachian.bamboohr.com/careers/58

Miners with black lung disease are eligible for a monthly disability benefit; but this monthly payment has not kept up with inflation for decades. A new bill would raise the black lung disability benefit. Judy Riffe of a WV Black Lung Association explains why this matters. https://loom.ly/zTiSF40

What’s happening at TVA? Leah McCord at Appalachian Voices breaks down: ➡️ What’s in TVA’s long-term energy roadmap (spoiler: it’s not great) ➡️ What the plan means for you and me (potential for higher #ElectricBills, more pollution, etc.) ➡️ What we can do about it (submit a public comment!)

🌞 It was a bright day for clean energy savings in Southwest Virginia Tuesday, as Abingdon's Elder Spirit retiree community hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for the community's new solar system!

We've been partnering with Green Forests Work to restore a former coal mine site near Clinchco, Virginia. Now, a site that was covered in autumn olive and other invasive species will be restored to its native beauty. https://loom.ly/BvArYYc

A bill introduced in Congress would increase the monthly payments for coal miners with black lung disease and their families and help the monthly benefit catch up to more than 50 years of rising costs. https://loom.ly/Umt5kS4

Did you get this email from #DominionEnergy? Dominion says the fuel portion of a typical bill rose about $8/month starting July 1. That charge covers burning fossil fuels like methane gas and coal for electricity, and buying power from other providers.

Coal miners and their families have been asking lawmakers for years to raise black lung benefits. Tell your lawmakers: Support a black lung disability benefits increase NOW! https://appvoices.org/actions/black-lung-stipend-2026/

Happy #4thOfJuly! 🇺🇸 For 250 years, we have organized to defend our rights, support our communities & protect the land, air, & water. By staying engaged & making our voices heard, we can continue working toward the promise of life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness for all. 📸: Jimmy Davidson

Miners with black lung and their families deserve a raise! Today, three U.S. representatives introduced the Support Our Miners Act, a bill that will increase the black lung disability payment that miners and their families receive. https://loom.ly/gbT8IQg

We notified the Tennessee Valley Authority that the federal utility’s construction and operation of its newly built Cumberland Gas Plant alongside the nearby coal plant violates the federal Clean Air Act. Read our full statement with our partners: https://appvoices.org/2026/06/26/cumberland-tva-noi/

Appalachian Voices is #hiring! We’re seeking a dynamic, passionate and strategic Virginia Field Coordinator to build statewide grassroots power and engagement. Apply now: https://appalachian.bamboohr.com/careers/57

We joined a coalition of conservation groups in declaring our intent to sue Aurevo Resources for releasing sediment, metals and other pollutants from seven surface mines into the river, and for failing to clean up the mines. https://loom.ly/u9Qr5c0

Our offices are closed today, June 19, in observance of #Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. 💚🖤❤️

The Justice family’s coal companies are known for regularly violating environmental and safety laws and failing to pay their fines. Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche’s directive to halt the investigation before prosecutors received subpoenaed records is concerning. https://loom.ly/3Xzc-Fg

Mobile billboards are rolling around VA's state capitol this week with a simple message for legislators: Make #DataCenters use clean energy & stop polluting local communities. Tell your legislators to put communities before data centers: https://appvoices.org/actions/no-dirty-energy-va-data-centers/

An amendment to provide $50 million in funding to address West Virginia's ongoing water crisis failed to advance in the U.S. House earlier this month. Many West Virginians continue to deal with dirty, polluted water that is unsafe to drink and that causes skin irritations. https://loom.ly/-Bu3qNM

The #Monongahela National Forest is under threat again. New companies want to reopen mining at the same site we helped close—and #WestVirginia regulators have already granted “advanced approval.” Sign our petition urging WVDEP to protect our public lands: https://loom.ly/bjYYfMY

The #EPA announced that it will accept comments on its proposal to roll back #CoalAsh rules through 6/29. Stand up for our communities and water by telling the EPA to keep coal ash protections in place! https://loom.ly/chrYSeM

Environmental groups are preparing to sue Clearco Processing Corporation for conducting unauthorized surface mining-related activities in the Monongahela National Forest in violation of federal and state laws. https://appvoices.org/2026/06/10/clearco-noi/

Communities nationwide are speaking out against toxic #CoalAsh. On Tuesday, advocates rallied at #EPA HQ in Washington, DC, urging strong protections for our drinking water & environment. Deadline to oppose the rollback: Fri, 6/12. ✍️ the petition today! https://loom.ly/ZEo09KM 📸 @SierraClub.org

Members of our team were proud to support Jessica Waller-Downs and Betty Johnson of the Kingston Coal Ash Worker Protection Group during a recent congressional briefing on coal ash regulations. @earthjustice.org 📸: Gabrielle Lichtenstein

Monuments Across Appalachian Places is seeking individuals and groups to participate in free workshops to prepare for the upcoming 2027 grant funding cycle. Workshops will be held between April and September 2026. To attend, please register by this Friday, June 5! https://loom.ly/WzkSz8s

A coalition of groups is urging the WVDEP to withdraw "advanced approval" for mining operations near the Monongahela National Forest, citing missing permits, endangered species protections and concerns over impacts to public lands and waterways. https://loom.ly/bexykAA