FREE AppalachianThe October/November 2015Voice

Are we there yet? The future of transportation is right around the bend — it’s just a matter of getting there.

Also Inside: The Urban Coyote | Biking Appalachia’s Rails-to-Trails | Vaughn’s Diesel EDITED

TheAppalachianVOICE A note from the executive director Amy Brown is a mother of two living in Belmont, N.C., near a Duke Energy coal-fired power Environmental News From Around the Region A publication of plant and two giant coal ash pits. This spring, the state health department warned her not to use AppalachianVoices her tap water for drinking or cooking because of contamination. The Browns—one of more than 300 households to get such warnings—are now living on bottled water. Read more about their Common Connections: An Appalachian- Bear Population Rises, Human Encounters Follow NC: 171 Grand Blvd., Boone, NC 28607 • 828-262-1500 VA: 812 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-293-6373 experience on page 17. By W. Spencer King that is habituating them to humans. Other Regional Offices: Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Raleigh, NC Romanian Exchange The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Toxins found in coal ash like arsenic and hexavalent chromium can have dangerous health con- According to the N.C. Wildlife like speed dating,” says Melissa Rhodes Agency in Polk County is attempting to AppalachianVoices.org | [email protected] sequences when they leak into water supplies, and a recent study shows the ash can be five times By W. Spencer King Resources Commission, the number of more radioactive than average U.S. soil. of the Clay Center. “People from other address the problem by relocating bears Editor...... Jamie Goodman High school students from different black bears throughout Appalachia has countries and people from [West Vir- to different areas, but officials from the Managing Editor...... Molly Moore Since the catastrophe in February 2014 that spilled 39,000 tons of coal ash into the Dan River, there’s sides of the world recently took part in more than doubled in the last 20 years, ginia] got onto the site and tried to find agency have found it an inefficient, Associate Editor...... Elizabeth E. Payne been much foot-dragging and finger-pointing by Duke, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural a year-long cultural exchange program and wildlife officials are debating the Contributing Editor...... Brian Sewell similarities … we have a lot in common tedious and arduous process. Distribution Manager...... Lauren Essick Resources (which dubbed itself the Department of Environmental Quality in July), and state lawmakers that involved frequent communication best course of action to deal with rap- with Romania with our folk music, geol- In the mid-1970s, bear sanctuar- Editorial Assistant...... W. Spencer King in dealing with the massive amounts of coal ash sitting in leaking pits around the state. and highlighted similar folk traditions, idly growing population and ensuing Editorial Assistant...... Chris Robey ogy and geography.” ies were opened throughout the Ap- But, due largely to public pressure, some progress has been made. A new state law requires the arts and music. human interactions. Graphic Designer...... Maggie Sherwood “[The Romanian people] are very palachian region to protect the then- Graphic Designer...... Haley Rogers cleanup of four high-threat sites, and this fall, Duke proposed cleaning up three additional sites. In fall 2014, four Romanian stu- The issue rests in the delicate eco- proud of their heritage and their his- shrinking bear population. The decline Marketing Assistant...... Andrew Tarley dents visited Wahama High School in logical balance that has been disrupted So it was an Orwellian turn of events when DEQ—the very entity entrusted with defending tory,” she says. “Tradition is very was the result of overhunting, a practice public health and the environment from pollution—asked the courts to block Duke’s plan. Fortu- Mason, W.Va., for two weeks, explor- in the last 40 years due to strict hunting DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: Alison Auciello, Karen Austin-Clayton, Debbie important to them, and they’re very that erased the native wolves, panthers, ing the connections between traditional regulations and habitat destruction. Bahr, Heather Baker, Becky Barlow, Aaron Barr, Shawn Becker, Bob Belton, Blue nately, the courts rejected that request. family oriented just like we are here in buffalo and elk, which were all once Ridge Mountain Sports, Blue Smoke Coffee, Charlie Bowles, Lynn Brammer, Ben Romanian folk music and music from Access to unprotected trash cans and Then, in a September 29 press release, DEQ cast itself as a tough enforcer West Virginia.” prominent big game species in southern Bristoll, Steve Brooks, Teri Crawford Brown, Derek Burke, Sarah Smith Caskey, Appalachia. The students found that litter entices bears to come closer to Charlie Chakales, Kim and Shay Clanton, Patty Clemens, Darlene Cunningham, in announcing a settlement with Duke over groundwater contamination at “You go to another country and and central Appalachia. both cultures share a history of coal civilization more frequently, and as Sister Beth Davies, Deborah Deatherage, Bill Elliott, Jakob Elliott, Nels Erickson, all of the company’s North Carolina coal plants. In reality, however, the deal expect things to be really different,” Yet increased hunting is among the Lara Foster, Frank Frey, Charles Garratt, Dave Gilliam, Scott Goebel, Amelia mining, and the music from both areas bears become more comfortable with results in lower fines and a promise to essentially not take enforcement action says Jamie Adamik of the Clay Center. proposed solutions, and North Carolina Golcheski, Lisa Goodpaster, Bruce Gould, Gary Greer, Jed Grubbs, Bill Harris, Susan reflects themes of wages, labor and entering human spaces, the risk of hu- Hazlewood, Sharon Helt, Tim Huntley, Pamela Johnston, Mary K., Denny Keeney, against Duke for any past, present or future contamination at any of its sites. “But when you get there you realize that wildlife officials are tentatively debat- class. man harm increases. Allison Keith, Rose Koontz, Frances Lamberts, Susan Lewis, Loy Lilley, Aaron Linas, With citizens like Amy Brown very much in mind, and in our hearts, everybody there are people just like us, ing increasing the bag limit for bears Debra Locher, Joy Lourie, Diane Lucas, Gail Marney, Mast General Store, Pamela This past spring, four students from Biologists in the Smoky Mountains Appalachian Voices and many others will keep the pressure on DEQ, and teachers, students, we got to visit their from one to two. The goal is to manage Maynard, Kathy McClory, Kim Greene McClure, Rich McDonough, Mike McKinney, Wahama High School traveled to Anina in eastern Tennessee have placed GPS Steve Moeller, Nick Mullins, Catherine Murray, Don O’Dell, Rob Osborne, Eva Duke, to step up to the plate and fix this problem once and for all. homes and see where they lived.” the population without sending it back in Gorj County, Romania, to spend two tracking collars on a number of bears to Perkins, Patti Phelps, Rick Phelps, Bronwyn Reece, Martin Richards, Carol Rollman, For the mountains, The students and teachers remain into a declining trend, which officials Kristin Rouse, Jenny Rytel, Debbie Samuels, Steve Scarborough, Gerry and Joe weeks learning about Romanian cus- study their movements, hoping to dis- in contact through email, Facebook and hope to achieve through careful obser- Scardo, Frank Schaller, Kathy Selvage, Brenda Sigmon, Lucy Spencer, Jennifer toms and heritage, and to share some of cover where bears might be getting food Stertzer, Jim Stockwell, Robert Thompson, Derrick Von Kundra, Bill Wasserman, letters. The Clay Center is working on their own Appalachian culture. vation and planning. Dean Whitworth, Amy Wickham, Graham Williams, Barbara Williamson, Diana Tom Cormons, Executive Director a grant that, if approved, will continue Withen, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman The Clay Center in Mason received the project with new schools from West ® a grant that paired them with museums The Spice & Tea Exchange Virginia and Romania. from around the world. “It was sort of GET INVOLVED environmental & cultural events See more at appvoices.org/calendar Southwest Virginia’s New tional State Forest, Hendersonville, N.C. Call by Oct. 30. Staunton Public Library, Staunton, Outdoor Family Adventure Salamanders Under Threat from Deadly Fungus Economy Forums 828-692-0100 or visit www.eenorthcarolina.org Va. Call (434) 971-1553 or visit wildvirginia.org Nov. 27-28, 10 a.m-9 p.m.: Family-friendly ac- In a regional study led by biologist out is expected. The southern Appala- Oct. 12-20, 6-8 p.m.: Discuss the future of Elk Viewing Tour Star Party tivities include hiking, archery, birding, storytell- Vance Vredenburg, the Southeast was chians would be especially vulnerable Southwest Virginia’s economy! Share your ing and astronomy. Contact park for a detailed Nov. 7, 3-7 p.m. Come observe the majestic Nov. 14, 5 p.m.: Come view the night sky listed as vulnerable to a fungal infec- as their cool, wet environments host thoughts at one of eight community forums schedule. Free. Cumberland Falls State Resort elk of eastern Kentucky. $5-30, registration through the optical telescopes at the National tion that is deadly to most salamander more salamander species than any- across the region. For more information, call required. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Pres- Radio Astronomy Observatory. If it rains, the Park, Corbin, Ky. Call (800) 325-0063 or visit species. where else in the world. (276) 679-1691 or visit swvaneweconomy. tonsburg Ky. Call (606) 889-1790 or visit parks. indoor planetarium will give guests a stellar pre- parks.ky.gov/calendar/details/outdoor-family- com/#!schedule/cjg9 ky.gov/calendar/details/elk-viewing-tour/21209 sentation. Free. Green Bank, W. Va. Call 304- adventure-/41710 Batrachochytrium salamandriv- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Protect Our Lands Picnic Trails and Trees Studio Tour 456-2150 or visit pocahontascountywv.com Great Smoky Arts and Holiday orans, or Bsal, is an aquatic fungus is currently considering a request by the Oct. 18, 2-5 p.m.: A fun, family-friendly event to Nov. 7-8: Enjoy the beautiful countryside of Trail Work Day Craft Show that causes lethal skin infections on Association of Fish and Wildlife Agen- raise awareness about Duke Energy’s expan- Berkeley County, W. Va., while visiting artisans Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Join Elk Knob State Nov. 30-Dec. 6: Explore the craftsmanship of salamanders. It is thought to be related cies to enact an emergency ban on pet sion plans. Hosted by the Carolina Land Co- Tennessee’s artisans at this Holiday craft show. in their studios. Free. Falling Waters, W. Va. Park staff and other volunteers and build the to a similar infection that is devastating salamander imports, which the research- alition. Henderson County Heritage Museum, Painters, potters, jewelry makers and more. Call (304) 271-8872 or visit trailsandtrees.org new one-mile Beech Tree Trail and make re- amphibian populations worldwide. ers identified as a potential avenue of Hendersonville, N.C. Free. Call (828) 258-8737 pairs on the Summit Trail. Tools are provided, Come admire their work and do some of your Veterans Day Hike Should Bsal reach the United States, transmission to the United States. ext. 205 or visit carolinalandcoalition.org but wear closed-toed shoes and bring work holiday shopping. Gatlinburg, TN. Call (800) Nov. 11, 12 - 2 p.m.: This event offers a ranger- 568-4748 or visit tnvacation.com/events/11310/ the researchers say, a nationwide die- — Chris Robey Mountain Makins’ Festival guided hike along Wilbour Ridge. Enjoy the gloves, lunch and water. Free. Todd, N.C. Call Oct. 24-25: Weekend folk festival celebrat- 828-297-7261 or visit ncparks.gov/elk-knob- Audubon Christmas Bird Count spectacular views and wild ponies. Free. Gray- About the Cover ing the traditions of Appalachia, highlighting son Highlands State Park, Massie Gap, Va. Call state-park Dec. 13: Join the nation’s longest-running traditions and their modern interpretations. 276-579-7092 or visit dcr.virginia.gov/state- Naturalist Niche Series: citizen science project as participants hike These splendid fall colors provide Exhibitions by crafters and artisans. $5 parks/park-event-info.shtml?id=GH150093-00 Survival Skills park trails to identify and count as many birds a stark contrast to the newly repaved admission. Rose Center, Morristown, Tenn. Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m.: Learn from local naturalist as possible. Gathered data will be sent to the Pipeline Monitoring Program road in this stunning photo taken by Call (423) 581-4330 or visit tnvacation.com/ Clint Calhoun about helpful survival tips and es- Audubon Society for compilation, so help Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m.: Learn to monitor water qual- Phil Varney. events/45845 sential gear as you explore the Old Growth Forest conservation efforts while enjoying the beautiful ity, with special emphasis on monitoring sites The Newfound Gap Road passes at Chimney Rock State Park. $5-22, registration outdoors. Free, lunch provided. Mill Point, W. Fall Tree ID Hike along the Atlantic Coast Pipeline route. No prior through Great Smoky Mountains Na- required. Chimney Rock, N.C. Call 800-277-9611 Va. Call (800) 336-7009 or visit pocahontas- Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Learn to identify the experience necessary, but monthly monitoring tional Park in Tennessee. It is one of BLOWING ROCK or visit ncparks.gov/chimney-rock-state-park countywv.com To view more of Varney’s work, visit trees that are producing such beautiful colors. at your site is expected. Free, must register the many places to admire the natural 1087 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Free, registration required. Holmes Educa- beauty of the annual changing of the leaves. pvarneyphotography.com 828-372-7070 • [email protected]

Page 2 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 3 Environmental News From Around the Region

Intersex Fish Found in N.C. Waterways Trees in Knoxville parks with scan- By Elizabeth E. Payne as growth, metabolism and reproduc- By the Numbers 50 nable QR codes that link to infor- tion. Endocrine disruptors interfere with By W. Spencer King mational videos about the trees with Researchers from North Carolina cameos by 27 popular musicians. Ranking the Great Smoky Moun- State University recently announced that naturally occurring hormones, potentially causing adverse effects. 11 tains National Park received from Galaxies that the Green Bank more than half of the male black bass the National Parks Conservation Telescope in West Virginia, According to a related study by 100 tested in rivers across North Carolina ex- Association of the most polluted and the other most powerful hibited female characteristics, particularly NCSU researchers, these natural or national parks, an improvement telescope in the world, the Parkes Telescope the formation of egg cells in their testes. synthetic compounds can often be over its #1 ranking in 2004. in Australia, will gather data from in a partner- ship proposed by Stephen Hawking. Once published, their study will add traced to “municipal and agricultural waste flows” that enter waterways. to the evidence that intersex traits are ap- $1.2 million New West Virginia counties declared Such compounds can include human pearing in fish nationwide. A 2009 U.S. Amount estimated to restore the Blue Ridge endemic for tick-borne Lyme disease, Tunnel as a pedestrian and biking path in 4 Geological Survey study found that 91 contraceptives and growth hormones bringing the current total up to 11. fed to animals, as well as pesticides that Nelson County, Va. percent of the largemouth bass sampled interrupt reproductive cycles. from the Yadkin-Pee Dee River in North Land and Water “The results are worrisome,” Crys- 1965 Carolina exhibited such traits, the highest Conservation Fund Year the Land and Water Conservation Fund tal S. Lee Pow, an NSCU doctoral instance of any sample across the nation. was established by Congress to aid in the student working on this study, told protection of national land. Scientists have linked these character- 1,000,000,000,000 Environmental Health News. “Males Dollars from outdoor recreation, preser- istics to the presence of endocrine disrupt- Senators who voted at the beginning are crucial for hatching success, and vation, and conservation revenues that 59 of the year to permanently reautho- ing compounds, particularly estrogens. their male behavior could be altered by are funneled into the American economy rize the Land and Water Conservation In both humans and animals, the glands annually exposure to contaminants and the pres- Fund. As of September 30, Congress failed and hormones that make up the endocrine to pass the fund’s reauthorization, leaving ence of the intersex condition.” system regulate important functions such $42 Million its fate up to future budget negotiations. Funding to states to promote outdoor rec- More KY Parks Certified as Auto Titan Laid Low by reation and conservation through Land and 7,000,000 Water Conservation Fund announced by U.S. Acres the fund has helped state and local Monarch Waystations West Virginia Scientists Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell in August. agencies acquire This year, five Kentucky state parks, German automaker Volkswagen AG was including John James Audubon State sent teetering after scientists at West Virginia Park, Buckhorn Lake State Park and Ken- University discovered that its newest four- Appalachian Farmers to Benefit from Remote-Sensing Data tucky Dam State Park, have registered as cylinder diesel car models had software that certified monarch waystations. enabled them to cheat on emissions tests. An expanded partnership between early-warning system against drought. Waystations provide milkweed habi- The software, known as a “defeat de- the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Though higher elevation regions tat and other resources for migrating vice,” switches emission controls on during NASA could benefit farmers looking to such as central Appalachia are not ex- Monarch butterflies, currently being testing and off during normal operation, reduce the effects of climate change on pected to warm as quickly as lowland considered for protection under the En- allowing the vehicles to emit 40 times the crop yields. areas, according to the USDA, extreme dangered Species Act. allowable level of nitrogen oxide set by the The agreement, announced this weather fluctuations may produce more The Kentucky Garden Club and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Kentucky State Parks have been working Volkswagen admitted to installing the summer, promises expanded efforts to frequent droughts and flooding. Federal since 2013 to create waystations across devices after being confronted by the EPA. gather soil moisture data using satel- researchers also say irrigation demands the state. With this year’s additions, there Former CEO Martin Winterkorn is currently lite remote-sensing. This data could be on freshwater resources could create are now 18 certified parks. under investigation for suspected fraud. compiled into maps that would improve water conflicts in a region where annual Read about vehicle emissions on page 11. — Chris Robey farmers’ ability to forecast weather and precipitation ranges from 30-85 inches. — Chris Robey water availability, as well as provide an — Chris Robey Oak Ridge Pond Clean-Up Underway The U.S. Department of Energy’s the pond floor. This allowed the PCBs to Oak Ridge reservation is making strides settle and become buried. toward creating a healthier ecosystem in Vegetation is returning to the pond one of its ponds, according to the Knox- and the levels of PCB contamination in ville News Sentinel. the fish are falling. The pond is contaminated with poly- “While it’s too early to say that [this] chlorinated biphenyls, a toxic and indirect pond is a success at this time,” Eric Ward, chemical byproduct of the nuclear weap- a spokesperson for the Tennessee De- ons once produced on the site. In 2009, all partment of Environment and Conserva- of the fish living in the pond were killed tion, told the Knoxville News Sentinel, so that a new species could be introduced “there are marked improvements.“ that would not disrupt the sediments on — Elizabeth E. Payne

Page 4 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 The future of transportation is right around the Appalachian Rails Have Strong Ties to Fossil Fuels By Elizabeth E. Payne single commodity is more important to America’s railroads than coal.” bend — it’s just a matter of getting there. For more than 100 years, railroads The energy sector’s shift away from have roared through the Appalachian coal toward natural gas in the past mountains, connecting the region to Two-lane country highways Yet while the steep climbs and hairpin stranded by lack of a vehicle and insufficient decade has negatively impacted the the rest of the country, and moving snaking around bends, and turns characteristic of Appalachia have helped public and private transportation options. railroad companies that transport much resources and people in and out of the gravel lanes winding through valleys, are protect the rural character of many areas, some But despite these challenges, there are of the coal. The Association of American region. part of the national image of Appalachia. The argue that the region’s roads have also hin- people in every corner of the region working Railroads reported in July 2015 that coal Trains first entered Appalachia twists of these roads shape a sense of home, dered the spread of goods and people. to pave a smoother path forward, whether by traffic had fallen almost 23 percent from in 1851, when the Baltimore & Ohio and draw visitors to explore what’s around Harsh winters can drive up the cost of road providing rides for neighbors in need, partici- its peak in 2008. A Baltimore and Ohio train passes through Durbin, W. Va. Photo by Donnie Nunley Railroad Company extended one of its the next curve. maintenance, particularly in rural areas, and pating in local highway planning, or building “In 2008, coal accounted for 45 per- lines to the town of Piedmont, which to carry natural gas in its liquefied form. This increased volume, together That appeal is epitomized by the Blue keep school buses sitting idle. And in parts of the electric vehicle network that might be cent of total US freight carloads moved was located in what was then Virginia. According to Clarke, more trains are with its higher volatility, has contrib- Ridge Parkway, a National Park Service sce- the region with extractive industry, heavy truck commonplace for the next generation of Ap- by rail,” according to Mindi Farber- As the rail line expanded, it “was con- now carrying crude oil from the Bakken uted to the increased frequency of well- nic roadway in North Carolina and Virginia. traffic from coal mining, natural gas drilling palachian drivers. DeAnda, of the U.S. Energy Information sidered so important during the Civil shale formation in North Dakota and publicized derailments. Bakken crude More than 15 million visitors each year come and logging operations has wreaked havoc This issue of The Appalachian Voice takes Administration. “In 2014, coal accounted War that its route affected the shape of Montana, which is “poorl y served by oil was being transported by the April to absorb sweeping mountain vistas and hike on roadways by accelerating wear and tear. In a look at where we’re going, and how we’re for [only] 38 percent of total US freight the new state of West Virginia,” accord- the pipeline network,” in part “to re- 2014 train that derailed in Lynchburg, roadside trails. In southwest Virginia, the aptly some areas, locals describe frequent reckless getting there. carloads moved by rail,” she said. ing to the West Virginia Department of cover some of the lost energy business” Va., spilling nearly 30,000 gallons of named Crooked Road designates a 330-mile driving and routes blocked by industrial traffic. Dr. David B. Clarke, director of the Transportation. resulting from the shift away from coal. crude into the James River and bursting heritage music trail that directs travelers to No matter what the road conditions are, Center for Transportation Research at Table of Contents In most of the region, however, rail- In February 2014, The Wall Street Journal into flames. It was also being transport- cultural and outdoor destinations in small some of the region’s most vulnerable residents The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Expanding Access...... 6 roads became an important economic reported that roughly 70 percent of Bak- ed by the train that derailed in Mount towns along the route. — in both rural and urban areas — are left predicts that this decline will “affect Appalachian Railways...... 7 factor beginning in the 1890s with the ken oil was transported by train and was Carbon, W.Va., the following February, the health of the railroad industry, in Coalfields Expressway...... 8 rise of the lumber and coal industries. significantly more combustible than oil sending a massive fireball into the sky. The Solution Revolution...... 9 R. Scott Huffard Jr., of Lees-McRae Col- my opinion, especially the two eastern from other sources. Continued on page 9 Drivers of Pollution...... 10 lege, explains that with the railroads railroads: Norfolk Southern and CSX. Biking the Highlands...... 11 came outside investors who extracted We’re already seeing that reflected in Biobuses...... 14 these natural resources. In this context, their stock prices and their earnings.” Vaughn’s Diesel...... 15 he describes the railroads as “the lead- In contrast, natural gas is transport- ing edge of resource exploitation.” ed primarily by pipeline in the United Foggy Morning Drive on I-77 in northern Today, the link between the rail- States, though according to the Omaha West Virginia. Photo by Rob Carter roads and resources, especially coal, World-Herald, Union Pacific Railroad has remains strong. According to the As- applied to the Federal Railroad Adminis- Expanding Access to Transportation for Those in Need sociation of American Railroads, “No tration to be the first railroad permitted Chattanooga Area Regional Transporta- transport to the dialysis center and of with other partners and between de- By Molly Moore our clients do not have a reliable form tion Authority, for instance, features a course that’s pretty much a matter of partments. Transportation is just one Expanding Access It’s easy to take for granted the of transportation,” she says. fleet of emission-free electric buses with life and death.” Mountain Empire Older of the services MEOC provides — the Continued from previous page ability to get from home to work or to While transportation issues can be regular routes, special van service for Citizens requests a minimum 24-hour agency’s endeavors range from home- an important medical appointment. But ans with door-to-door transit to pick up troublesome for the general population, passengers with disabilities, and will advance call, and during tough winters, delivered meals to running a cancer transportation options aren’t always essentials or visit far-flung VA hospitals, “when you add that extra layer of intimate soon manage 30 bike rental stations. the agency uses four-wheel drive ve- treatment center and senior care facility. available, and car trouble — and the and assist with funds for auto repair. partner violence, it could be a survivor But in rural areas, demand-response hicles to reach high-priority passengers. Elliot proudly points out that the worries that come with not having a Some programs specifically address seeing that as a reason for why it may be services, where drivers respond to in- Area residents rely on the public agency’s drivers are frequent cham- car — can be a barrier for many. the connection between transportation difficult to leave and transition to living dividual needs, are more common. system, he says, especially because of a pions at the annual Virginia State Bus The struggle to gain access to trans- and healthcare — in North Carolina’s on their own,” Stoker says, especially be- Mitchell Elliot serves as transit director lack of taxis and other private options Roadeo competition. “One of the things portation affects both rural and urban Watauga and Avery counties, the Latino cause they might be relying on transporta- for Mountain Empire Older Citizens, an in the MEOC service territory. that makes people from the Appala- communities in the region. Tom Sanchez, Health Program provides bilingual tion from a person who is abusing them. area agency on aging that serves three Elliot estimates that 60 percent of chian area unique is that no matter what a professor or urban affairs and planning health assistance, including transporta- The federal funds the organization southwest Virginia counties and the town the system’s riders are elderly, and many challenge we have, we seem to be able at Virginia Tech, notes that the core issues tion to medical appointments, for the receives under the Victims Of Crime Act of Norton. use the bus system to travel to senior to do the very best we can with it,” he are starkly different — dense popula- local Latino population. And in central can’t be used for gas cards, so Stoker’s The agency’s 50 buses, which hold centers and the agency’s PACE Center, says. “Our area does more with little tions in cities lead to congestion, while Appalachia, a grassroots network helps team relies on private charity and local 12 to 19 riders each, serve roughly which provides health and social servic- than maybe any area around.” sparsely populated rural communities the families of people incarcerated in the funders to help clients with transporta- 95,000 people across 4,400 square miles es for older citizens. Other riders include Many local nonprofit agencies, such struggle with a lack of transit options. region visit their loved ones in prison. tion costs. of rugged terrain. The transit system low-income families and community as Aid to Distressed Families of Appa- But in both situations, insufficient trans- Transportation is also a high-priori- “We’re very lucky that people are began in the ‘80s, and Elliott says rider- college students,and individuals with lachian Counties in Oak Ridge, Tenn., portation can make it harder to access ty need for survivors of domestic abuse, invested in taking care of each other,” ship demand is continually increasing. physical limitations who rely on the provide car repair assistance as part of healthcare or travel to work or school. according to Deanna Stoker of A Safe Stoker says, describing how churches “It is sometimes a challenge to get system’s disability-accessible vehicles. their efforts to fight poverty. In some In urban areas, public transporta- Home for Everyone, a program of Ashe also assist with transportation for those people where they need to be,” says With limited public funding avail- counties, organizations provide veter- tion systems typically combat this by County Partnership for Children. “The in need. “We’ve had to figure out how Elliot. “We have some people that we able, success depends on collaboration providing scheduled shuttle routes. The Continued on next page majority of the population and most of to do it here with each other.”

Page 6 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 7 cmyk

Coalfields Expressway tions. The study, called a supplemen- only the four coal-synergy routes: the Appalachian Rails Continued from previous page Continued from page 7 Coalfields Expressway tal environmental impact statement, one outlined in the 2012 study and three Virginia Highway Project Raises Questions would also consider the economic “Transportation dollars should be of the routes from the 2001 deliberations, In response, the U.S. Department of about Relationship Between Coal and Roads effect of relocating the route away spent on the secondary roads that need including the route originally endorsed in Transportation announced new regula- from several town centers. attention and on trail systems that could 2001 — leaving the grassroots proposals tions to oversee the transport of these “The impacts of mountaintop out of the analysis. hazardous materials. In May, the agency By Molly Moore 26-mile portion of the Coalfields increase tourism/recreation opportuni- removal are significant, and have ties,” notes Bier. “It’s critical that VDOT and Federal announced its final rule to increase the Ever since Appalachian coal began Expressway, also known as Route been well documented in peer-re- Area residents also suggested modi- Highways Administration keep in mind safety of trains carrying flammable to power the Industrial Revolution, this 121. A small portion of the road viewed studies,” says Kate Rooth of fications to widen or add bridges to other that the purpose of the Coalfields Ex- materials. According to Progressive fuel has influenced the location and condi- has been approved and is in vari- Appalachian Voices. “Our concern is nearby state highways, such as Route 80 pressway was to improve transportation Railroading, the new rule “focuses on tion of roads in the coal-bearing regions. ous stages of construction, but the not with building a road, but rather, and Route 63, and emphasized the need for local communities and diversify the safety improvements designed to prevent In Virginia, a highway project currently remainder of the highway is on with the reliance on destructive min- to improve traffic patterns in several town regional economy which has for so long crude-by-rail accidents, mitigate conse- under consideration — and partially hold awaiting further review. The approximate route of the proposed Coalfields Expressway would traverse southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia. ing practices to build it.” centers by adding stoplights, turn lanes depended on coal mining,” says Kristin quences if an accident occurs and support under construction — is raising ques- After the coal companies Map courtesy Virginia Department of Transportation Following the assessment’s and traffic circles. Improving access to Davis of Southern Environmental Law emergency-response efforts.” tions about the relationship between coal joined the process, the public-pri- release, Marley Green, a Sierra Club parks and recreation areas by paving Center. “The purpose is not to simply But The New York Times reports and the commonwealth’s transportation vate partnership announced a new three miles, to better align with the coal organizer at the time, stated that a gravel roads and enhancing signage was maximize coal mining along the route, that many safety advocates are con- infrastructure. preferred route, one that wasn’t part of the reserves. According to a VDOT report, more thorough analysis was needed to also a top priority at the sessions, with and it’s the role of VDOT and FHWA to cerned that the new rule does not go The Coalfields Expressway was pro- 2001 review. The announcement spurred “Compared to the previous route, the new determine how the route will affect the locals highlighting the John W. Flannagan consider the impacts of a full range of far enough to address their concerns. An empty CSX coal train. Photo by J. Mueller posed as a way to link U.S. Route 23 in local debate over whether the expressway location would maximize coal recovery, health of nearby residents, particularly in Reservoir and Cranes Nest Campground reasonable alternatives and ensure that Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) told Virginia with Interstate 77 and Interstate would bring promised economic develop- seek to avoid abandoned underground light of studies that have connected health in Dickenson County. they are consistent with those purposes.” The Times, “It does nothing to address the tracks may be abandoned leaving 64 in West Virginia, attract new business ment, and raised questions about how mine areas, and provide a somewhat problems to surface mining. He also ques- Residents also suggested increased Bier and other residents have ex- explosive volatility, very little to reduce some areas without access to rail service. and tourism to the area and diversify the high of an environmental cost is allowable straighter alignment for the highway.” tioned whether the stream damage that investment in the regional agency on ag- pressed concern that should the Coalfields the threat of rail car punctures, and is “And once you loose rail service, then local economy away from a dependence in the name of a new highway. But this new route also clear-cuts would result from the new route might ing, which provides the sole public transit Expressway break ground using the “coal too slow on the removal of the most you’re at a disadvantage for any future on coal mining. In the 1990s, the proposed The route change also attracted fresh 2,000 acres of forest and destroys 12 miles overwhelm already-impaired waterways option in the area (see page 6), and also synergy” approach, construction might dangerous cars.” industrial development,” he says. four-lane thoroughfares in both states scrutiny from the Federal Highways of streams instead of the 720 acres of for- and violate the Clean Water Act. recommended support for other projects, progress just far enough for the companies Clarke worries about the negative Historically, railroads have played were designated Congressional High Pri- Administration, which is working with est and four miles of streams affected by The Federal Highways Administra- such as the Spearhead Trails motorcycle to recover the coal, but that private and impact these changes in the railroads an important role in the economic de- ority Corridors. And in 2001, the Virginia VDOT on a new study of the road’s posi- the 2001 route. tion agreed with the request for a more and ATV Park, that have already had a government funding might be too shaky may have on many small communities velopment of Appalachia. But with so Department of Transportation completed tive and negative impacts that is expected Representatives from VDOT say robust review, and the federal agency and positive impact on the economy. or insufficient to see the highway part of in Appalachia. If coal is no longer as many changes underway, they may play its environmental review of a host of road to be released this fall. that recovering coal reserves from the VDOT are now conducting a supplemen- Like many local leaders, Dickenson the project to completion. Complicating profitable for the rail companies, then a different role in the region’s future. proposals, settling on a preferred route. The Coal Road roadbed is incidental to the construction tal environmental impact statement. County Board of Supervisors Chair David the matter, Alpha Natural Resources, one Yet the effort was stymied by the cost Jessica Bier lives near Pound, Va., of the highway. But opponents of surface Citizen’s Alternatives Yates sees roads as economic opportuni- of the companies implicated in the coal of constructing a new highway in the close to the southern terminus of the mining, including nonprofit organizations synergy partnership, declared bankruptcy Environmental advocates including ties. He is in favor of improving Route rugged Appalachian landscape — until Coalfields Expressway. She has studied Southern Appalachian Mountain Stew- during the summer of 2015 (read more Rooth hoped that the additional analysis 83 by increasing the number of turn and West Virginia found a financial work- the various environmental review docu- ards, Appalachian Voices and Sierra Club, on page 20). provided by the new comprehensive passing lanes on this two-lane highway, around. The Mountain State developed ments over the past decade. After poring are quick to point out that the partnership Heather Williams, a project manager review will help determine whether the which is easily clogged by industrial a partnership where mining companies over the documents associated with the with the state also qualifies the companies at VDOT, said she could not comment Coalfields Expressway — which has an truck traffic. would extract coal along the highway coal company partnership and the new for the Government Finance Exemption. on the project’s funding, noting that the estimated taxpayer price tag of $2.8 bil- Yates also supports the Coalfields Ex- route, providing a rough-grade roadbed route, Bier concluded that “Instead of a This state clause means that the agency will look into financial feasibility lion — is indeed the strongest long-term pressway, and believes it would make the at a steep discount to the state in return. project designed to maximize utility and coal-mining operations associated with only after the supplemental analysis is economic investment on the table. county a more appealing location for light In 2006, the Virginia Department of public good, it was now about maximiz- the Coalfields Expressway would be completed and a final route is chosen. In the winter of 2015, Southern Appa- manufacturing. “The transportation piece Transportation and two coal companies ing access to coal reserves to maximize subject to the environmental standards The comprehensive review is ex- lachian Mountain Stewards, Appalachian would put us on an even playing field,” — Alpha Natural Resources and Pioneer coal company profits.” that govern highway-building rather than pected to be released this fall, with an Voices and the Sierra Club convened he says. “Our people have an intuitive Group — decided to follow the West The new route shifted the location federal surface mining regulations. The opportunity for the public to provide in- several hearings to solicit citizen input feeling for solving problems and [making] Virginia model and began investigating of the roadway, sometimes by two or Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals person comments in late winter or early regarding alternative transportation things work.” a similar plan for the commonwealth’s and Energy would be responsible for spring. Only then will the agency choose improvements that could help boost the Others are more skeptical of the ensuring that mining occurs only within a route and assess the financial viability area’s economy. The organizations re- claims that the expressway project would the boundaries of the new route and is an of the project, Williams says. quested that VDOT consider the citizen bring economic prosperity. Bier questions engineering necessity. Meanwhile, Davis hopes that the proposals alongside the various routes claims from VDOT and public officials • Delicious Deli-Style Sandwiches In 2012, VDOT released an assess- study underway will provide the pub- for the Coalfields Expressway, both as that the road will result in long-term job ment of the environmental impacts of the lic with a full understanding of how • Homemade Soups alternatives to the new highway and as creation. “Time, money and efforts of citi- revised project, a study that the nonprofits the agencies reach their conclusion. “If ideas for future transportation planning. zens, public officials and agencies would • Vegetarian Fare found inadequate. The groups urged the [VDOT and the Federal Highways Ad- Among the proposals voiced during be better spent on looking for other ways Federal Highways Administration to ministration] come to a decision after those forums were calls to either widen to improve [the] economic outlook of the • And Much More! require a more comprehensive review to looking at all direct and indirect and portions of Route 83, the state highway area,” she adds. provide the public with information about cumulative impacts of a coal synergy ap- that parallels the proposed route of the Waiting Game how the new route would affect natural proach, the public needs to understand Coalfields Expressway, or make it a four- resources and community health com- Despite the citizens’ alternatives, the what information that decision was based lane road in its entirety. 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina pared with alternative transportation op- government team currently preparing on,” she says. (828) 262-1250 • www.Peppers-Restaurant.com Continued on next page the supplemental review will compare

Page 8 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 9 Drivers of Pollution A Solution Revolution By W. Spencer King emissions: gasoline-powered vehicles. Among the greenhouse gases from Nearly ninety percent of Americans the transportation sector, carbon dioxide Renewable Energy and the Energy-Efficient Electric Vehicle drive to work everyday, the commute traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere bookending the workday with traffic, red and is a centerpoint in the discussion By Jeff Deal American gasoline-powered car. The can plunge even lower for businesses at their homes or workplace, creating lights and monotony. about global warming. Methane affects Greenhouse gases contribute to automobile fuel is as easy as plugging the upper atmosphere by degrading While the equivalent “per gallon of gasoline” price that additionally depreciate or ”write- climate change and smog, which are to fuel an electric vehicle can drop to off” these panels. in a lamp, hair dryer or smartphone. the ozone layer, and nitrous oxide also electricity grid that powers much of detrimental to both the environment poses a significant threat to ozone layer and human health. These gases come the 21st century continues to benefit $0.61 for families charging their electric EVERY HOME & OFFICE A CLEAN TRANSPORTATION FUEL “MADE depletion. Fluorinated gases have a vehicles with solar electricity gener- from many sources including industry large global warming potential; they from the adoption of renewable energy FUEL REFINERY: It is difficult, or CLEAN IN THE USA”: The U.S. En- and electricity generation, but nearly ated by panels on their home that were leak from refrigerants used in vehicle sources like solar, wind and geothermal, perhaps impossible, for citizens and ergy Information Administration fore- every commuter is involved with one of air-conditioning units and can stay in the purchased with state and federal tax the largest factors of greenhouse gas vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel businesses to construct and operate casts that the United States will import Brightfield charging station in Asheville, N.C. atmosphere for decades. credits. The fuel price have lagged behind. But here’s some their own gasoline or diesel 21 percent or more of its oil in 2015 — the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Percentage of Transportation-related good news: the coming partnership fuel production facility — country imported 27 percent of its oil in Emissions by Sector, 2013 Carbon Dioxide Pollution by State of renewable energy — especially not to mention acquiring 2014. Not only do U.S. dollars leave local Driving on Sunshine 9% Compared to total carbon dioxide output solar — and tailpipe-free electric ve- the unrefined petroleum economies to buy this oil, domestically Appalachia’s Solar Electric Vehicle Charging Company 12% 31% 100% hicles can change that for the better! or vegetable oil to produce produced fuel demands a price both at Brightfield Transportation Solutions, makers, electric vehicle support equipment GA Here’s how: the fuel. For electric ve- the pump and in terms of human health an Asheville, N.C.-based company, has manufacturers and policy groups, Brightfield 80% KY harnessed the world’s largest and longest TS is deploying solar electric vehicle charg- GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCY: hicle owners that own or and air, water and environmental degra- have access to solar panels dation as a result of drilling, transport, transportation fuel pipeline. This nearly ing stations across the Southeast, including 21% NC Electric vehicles use between 59 and 62 60% refinement and waste products. 93-million-mile wireless pipeline wasn’t North Carolina destinations such as Boone, percent of the fuel they expend “at the constructed by a large corporation, isn’t Waynesville and Salisbury. Brightfield TS is 27% TN Renewably powered electric wheel,” or to power the movement of causing a political fist fight, never leaks toxic now expanding its network of sun-powered Electricity 40% VA vehicles don’t require these substances and powers every living thing in fueling stations into Tennessee. To explore the automobile. Today’s gasoline vehicles Transportation additional fuel costs — and na- Appalachia. Now thanks to Brightfield TS — the benefits of driving electric vehicles on WV only use 17 percent to 21 percent of the Industry 20% tional renewable energy sources with a lot of help from nature — the sun can 200-proof Appalachian sunshine, visit Bright- fuel they consume “at the wheel,” mak- Commercial/Residential 41.5% don’t decrease with usage. power your electric automobile too. fieldTS.com/Solar-Driven-Calculator 21.2% 37.4% 40.2% 50.5% 12% ing electric cars 290 percent more efficient Agriculture 0 Through its partnerships with auto- — By Jeff Deal than their gasoline-powered cousins. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION: The Apperion solar-powered race Percentage of Gasoline Consumption Percentage of U.S. Greenhouse Gas car at right, photo courtesy of Electric Batteries in Motion by Vehicle Type, U.S. 2012 Emissions by Vehicle, 2012 The U.S. Department of Energy currently Reducing one’s carbon footprint is no University are developing technology This map shows public (green) and Appalachian State University. .4% 1%2.3% states that fueling electric vehicles costs easy feat, but the collective movement to- to better estimate the amount of battery 1.2% .3% high-power (tan) charging stations in 2.4% the equivalent of $1.22 per gallon of ward less environmentally harmful modes power a trip will use by analyzing the 3.6% .1% the area. Image from plugshare.com gasoline versus $2.78 for the average Racing on the Sun of transportation is growing, and growing planned route a driver will take using GPS, 8.2% Light Speed with it is interest in creating more efficient and factoring in weather conditions and Students and faculty on the Solar Vehicle signed for speeds up to 90 miles per hour. electric car batteries. traffic patterns. 18.9% 41.5% 26% Team at Appalachian State University in The team is led by two faculty advisers The Kentucky-Argonne battery manu- New technologies are also being de- Boone, N.C., have finished their construction working with 18 university undergraduate facturing center in Lexington, Ky., received veloped to make recharging a battery more of “Apperion,” a solar-powered racing vehicle. students from a diverse collection of disci- a $120,000 grant from Ford in February akin to refilling a conventional vehicle’s gas 22.5% The team has set their sights on the plines. While winning races may be a goal 2014 for research and development on tank. A research team at the Illinois Institute 68.7% Formula Sun Grand Prix in July 2016. The for the solar vehicle team, their ultimate improved electric vehicle battery technol- of Technology is designing a battery that can Passenger Cars race is a qualifying competition for the aspiration is to inspire people to live more ogy such as shorter production times, be “refilled” in a matter of minutes, making Medium to Heavy increased range and performance quality. long trips in electric vehicles more viable. American Solar Challenge, a 1,200 to 1,800- sustainably and raise awareness of the Passenger Cars Trucks mile race across North America. In October impacts that individuals can make. Researchers at North Carolina State — By W. Spencer King Light Trucks Light Trucks 2017 the team hopes to go to the World Learn more at appstatesvt.com Medium to Heavy Trucks Aircraft Rail Solar Challenge in Australia to compete in Recreational Boats the “cruiser class” race alongside cars de- — By W. Spencer King Asphalt: A Sticky Issue for Communities Boats Motorcycles Buses Improving roads is critical to the econ- tection Agency states that “current data are Buses Motorcycles Offers a diverse mix of music & informative programming for the heart of Appalachia. omy of Appalachia, but with paving comes not sufficient for qualifying the acute and asphalt — a sticky, black, petroleum-based chronic health risks of exposure to asphalt,” Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 7 COMPETITION CATEGORIES product used for surfacing roadways — and the Occupational Safety & Health Adminis- U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Type, 2013 he ntain the strong-smelling facilities that process it. tration lists health effects from exposure to Total: 6,672.96 Million Metric Tons Music from t Mou s Citizens in Watauga County, N.C., re- asphalt fumes that include headaches, skin $4,000 IN CASH 40% 60% 80% 100% cently organized to protest separate propos- rash, fatigue, throat and eye irritation, cough 0 20% AND PRIZES als to build two new asphalt plants in their and skin cancer. And according to a study by Methane SUBMISSION DEADLINE tourism-driven community of 54,000. Under BREDL, homeowners in neighboring Avery the newly formed High Country WATCH, County “suffered an average drop of 27 Nitrous Oxide 5pm 11.20.2015 a chapter of Blue Ridge Environmental percent in property values” after an asphalt enter at 82.5% Defense League, the residents success- plant was built in their community. 9.5% Fluorinated Gases APPMTNPHOTOCOMP.ORG fully petitioned county commissioners to Both permits were rejected by county add important protections to the county’s officials on technical details, but ap- Carbon Dioxide Detail of "Lethal and Leveled," by Lynn Willis. 2015 Winner, ordinance governing high impact industry, peals filed by the two companies are up Our Ecological Footprint including setbacks from residential property for review this fall. To learn more, visit 5.3% Appalachian Voices is proud to co-sponsor the Our Ecological Footprint category with LISTENER -SUPPORTED RADIO WWW.WMMTFM.ORG lines and from scenic byways. highcountrywatch.org. 2.7% Mast General Store to raise awareness of the impact that humans have on our surroundings. Although the U.S. Environmental Pro- — By Jamie Goodman Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Vectors designed by Freepik.com Page 10 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 11 SOUTH CAROLINA: Swamp Rabbit Trail Today, what was once a railroad cutting through as plans evolved, building a trail from the old rail line. Greenville has been replaced by what is formally Volunteers also hopped aboard, working to remove Biking the Highlands called the “Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit vegetation and clear the path for a trail. Trail.” This multi-use greenway system for bicycles The ever-expanding trail between Greenville and and foot traffic runs along the Reedy River and over- Travelers Rest spans nearly 20 miles and has about looks the giant waterfall on the river at the center of the 500,000 annual users. Rails To Trails city. It also connects Greenville County with schools, “It kind of gives you the option to exercise and parks and local businesses. ...see the entire city,” says 29-year-old Eric Helms, a Former Railways Find Second Calling as Bicycle Paths As early as 1889, a group of businessmen gathered frequent trail user and a restaurant manager in Green- By Joe Tennis Virginia Creeper Trail to the river- to create a new venture called the Carolina, Knoxville ville. “It’s a long trail, and you can ... drop off the trail and stop and see the Reedy River.” All over the Appalachians, railroads hugging path of the New River Trail and Western Railway. Their purpose? Connect Green- Parking is available at several sites, including the were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s State Park, spanning 57 miles, to the ville, S.C., with the ports on the Atlantic coast, as well corner of Grandview Road and Main Street in Travel- as a means to move coal, timber and people. relatively flat 78 miles of the Green- as Tennessee. ers Rest and at Furman University, Mayberry Park and More than a century later, with expansion of brier River Trail in West Virginia. Passengers, however, came up with a new name, Cleveland Park in Greenville. highways and a change in industries, many Each rail-turned-to-trail has a tale calling this railroad the “Swamp Rabbit” — a moniker Visit: greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit of those railroads have since been abandoned. to tell. Here are three, including some given, it’s believed, from the wetlands along the Reedy Now, from the Virginias to the Carolinas, that are new and maybe lesser-known: River and the bouncy nature of riding these rails. old rails have turned to trails. What were once Joe Tennis is the author of “Virginia Rail For about a century, the railroad changed hands Swamp Rabbit Trail, photo by Joe Tennis — and names — quite frequently. Then the line was rail lines have become paths for hiking, bik- Trails: Crossing the Commonwealth” (The Autumn colors emerge along this bike- abandoned in 1998 and the property acquired by Up- ing and even horseback riding. Such projects History Press, 2014). friendly wooden bridge. Photo courtesy state Forever, a nonprofit group. Greenville County range from the 34-mile downhill grade of the KENTUCKY: Dawkins Line Rail Trail of the Dawkins Line Rail Trail Economic Development Corporation later stepped in At 18 miles long, the Dawkins Line Rail Trail and passes through the 662-foot-long Gun Creek VIRGINIA: Chessie Nature Trail ranks as the longest rail-to-trail conversion in Tunnel. Chessie Nature Trail follows a path along floods continued along the river. Hurricane Kentucky. It’s also an affiliate of the state park Now, work continues on expanding the trail. the Maury River that has been fractured by Camille damaged the line so extensively in 1969 system. Nearly nine more miles are expected to be open Pedal in the Mountains floods. Its bridges have been broken. Still, the that the railroad to Lexington was abandoned. “We own anywhere from 30 to 60 feet from by the end of 2015 while another nine miles will By Eliza Laubach in southwestern North Carolina, but long- Chessie, which connects Lexington to Buena In 1978, the Nature Conservancy acquired center of the trail,” says Ron Vanover, assistant remain under construction in 2016, passing into The roads and trails in Appalachia can distance cyclists also benefit from support, Vista, remains a remarkable riverside ramble the railroad grade. Later, the rail became a trail director of interpretations and program services Breathitt County and through the 1,556-foot-long be narrow, windy and steep. For a frequent such as bike-route signage on low-traffic — with chiseled rock walls and scenic views. overseen by the VMI Foundation initially, in at Kentucky State Parks. “Tip Top” Tunnel, Vanover says. bicycle rider, rolling hills are no great feat, but roads. The study, called Bikes in Beds, ad- Spanning about seven miles, this gravel 1979, and later by Virginia Military Institute The first section of the trail opened in 2013, The trail takes its name from the Dawkins the mountainous topography of this region vocates for establishing Scenic Bikeways and dirt path offers a mix of open and forested in 2009. offering a passage for bikers, hikers and horse- Lumber Company, which developed a railroad can discourage amateur riders. Fans of the — designated bike-friendly routes that feature scenes. Look along the Maury River for the Originally only open to foot traffic, bi- back riders from Hagerhill in Johnson County in the early 1900s to haul timber. The line was two-wheeled vehicle can be encouraged to start access to majestic landscapes and traverse remains of locks and dams. Also see railroad cyclists are now also welcome, even though to Royalton in Magoffin County. Along the way, silenced to rail traffic in 2004. Next came plans pedaling with community or tourism-based small towns. markers, like a “W” (a signal for the engineer the Buena Vista portion of the trail remains the passage travels over a couple dozen trestles to turn the rail into a trail — with the encourage- models, from the mountains to the street. Soon after Cycle North Carolina an- to blow the train whistle) that stands along a tough trek when encountering cattle gates. ment of the Kentucky General Assembly, which Greenways — scenic paths often near an nounced that its annual fall Mountains to the trail amid cows in a field. On the north, the trail begins near Mill approved start-up funds for the project. Coast ride would start in Haywood County, urban area — keep walkers, runners and bik- A family bikes at Grayson Highlands State Park As early as 1860, this line began as a towpath Creek just off Old Buena Vista Road, east of Today, you can view elk from this trail as it the local tourism agency released this cy- ers safe from car traffic and encourage non- campground, near the popular 34-mile Virginia Creeper for boats — using the power of mules and horses U.S. 11. Originally, the trail connected to what cuts through the rugged mountains of the Bluegrass cling tourism assessment. Organized group motorized travel. Across from Cincinnati, Ohio, Trail. Photo courtesy Virginia State Parks — at a canal along the North River, which was is locally called “VMI Island,” but a flood State. The Dawkins Line Rail Trail can be accessed economic developer Southbank Partners is rides such as Mountains to Coast attract renamed Maury River in 1945. That towpath was wiped out a footbridge. Later, Hurricane from a handful of sites, including Jenny’s Branch. Rock, N.C., for a week every year with friends working with six cities along the Ohio River to tourism to the towns that they stop in — an abandoned due to flooding, but a railroad was Isabel slammed the South River crossing in To get there from Pikeville, Ky., follow U.S. 23 north he met on bike tours. He rides the scenic stretch create such a corridor. The 11.5-mile Riverfront estimated $76 a night per rider, Bikes in Beds built in its place in 1881, connecting Lexington 2003, about halfway between Lexington and for 34 miles. Turn right toward KY-825, then turn of the Blue Ridge in that area for its safety, as he Commons will be mostly funded by state and states. By encouraging bike-friendly branding to the Balcony Falls on the James River. Buena Vista, which forced trail-users to use an left onto KY-825 to reach the trail access area. feels that cyclists are recognized on the roads federal grants. and amenities, such as lodging with healthy That railroad ultimately became part of the on-road detour on Stuartsburg Road. Visit: parks.ky.gov breakfasts and cycling shops, small towns can in western North Carolina, but he would like Started in 2014, the wide, paved trail and Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Trouble was, Visit: vmi.edu feed this type of bicycle tourism. Infrastructure to do less searching around to plan his trips. Chessie Trail, photo by Joe Tennis its auxiliary projects, such as transforming an improvements, such as added shoulders, also “Information about rides is important,” old jail into office space and expanding a tech- provide high returns, according to the report. says Gates, “where is a good place to eat, se- Rail-Trail Roundup nical college campus, are estimated to have an Touring cyclist John Gates travels from lections of routes that are easy, moderate and Dozens of rail-trails are scattered across Visit traillink.com/trail/brevard-bike-path.aspx North Bend Rail Trail: 72 miles Tweetsie Trail: 9.5 miles economic impact of more than $1.6 billion, and Alexandria, Va., to rent a house in Blowing challenging.” central Appalachia. For more information Kingsport Greenbelt: 8 miles Doddridge, Harrison, Ritchie and Wood Carter and Washington Counties, Tenn. will take 10 years to complete. Continued on page 14 about these and other trails in the region, visit Sullivan County, Tenn. Civil War sites and Counties, W.Va. See tunnels from 1850s Enjoy the recently completed trail. Biking and In three cities connected by the Riverfront traillink.com. belonging to original line. Biking, horse hiking. Read more at appvoices.org/tweetsie. Safety First! historic landmarks. Biking and hiking. Visit Commons, the developers seed-funded bicycle Plan A Route Allegheny-Highlands Trail: 24.5 miles kingsportgreenbelt.com riding, hiking, skiing. Visit northbendrailtrail- Visit tweetsietrail.com • Trails.com features road bike routes by state and in- • Always use a clip-on rearview mirror when road renting stations. Cincinnati-based rental com- Randolph, Tucker Counties, W.Va. Scenic statepark.com Virginia Creeper National Recreation cludes some topographic maps and trail reviews. biking to be aware of motorists behind you. New River Trail State Park: 57 miles pany Red Bike opened 11 stations in these cities mountain views. Biking, horse riding, hiking, Carroll, Grayson, Pulaski and Wythe Counties, Railroad Grade Road:10.8 miles Trail: 34 miles • NCbikeways.com is an initial, beta release of • Know how to change a tire and bring spare tubes. skiing. Visit highlandstrail.org Ashe County, N.C. Popular with bikers, shared Grayson and Washington Counties, Va. this summer, including one at the trail’s start, Va. Follow the nation’s oldest river. Biking, an interactive map where you can plan your • Be prepared for emergencies in areas without cell with slow-moving traffic. Biking and hiking. Varied landscapes and beautiful views. near a riverside mall. Brevard Bike Path: 5 miles horse riding, hiking, skiing. Visit dcr.virginia. own bike route across North Carolina. Provide phone service. Call ahead to your destination to Visit ncrailtrails.org/trails/railroad-grade-road Biking, horse riding, hiking, skiing. Visit Transylvania County, N.C. Flat trail along Carr gov/state-parks/new-river-trail.shtml#general_ A greenway accommodates leisurely rid- suggestions to help improve the site! give notice of your arrival before leaving. Lumber Company rail line. Biking and hiking. information vacreepertrail.com ers, according to a study on bicycling tourism Universities Experiment This GREEN House BioBuses with Alternative Fuel Vaughn’s Diesel By Chris Robey chia. Such complications can throw the Brewing Biofuel On the Farm actual environmental benefit of using Universities have long experi- By Julia Lindsay cultural farms for use in biodiesel, for biodiesel into question. instance, they require more natural mented with alternative fuels — engi- Each of Elon University’s 11 BioBuses is equipped to run on a 20 percent biodiesel fuel Dean Vaughn is the picture of the According to Jonathan Monceaux, resources like land and water. neers at the University of Georgia were blend. Photo courtesy of Elon University. Appalachian self-made man. He works assistant director of Transportation Ser- tinkering with buses fueled by peanut at a factory and farms his land in Ten- Vaughn gets his recycled oil vices at the University of Virginia, the electric hybrids. Seven of Asheville’s tive services manager. He admits there oil in 1981. But in the decade since Hur- nessee. And he also built and runs his from a local hospital cafeteria. When school’s buses once ran up to B30 but 23 buses are equipped to run on both have been problems with clogging in The biodiesel stored in Vaughn’s 275 gallon ricane Katrina caused fuel disruptions very own biodiesel fuel processor. a cafeteria employee told him that have since switched to ultra-low-sulfur electricity and B20. A 2008 report from the winter, “though it’s not enough of storage tanks (left) powers his diesel trucks nationwide, schools have sought ways Biodiesel is a renewable alternative the hospital was paying a company diesel. He cites bad luck with engine Purdue University suggests that such a problem that we can’t keep the buses (above) and his farm equipment. Photos by to switch their diesel-guzzling bus to petroleum-based fuels. Made from to haul off the waste oil, he told her troubles in cold weather, noting that hybrids can help transit systems reduce running on time,” he says. Dean Vaughn. fleets to alternatives such as biodiesel, corn or soybean oil as well as used cook- “I’ll keep your oil clean and your fuel lines tend to gel up with lower tem- emissions and fossil fuel consumption Joshua Brooks, project manager a fuel derived from feedstocks, animal ing oil or animal fats, this degradable place clean, and you don’t need to pay he warns, “You don’t want to use 100 peratures as biodiesel, especially richer without compromising fuel economy. for the student-run Renewable Energy fats or used cooking oil. biofuel will run in most diesel-powered anybody.” Thus, a symbiotic relation- percent biodiesel in the winter.” The blends like B20, congeals into a sticky Students at Elon University in Initiative at Appalachian State, says that By 2007, schools such as Appala- engines without any modification to the ship emerged. cold weather will cause the fuel to gel, mess that the fleet manager at UGA has North Carolina can ride one of the while the school’s AppalCart buses have chian State University, the University of vehicle. Unleaded fuel cars with rubber “Brewers” of biodiesel use a rendering a vehicle inoperable. This he likened to peanut butter and jelly. school’s 11 BioBuses, equipped to run not run on biodiesel for over a year, they Tennessee-Knoxville and the University fuel lines, typically those manufactured process called transesterification. learned the hard way. Sustainability analyst Kerby Smith- on B20. “We liked the B20 so much we may soon be reintroducing the fuel. As of Virginia were receiving praise for prior to 1993, can convert to using bio- Like the word itself, the process is The solution: blending petroleum- son says that Asheville Redefines changed over our older diesel engines the industry improves and fleet manag- To remove these, Vaughn runs water their innovative, often student-led diesel by replacing their fuel lines with complex, but Vaughn already un- derived diesel and biodiesel. Most Transit, the bus system for the city of in trucks and other equipment,” says ers adopt more innovative strategies, through misting heads, like those in the biodiesel initiatives. Now, recurring modern synthetic lines. derstood the concept from working at biodiesel plants produce a blend with Asheville, N.C., has experienced similar Keith Dimont, the university’s automo- more schools may yet do the same. a chemical company. “It’s been so many produce section at the grocery store, for maintenance issues have prompted Vaughn uses his biodiesel for his about five to twenty percent biodiesel. issues. The bus system, whose ridership years now, I kind of sleep-walk through six hours. The water molecules attach many of these same universities to farm equipment and trucks, and used In the summer, Vaughn’s vehicles run includes students from the University the steps,” he says. themselves to the impurities. In the temporarily place these initiatives on to have a diesel Jetta and Mercedes that on 100 percent. of North Carolina-Asheville as well as First, methanol is mixed with lye to final step, he lets the mixture circulate the backburner. Some schools have no Pedal in the Mountains ran on his fuel. He began making his Preferring to work in the spring, nearby Warren Wilson College, upgrad- Continued from page 13 make methoxide. This chemical, when at 120 degrees to evaporate the water. plans of switching back while others, own fuel at the height of the economic Vaughn will undertake his 72 gallon- ed to B20 in 2013. The following year, combined with the waste oil at a ratio “You can do it in one day,” he says, and such as Appalachian State, are looking “Cycling clubs are a really good crisis in 2008. He calculates his finished producing process several times and single-digit temperatures brought a host of one part methoxide to four parts oil, voila — biodiesel. to reintegrate biodiesel after briefly way for people to develop friendships,” product to cost about 75 cents a gallon, store the fuel in the summer. He has of issues with gelling and clogged fuel acts as a catalyst and separates the un- According to the EPA, biodiesel discontinuing its use. says Susan Notorangelo, long-distance – upwards of three dollars less than the 550 gallons of storage capacity. “If you lines. Buses broke down almost daily needed glycerin from what will soon produces 57 to 86 percent less green- The Association for the Advance- cyclist and co-founder of Pacific-Atlantic sky-high gas prices at the time. Though don’t have acreage,” he says, “it can be that winter, says Smithson. be the fuel. When the mixture is heated house gas emissions, depending on the ment of Sustainability in Higher Edu- Cycling Tours. Gates will be joining the saving money played a role in why he a bit of a headache.” In response, the city reached a to 120 degrees in a processor Vaughn blend, than petroleum. Biodiesel also cation notes that switching to biodiesel company’s Eastern tour that follows the started making fuel, he adds, “I got a Biodiesel newcomers lacking the compromise with its fuel suppliers, fashioned out of an old water heater, releases fewer pollutants from a car’s does not make a fleet carbon-free. Com- entire Appalachian Mountain chain from kick out of making something usable space to produce on their own shouldn’t including local producers such as Blue the separation process takes about an exhaust pipe than petroleum. mon blends like B20, or 20 percent Maine to Georgia for four weeks in sum- out of trash.” look to Vaughn to purchase some, how- Ridge Biofuels, which manufactures its hour and a half. “The chemistry’s different,” he biodiesel, are still mostly petroleum. mer 2016. Not only do her tours bring Recycled cooking oil is the main ever. “I’ve never been interested in the fuel from used cooking oil. Now, the city After draining the glycerin, “it kind says, “but it’s like a work in progress; While biodiesel can be made from ecotourism dollars to rural communities, ingredient, making Vaughn’s method liability,” he says. “It’s just me. What I runs its buses on B20 for nine months of looks like orange juice,” Vaughn says. you have good batches and some that recycled used cooking oil, soybeans they also encourage locals to get out on of production more sustainable than do. My thing.” of the year. Come winter, ART buses This cloudy appearance stems from don’t work out as well.” He is still learn- and other feedstocks are more com- their bikes. “It shows people that it’s not other biodiesel methods. When mass For more information on how to switch to a low-level blend less likely impurities remaining in the mixture. ing and making changes. For example, mon sources. Feedstocks require more Jim Artis, right, stopped in Haywood County, producers plant corn in industrial agri- make biodiesel, visit make-biodiesel.org. to gel and clog the engines. just on TV, like Tour de France,” says cropland and must be shipped long N.C., to visit with Zeke Yount, left, while on a Asheville fleet managers also em- Notorangelo. distances from growers in regions like ride from Maine to Florida. Photo by Zeke Yount. ploy another alternative: biodiesel- One hundred miles a day is a big the Midwest to fuel suppliers in Appala- Sponsored by Sarah Grady step for most people, and Notoran- working on a 450-mile mountain bike Building Better conducts a blower door test gelo encourages local governments to trail extending across Virginia that A Resource for Responsible SunnyHomesD Inc.ay invest in bike trails as a starting point takes riders deep into the wilderness. Home Ownership consumption from the building sector begins for beginner riders. A county park near The patchwork trail connects existing structed and where the resources come from, with an informed customer asking for more Burlington, Ky., that opened in early Oc- systems in national forests and was first By Sam Zimmerman, Sunny Day Homes homeowners and building professionals can energy-efficient, healthier homes to live in and raise their kids. VOTED BEST BBQ tober recognizes the value of mountain ridden in its entirety in 2012. Homes consume a great deal of energy and make careful choices to lessen the impact of the natural resources during construction, and even construction project. The basic formula is very simple: biking with a bike park for beginner to In a region with an extensive hiking more when in operation. This energy is often ex- Homeowners know that they are using Reduce your home’s energy consumption IN THE REGION advanced BMX and mountain bikers. network, cycling further promotes eco- tracted in ways that are detrimental to the planet, energy to heat and cool their home, run their by eliminating wasted energy due to leaks and The England-Idlewild Bike Park is es- tourism near Appalachia’s rural towns. and the pollution from electricity generation is appliances and heat their water. But what is poor insulation while improving the efficiency of by Appalachian Voices’ staff of tasters! the appliances and equipment pecially geared toward youth. contributing to an increasingly volatile climate with not as obvious is that the combined impact of Bike companies are catching on to this potentially unfortunate consequences for everyone. all these homes is a very large contributor to Install renewable energy systems to pro- OPEN FOR LUNCHCLOSED AND MONDAYS. DINNER. In the Virginia mountains, Shenan- potential too. Bikes in Beds notes that By understanding how a home is con- global greenhouse emissions. Reduced energy duce emission-free lean energy Hwy 321 Bypass doah Mountain Touring promotes bike brands are promoting “a new breed In this column, we hope to help you see where your home fits into the sometimes mountain bike events, including a Sunny Day homes is a small, family-owned general contracting firm Blowing Rock,N.C. of cyclists ... to be travelers and tourists” About Sunny Day Homes: daunting quest to reduce your overall energy that has been incorporated since 1997. They built the first certified green home in North Carolina’s High (828) 295-3651 mountain bike festival and tours with the introduction of adventure bikes consumption. Feel free to send questions about Country in 2008 and have been advocating for non-toxic, environmentally responsible and energy-efficient how to improve your home’s energy consumption throughout the year. For the past 20 that cater to those wanting to explore by building ever since. Call/text (828) 964-3419 or visit sunnydayhomesinc.com www.woodlandsbbq.com or topics you’d like to see addressed in future. years, co-founder Chris Scott has been road, dirt or gravel. Page 14 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 15 Living on Bottled Water Naturalist’s Notebook NC Community Struggles with Drinking Well Contamination The Wiley Coyote By Sarah Kellogg unsafe levels of hexavalent chromium, The Coyote Conundrum while 74 percent of those wells showed › Coyotes can run up to 40 mph and are also Amy Brown is a mother of two rais- By Laura Marion and Elizabeth E. Payne good swimmers ing her children in a small neighborhood levels higher than the averages found in the 24 background wells tested by the Once found in the United States › The main predator of coyotes in central of Belmont, N.C., right next to Duke state environmental agency. only in the western plains, coyotes are Appalachia is humans Energy’s G.G. Allen Power Plant. Last In addition, Duke’s increasingly at home in the cities and › Coyotes will eat almost anything, but their spring, her neighbors began receiving groundwater assessment re- suburbs of central Appalachia. main diet consists of fawns, rodents, rabbits, letters from the state notifying them that port for the G.G. Allen plant, Bottles of water sit in stacks in Amy Brown’s living room. She is now After European settlers hunted berries, fruits and carrion their well water was unsafe to drink or required by the Coal Ash Man- familiar with how many bottles are needed for each family meal coyotes and other predators extensively › The size of coyote packs depends on the cook with due to unsafe levels of con- — boiling spaghetti takes four, while only two are needed for rice. agement Act and funded by the — including wolves, cougars and bob- availability of resources taminants that can also be found in coal Photo by Sarah Kellogg. Larry Mathis of Belmont, N.C., represents company, states that the con- cats — only the coyote population grew, › Gestation lasts approximately 62 days, after ash. It wasn’t long before Brown received a new statewide coalition of residents affected by coal ash at a taminated groundwater coming writes Sharon Levy for Nature. With which the female coyotes give birth to 4-6 pups a letter of her own. Prior to the well water September press conference in Raleigh. Photo by Marie Garlock A coyote hunting in the Tennessee Valley. Photo by Matt Knoth from Duke’s ash ponds appears Read about the coalition on p. 22. little competition, coyotes expanded tests required by North Carolina’s 2014 to be moving away from neigh- east, reaching the Appalachian region average three pounds less. Adult coy- Coyotes are predators that can another adaptive behavior: when a popu- Coal Ash Management Act, Brown be- bors’ wells toward the Catawba well test- modifying 13 coal-fired units without several decades ago. otes are between three and four and a inflict costly losses when livestock be- lation’s mortality rate is high, the females lieved that she was raising her children in River. The study did not include any ed 26.8 times higher than the state’s installing proper pollution controls or Michael Fies, of the Virginia Depart- half feet in length. “Coyotes are now comes prey. But according to the West respond with a higher reproduction rate. a safe, healthy and happy environment. tests for hexavalent chromium. standard for hexavalent chromium. obtaining permits. Of those 13 units, 11 ment of Game and Inland Fisheries, in every county of the nation, except Virginia Division of Natural Resources, “Sixty-three percent of the coyotes we “Now when I turn on the water,” Many residents and environmental “Duke says they’re a good neighbor, but have been shut down, but the remaining says that coyotes were first spotted in maybe Hawaii,” the Fairfax County, Va., coyotes also help control the population collared were killed within the first year says Brown, “I turn on fear.” groups question the validity of Duke’s they need to admit they’ve done wrong two are still operating at the G.G. Allen the mountains of southwestern Virginia Park Authority reports. of animals such as white-tailed deer, of being captured,” Dana Morin, a gradu- Drinking water wells in the Belmont groundwater report. and step up to do better. It’s not just power plant, raising concerns among in the late 1970s and have since spread Fies estimates that the Virginia coy- mice and rats. ate research assistant on the Virginia Tech neighborhood, like most of the wells Brown questions Duke’s claim that our house and our land, it’s our home.” residents about how the air pollution throughout the state. This pattern has ote population numbers at least 50,000. Coyotes are very adaptable and study told Allegheny Mountain Radio. tested within 1,000 feet of Duke Energy’s the multi-acred plume of groundwater Brown was consistently disap- may have affected their health. repeated across the region. “Populations grew quickly when they first “thrive very well in the presence of “But the population density isn’t decreas- coal ash ponds throughout the state, are contamination under Duke’s ponds isn’t pointed by the lack of answers she Adding to those concerns is a recent Male coyotes are generally larger arrived,” he says, “and now they’ve kind humans,” says Fries. “We are getting ing. And that’s because mortality doesn’t contaminated with toxic heavy metals affecting her well, which is surrounded received from both Duke and state en- study published by Duke University than females, weighing 18 to 44 pounds of stabilized,” particularly in the western increased reports of coyotes in urban really have an effect on population den- such as hexavalent chromium and vana- on 3 sides by the toxic plume. “That must vironmental regulators about the safety which found that coal ash particles are compared with females that weigh on part of the state. areas. So, although there’s not as many sity, because their reproduction increases dium. Hexavalent chromium is a toxic be some pretty smart water,” quipped of her well water. Since receiving her ten times more radioactive than the of them as there are in the rural areas, in response to increased mortality.” compound, most often formed through Brown, “to know to go right up to Duke’s do-not-drink letter, she has worked to unburned coal it came from. The study I would say that we can expect an Coyotes in North Carolina are industrial processes, that is known to property line, but never cross it.” connect her entire neighborhood to the noted that inhaling coal ash could be increase in urban coyote issues in the having a negative impact on the endan- cause cancer. In Belmont, well tests show Sam Perkins, the Catawba River- resources they need to receive bottled more harmful than previously thought future, for sure,” he says. gered red wolf population, according to hexavalent chromium levels ranging from keeper, has concerns about the location water and organized community meet- because radioactivity is concentrated in “Dear Babette, Scientists from Ohio State Uni- the National Wildlife Federation. When 3.4 times to as much as 71.4 times higher and depth of both the state’s and Duke’s ings with agencies she hoped would the small particles. versity studying urban coyotes in the unable to find a mate, red wolves will than the state’s allowable standard. You and your staff of background wells in addition to the com- give her and her neighbors answers. Duke Energy and the state have Chicago area have found that male breed with coyotes, and this interbreed- Duke Energy has responded to con- writers continue to amaze. pany’s analysis of the groundwater flow. “I am my children’s voice and I yet to make any decisions about how and female pairs mate for life and only ing is one of the greatest threats to this cerns of residents by providing one gallon In my view, the quality Despite Duke’s assurance that their have a job to do,” she says.“Trust me to address the coal ash at G.G. Allen, seek new partners if their mate dies. fragile wolf population. Red wolves can of bottled water per person per day. The of articles in Carolina study is good news for their neighbors when I say that I intend to do it well!” and neighbors are left to wonder what According to an article in National Geo- also be easily mistaken for coyotes by company refused to answer residents’ Mountain Life have elevated in Belmont, residents with contami- In late September, the U.S. Environ- will come of their homes and their lives. graphic, this behavior gives the urban hunters, and since 2013 at least 11 red questions about the condition of their your publication to #1. mental Protection Agency and Duke En- As Brown put it, “How much more coyote a competitive advantage, since wolves — or 10 percent of the entire water, stating only that, “we do not have nated wells are not reassured. Congratulations on a sterling ergy settled a 15-year lawsuit over the of a prisoner can I feel like in my home, it allows the female to produce larger wild population — have been shot. any reason to believe that the contamina- “We are living off bottled water and literary contribution to the company’s violations of the Clean Air when Duke has contaminated my air litters which the male then helps to raise In response, the N.C. Wildlife Re- tion is coming from our coal ash ponds.” our property is worth nothing,” says High Country!” Belmont resident Larry Mathis, whose Act. Duke was charged with illegally and my water?” and protect. This study also found that sources Commission approved tempo- Duke and the state have both tested — Barry M. Buxton, Ph.D. urban settings tend to make coyotes rary rules in January that would limit wells that they claim could not be affected President, more nocturnal, since they choose to coyote hunting in the counties where by coal ash in an effort to determine how SPREAD THE NEWS Lees-McRae College hunt when fewer humans are outdoors. the red wolf is being rehabilitated. the high levels of contaminants found in According to the Humane Society Coyotes are naturally afraid of Duke’s neighbors drinking wells com- of the United States, however, encoun- humans and generally avoid them, pare to other drinking wells in the area. tering a coyote during the daytime does and attacks on humans are rare. When The state tested 24 background wells not indicate that the animal sick. While attacks do occur, however, they often and published a blog post stating that it is true that coyotes have a greater involve coyotes that have been fed by the levels of vanadium and hexavalent risk of contracting rabies in areas with humans or humans who were trying to chromium were similar to those nearer “What a great magazine!” a large population of unvaccinated save their outdoor pets from an attack, to the site. They did not release any data. domestic dogs, being active during the according to the Humane Society. In response, Dr. Ken Rudo, North 828-737-0771 • PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 free wireless internet Locally roasted Fair Trade daytime is not an indication that they It would seem that coyotes are here Carolina’s state toxicologist, explained at JOIN THE APPALACHIAN VOICE At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country have contracted this disease. to stay. Let’s all take precautions so that frappes & fruit smoothies a community meeting that of the 192 resi- VOLUNTEER DISTRIBUTION TEAM! homemade pastries & desserts ... and online at CMLmagazine.com A Virginia Tech study of coyotes humans, pets and coyotes can coexist dential wells near Duke’s coal ash ponds Email us at [email protected] Coffee & Espresso [email protected] completed earlier this year documented peacefully. tested under the 2014 coal ash law showed or call 828.262.1500 221 w. state street black mountain, nc 828.669.0999 www.dripolator.com Page 16 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 17 TENNESSEE WEST VIRGINIA Appalachia’s Political Landscape Unlike his counterparts in sur- ments that continues today. As a result Days after the final plan’s release, Electricity Generation Mix rounding states, Tennessee Gov. Bill of that agreement with the EPA, a TVA West Virginia and 15 other states asked Haslam (R) has said little about the spokesperson said the Clean Power Plan a federal court to block the rule until all WEST VIRGINIA State Reactions to substance of the Clean Power Plan or “won’t have much impact at all,” on the legal battles are resolved and ensure 2004 2014 Considering Compliance 99 The Clean Power Plan discussed the state’s approach to com- utility’s plans for its coal and gas fleet. “no more taxpayer money or resources 96% Coal pliance, even after 20 state legislators are wastefully spent in an attempt to States Respond to the Clean Power Plan Currently- Currently challenging challenging final rule in court Electricity Generation Mix final- Currently rule in courtchallenging final rule in court comply with this unlawful rule.” But - Currently challenging final rule in court sent a letter to the governor urging him TENNESSEE Strongly- Strongly opposed opposed to final rule the secretary of the West Virginia De- By Brian Sewell energy mixes and emissions. It also - Strongly opposed to final rule to defy the EPA. This silence may be due 2004 2014 to- Strongly final rule opposed to final rule partment of Environmental Protection, encourages states to come up with their - Supportive or working toward compliance to how the final Clean Power Plan treats Almost everyone agrees: the Clean Supportive- Supportive or working or working toward compliance own approach to reach those targets. By - Supportive or working toward compliance nuclear power plants currently under Randy Huffman, is wary about refusing Power Plan is a game changer. In form toward compliance construction. Under the final plan, to develop a compliance plan. “You and function, the recently finalized 2030, the EPA hopes to see nationwide soon-to-be completed nuclear facilities won’t have a seat at the table if you just regulations take an innovative approach emissions drop 32 percent below what they were in 2005. like the Tennessee Valley Authority’s say no,” Huffman told West Virginia to incentivize states to reduce carbon 60 Watts Bar Unit 2 can play a larger role Public Broadcasting in August. A new dioxide pollution and invest in cleaner From President Obama’s perspec- in compliance. Other factors that have state law requires the DEP to complete a energy. tive, “It’s not radical.” After all, dozens 45% Coal of states had already either established positioned TVA to meet Tennessee’s “comprehensive analysis” of the Clean 0 2% Renewables Beyond that, arguments about the 36% Nuclear emissions goal include the utility’s re- 30 Power Plan’s impact on West Virginia Clean Power Plan are often deeply market-based programs to cut carbon cent long-term planning process and a by early 2016. colored by politics and emissions or set renewable energy Electricity Generation Mix goals prior to the rule’s historic Clean Air Act settlement in 2011 11% Hydro disconnected from the 9 8% Natural gas SOUTH CAROLINA Similar to stakehold- release. that forced a spate of coal plant retire- OTHER REGIONAL PLAYERS plan’s intention or ex- UNITED STATES 0 ers in Tennessee, South Carolina officials “Washington is GEORGIA Officials say that new nuclear fa- 2004 2014 were pleased that under-construction nucle- pected outcomes. cilities and state policies driving solar growth starting to catch up with VIRGINIA ar capacity can now count toward compli- Developed by the ity began a series of listening sessions will make reaching Georgia’s emissions the vision of the rest of opposition. Claims of ance. But that concession was not enough U.S. Environmental Pro- war on coal, and I don’t Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) welcomed across the state in September to gather targets relatively easy. Despite sharply criti- skyrocketing energy for the Attorney General Alan Wilson, who the country,” President intend to stop now.” the Clean Power Plan and said he looks cizing the draft rule, Public Service Commis- tection Agency, the plan general input from the public, placing believes the Clean Power Plan is uncon- Obama told a White costs and economic sion Chairman Chuck Eaton says his state is is the centerpiece of the It’s no surprise that the forward to “creating the next generation a special emphasis on low-income com- stitutional. Meanwhile, the South Carolina House crowd the day of ruin that began long moving forward to craft a compliance plan Obama administration’s technical details of the plan, of clean energy jobs” in Virginia. Even munities and areas most vulnerable to Department of Health and Environmental 51 before details of the fi- and the Georgia Environmental Protection the Clean Power Plan’s namely its achievability and the Dominion Virginia Power, the state’s Control is convening utilities, regulators and efforts to combat climate 40% Coal climate change. Division will hold a public hearing to review release. “And by setting nal plan became clear the public to develop a plan. change and cut power compliance options available to biggest power generator, commended the final rule in October. are still frequent talking Electricity Generation Mix 26% Natural gas these standards, we can states, have not gotten as much cover- the EPA for easing Virginia’s emissions plant carbon dioxide 21 20% Nuclear points. VIRGINIA PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania has taken a emissions that contrib- 16 actually speed up our age as the political reactions. But be- targets and pledged to work with state MARYLAND As a member of the Regional 7 6% Hydro “The battle continues,” Senate Ma- 2004 2014 proactive approach to the Clean Power Plan 3 6% Renewables transition to a cleaner, tween those highly oppositional stances Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a northeastern ute to it. 1% Petroleum agencies toward a compliance plan. and the state Department of Environmental 1 safer future.” jority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) carbon-trading market, Maryland is well- The plan sets custom is the spectrum of actions already being But some Virginia policymakers remain Protection is pushing to submit a compli- wrote in a September newsletter. “I’ve positioned to meet its Clean Power Plan But in many central taken by states to either challenge the skeptical. In an August op-ed for The ance plan by next September. The state’s pollution-reduction tar- goal. The state is also committed under a Appalachian states, poli- fought this administration and its EPA EPA or find ways to realize the Clean Republican-controlled legislature will also gets for states based on their existing Virginian-Pilot, state delegates Israel 2009 law to reducing greenhouse gas pol- every step of the way in the President’s have a say. A law signed before Gov. Tom cymakers remain adamant in their Power Plan’s potential. O’Quinn and Scott Taylor promoted lution by 25 percent by 2020 — two years Wolf (D) took office gives lawmakers the before the interim deadline set by the Clean legislation that would require the Gen- ability to review and revise any proposal the Power Plan. Where Appalachian States Stand eral Assembly’s oversight and approval 46 state submits to the EPA. 40% Nuclear of Virginia’s compliance plan because 37 KENTUCKY to meet its emissions target a decade NORTH CAROLINA a Senate committee voted to bar the state Gov. McAuliffe is “working to develop a 28% Natural gas • “Renewables” includes biomass, geothermal, solar and wind 27% Coal early because of coal plants already from writing a plan. plan without input from hard-working • Energy categories where both the 2004 and 2014 values were 1 percent or The final Clean Power Plan came North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory Notes lower have been omitted for clarity. scheduled to retire. at the height of summer and, in the (R) has been outspoken in his opposition Virginians.” To the contrary, the Virginia 8 • Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Electricity Generation Mix 7 3% Renewables Bluegrass State, a heated gubernato- to the Clean Power Plan and has vowed Department of Environmental Qual- 1 2% Petroleum • Credit: Christopher Groskopf, Alyson Hurt and Avie Schneider/NPR Electricity Generation Mix rial race. Candidates for both parties to fight it in court. But Donald van der NORTH CAROLINA TH Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina Virginia West Virginia strongly oppose the plan and have Vaart, the secretary of the N.C. Depart- 114 CONGRESS: Below are recent congressional bills and amendments on KENTUCKY 2004 2014 environmental issues and how central and southern Appalachian representatives voted. pledged to ignore it if elected. Ken- 2004 2014 ment of Environmental Quality, has led To see other recent votes, or for congressional representatives outside of the five-state tucky Attorney General Jack Conway, the state’s charge. In an op-ed for the area, visit thomas.gov. =pro-environment vote✗ =anti-environment vote O =did not vote who is also the Democratic nominee for 92 93% Coal News & Observer, van der Vaart char-

HOUSE T. Massie H. Rogers A. Barr RoeP. J. Duncan Fleischman S. Desjarlais V. Foxx McHenreyP. M. Meadows R. Hurt B. Goodlatte M. Griffith D. McKinley A. Mooney E. Jenkins governor, sued the EPA in an attempt acterized the plan as a “one-size-fits-all” (R) KY-04 (R) KY-05 (R) KY-06 (R) TN-01 (R) TN-02 (R) TN-03 (R) TN-04 (R) NC-05 (R) NC-10 (R) NC-11 (R) VA-05 (R) VA-06 (R) VA-09 (R) WV-01 (R) WV-02 (D) WV-03 H.R. 427, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, would require to prevent the agency from finalizing program and criticized state Attorney 61 both houses of Congress to approve any major new rule issued by a government ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ the plan and, more recently, joined an General Roy Cooper for encouraging agency. 243 AYES 165 NOES 25 NV PASSED effort to prevent the final rules from lawmakers to develop a compliance H.R. 348, the Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development Act, would limit the degree of environmental review for major projects such as construction, 39% Coal taking effect. The commonwealth’s plan. The state legislature, which is dom- road-building, drilling and mining, allow project sponsors to prepare environmental 33 32% Nuclear ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ current governor, Steve Beshear (D), inated by Republicans, seems somewhat review documents for those projects, and prohibit decision-makers from considering O hardened his opposition after review- divided on the best path forward. In 23% Natural gas the social cost of carbon. 233 AYES 170 NOES 31 DNV PASSED ing the final rule, which increased the April, the N.C. House of Representatives H. Amdt 700 to H.R. 348 would require that environmental reviews identify potential effects on low-income communities and communities of color. 320 AYES 88 NOES 26 DNV PASSED ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ O 4 4% Hydro emissions Kentucky is required to cut. approved a bill to establish a stakeholder 2 3% Hydro 0 2% Renewables Still, analysts say that even without the 4 3% Natural gas group and direct DENR to begin prepar- H. Amdt. 704 to H.R. 348 would strike the provision that blocks decision-makers from consid- 0 1% Petroleum ering the social cost of carbon in environmental review. 179 AYES 229 NOES 26 DNV FAILED ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ O Clean Power Plan, Kentucky is on track ing a plan to comply. A few months later,

Page 18 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 19 the ENERGY REPORT the ENERGY REPORT Bankruptcies Roil Coal Industry and Worry Regulators Robust Opposition to Regulators Hear from Coalfield Residents on Proposed Stream Protections By Brian Sewell Workers of America, Cecil Roberts, said Patriot Coal, which entered bank- Atlantic Offshore Drilling ruptcy for a second time in May, agreed The U.S. Department of the Interior released By Willie Dodson Southern Appalachian Mountain spoke in favor of strong regulations as Major coal company bankrupt- in a statement that Alpha’s announce- ment was “no surprise” and that the to sell its assets without significant li- a proposal that could allow offshore drilling in In September, residents of Stewards, implored the agency essential to current and future economic cies in central Appalachia have gone the Atlantic Ocean as early as 2017. Since its union is prepared to do whatever it abilities to Blackhawk Mining. The only mining areas, coal industry rep- to include clear language allow- development. “We need these rules from being inevitable to routine. But as release in January, opposition in coastal com- buyer interested in acquiring the rest is ing for citizen monitoring and precisely because of the loss of jobs,” debt-ridden companies strike deals to can to maintain the pension and health munities from Virginia to Georgia has grown. resentatives and others gathered the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund, enforcement. “We know that said Malle. “We need to ensure that survive, their ability to meet obligations care benefits “our retirees were prom- “It is hard to recall a grassroots effort that has at six public hearings to submit which has “no experience operating a advanced a cause so rapidly,” according to government budgets are tight,” our mountains, our waterways, our to workers and clean up mined land is ised and have earned.” The company’s comments on a proposed rule that coal company” or performing reclama- an editorial in The Post and Courier. she said to the panel. “So allow- streams are available to us, the citizens being called into question. bankruptcy filing showed that it owes would restrict mining impacts to tion and water treatment, according to ing concerned citizens of this area, to create a local, sustain- In August, all eyes were on Alpha $600 million to the union’s pension plan. Cross-State Air Pollution waterways. These hearings were lawyers for the West Virginia Depart- to help monitor the able economy around non-timber forest Natural Resources, which filed for But commitments to coal miners held in Lexington, Ky., Big Stone and retirees are not the only liabilities ment of Environmental Protection. Rule Weathers Challenge Gap, Va., Charleston, W.Va., water quality in our products, around tourism, around all the bankruptcy after months of speculation The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit bankrupt companies face — Alpha has Describing the deal as “destined Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Denver. streams makes sense.” diversified options that are becoming by industry analysts. The company was upheld the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule in to fail,” the DEP strongly objects to Countering the available to us at this time.” drowning in more than $3 billion of also racked up more than $680 million July. This rule requires states to reduce power The federal Office of Sur- Patriot’s plan, as do regulators in Ohio Residents register to make comments at the public many who spoke out The public comment period for the debt, despite being one of the largest in mine cleanup costs. And Alpha is plant emissions that impact the air quality face Mining Reclamation and far from the only coal company that and Pennsylvania. in other states. Provisions governing sulfur Enforcement’s proposed rule is hearing. Laura Miller, right, wears an “Our Water, Our for clean water, poli- Stream Protection Rule was extended in U.S. coal producers. Future” sticker. Photos by Kendall Bilbrey has filed for bankruptcy in recent years. dioxide and ozone that cross states lines, intended to limit and mitigate ticians and industry response to industry requests and will The president of the United Mine Natural Gas Pipelines however, were struck down. representatives sug- remain open until October 26. To add Encroach on Appalachia impacts to streams resulting on September 15. Community mem- from mountaintop removal coal mining, bers from the coalfields of Virginia, Ten- gested the rule is not needed and is mo- your voice, visit ilovemountains.org/ Clean Energy Advocates Criticize APCo Solar Proposal In August, a West Virginia circuit court Benefits of Natural Gas and an extraction method where the tops of nessee and Kentucky spoke out in favor tivated purely by politics. Rep. Morgan spr-comments judge ruled in favor of Bryan and Doris Coal Refuted Griffith of Virginia’s 9th Congressional By Brian Sewell arbitrary and unnecessary in Virginia, McCurdy of Greenville, W. Va., denying the mountains are blasted off and dumped of strengthening stream protection mea- Increased natural gas use did not cause district described the rule as part of a state with a negligible amount of in- Mountain Valley Pipeline project access to carbon dioxide emissions to fall between into adjacent valleys in order to access sures, often emphasizing the failings of A plan by Appalachian Power a war on coal, and characterized the stalled solar capacity. They also worry it their private property to conduct a survey. 2007 and 2013 — the Great Recession did, a underlying coal seams. The draft rule current enforcement by state agencies. Company that would impose new costs This proposed natural gas pipeline would stream protection supporters as caring could deter customers that want to eco- recent study found. And the World Bank has aims to accomplish this by clarifying “Despite rules and laws, tons of waste on non-residential customers who want stretch 300 miles from northwest West Vir- rejected industry claims that coal provides more about insects than human beings. nomically adopt cleaner energy sources. what constitutes damage to waterways, are dumped into these waterways regu- to go solar is getting negative reviews ginia to southern Virginia, but the judge ruled an escape from poverty. Scott Barton, a mine superintendent “It would flip the situation from that the pipeline operators “failed to estab- raising baseline water monitoring larly. How does this happen?” said Mary from clean energy advocates in Virginia. at Murray Energy’s Harrison County allowing the customer to immediately lish that the project would provide sufficient Proposed Regulations standards, mandating more stringent Darcy from Wise, Va. “Do the states not The utility argues that its proposed Mine in northern West Virginia said, pay less to immediately paying more, public use to justify entering private property bonding requirements for surface min- enforce clean water regulations? Do Renewable Generation Purchase Program without an owner’s permission,” according Target Greenhouse Gas “The Obama administration hides be- so it creates a real disincentive,” Ap- The Environmental Protection Agency pro- ing and restricting and clarifying when our elected representatives turn their would enable its Virginia customers to to an article by the Associated Press. hind the myth of global warming to jus- palachian Voices’ Virginia campaign posed regulations in August that would sig- states may grant exceptions to stream backs on the needs of the people with purchase solar panels and power from a Another proposed natural gas proj- tify its job-destroying agenda. Everyone coordinator, Hannah Wiegard, told ect, Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, officially nificantly reduce the amount of methane — a protections. something as critical as water?” third party in what is known as a “power- in the coal industry knows this is a lie.” WVTF Public Radio. “ … if Virginia is applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory gas that traps 25 times more atmospheric Approximately 250 people were Diana Withen, a local high school purchase agreement.” Appalachian heat than carbon dioxide — released during Adam Malle from Big Stone Gap to catch up with other states, we need Commission in September for permission present at the hearing in Big Stone Gap biology teacher and board member of Power would act as a middleman, con- oil and natural gas production. Industry rep- a freer, more open market.” to begin construction on a 564-mile pipeline necting that solar capacity to the grid and that would extend from north-central West resentatives criticize the proposal for being Used, The company is currently seeking charging a $30 monthly fee to cover grid Virginia, across Virginia and into North costly and unnecessary, while environmen- Surface Mine Proposal Puts Nearby Community and Endangered Bats At Risk approval of the program from the Vir- tal advocates object that the regulations ap- maintenance and administrative costs. Carolina. The project is expected to cost By Tarence Ray upstream from an early childhood educa- impacts, but, as some point out, it still Rare & Out ginia State Corporation Commission. $5.1 billion. — By Elizabeth E. Payne ply only to new, not existing, infrastructure. Advocates say that extra charge is In September a coalition of environ- tion center near the community of Bishop. allows for streams to be filled with over- of Print Books Proposed Nuclear Plant Would mental groups announced that it will sue According to a press release from the burden from mountaintops that have been Specializing in Cancer Risks from Nuclear Yield Costs, Not Savings the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation Center for Biological Diversity, “[The mine] removed in order to access coal seams. Two Coal Companies Guilty of Water Pollution Violations and Enforcement and U.S. Fish and Wildlife will also destroy more than five miles of To view maps and information about Books about Black Too Expensive To Study Dominion Virginia Power’s third reactor at for failing to protect an endangered bat streams, threatening another species that other communities at risk from the health Mountain College sure that their operations don’t threaten The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commis- North Anna is projected to produce elec- By Elizabeth E. Payne species on two mountaintop removal coal has been proposed for protection, the Big and environmental impacts of mountain- sion announced that it has canceled a pilot tricity costing 19 cents per kilowatt-hour, the communities they serve, especially mines in West Virginia. Sandy crayfish.” top removal, visit: ilovemountains.org/ The U.S. Environmental Protection study of the cancer risks associated with according to a recent filing. The average those that are overburdened by or more One of these sites, the proposed Jim The proposed mine will be in addition communities-at-risk Agency and the Department of Justice living near seven nuclear sites across the wholesale cost for electricity in that area is Justice-owned Big Creek Mine in McDowell to two currently existing surface mines reached a settlement with Arch Coal Inc. vulnerable to pollution,” Cynthia Giles country due to budgetary constraints and 5.3 cents per kilowatt-hour. of the EPA stated in the release. lack of need. Facilities are monitored and County, will sit directly above a church and within a one-mile radius of Bishop. In April Y Organ and several of its subsidiaries in August of this year, Appalachian Voices published U ic And in West Virginia, a federal any releases of radiation “are too small to Virginia Establishes Green B that “resolves hundreds of Clean Water a study of 50 communities in central Ap- judge found Fola Coal Company guilty cause observable increases in cancer risk Act violations related to illegal discharges near the facilities,” the agency stated. Community Program palachia that are similarly “at risk” of the Announced in early September, VirginiaSAVES of pollutants at the companies’ coal mines of water violations at two of their moun- But residents living near one of the worst impacts of mountaintop removal coal aims to boost economic development and in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, taintop coal removal sites and ruled that sites, Nuclear Fuel Services in Erwin, Tenn., mining. These impacts include, but are not the company was liable for damages are concerned, particularly because details reduce electricity consumption by subsidiz- limited to, increased blasting, negative Virginia and West Virginia,” according to ing clean energy projects across the com- caused downstream by this pollution. surrounding a uranium spill in 2006 were health, wealth and population trends, and a press release from the agency. monwealth. The program will use $20 million diminished water quality. Bishop is No. 2 on “The scientific community repeat- withheld from the public. The companies are required to of federally allocated bonds to support this list of “Communities at Risk.” Uranium contamination was found Jean & Carl Franklin Powered edly reaches and reports the same eligible projects led by local governments, Advocates of the Obama administra- by (PV) conduct upgrades to ensure compliance downstream from the plant in 2010, and as 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells conclusion despite the use of multiple businesses and nonprofits. Virginia also tion’s recently proposed Stream Protection B with the Clean Water Act and will have Barbara O’Neal, a member of the Erwin Citi- U E Black Mountain, NC 28711 methodologies relying on a variety of zens Awareness Network, told Public News recently received a $300,000 grant from the Rule say strong federal guidelines could Y aD to pay $2 million in civil penalties. U.S. Department of Energy to help achieve Fair Tr (828) 669-8149 datasets and conducted by a range of Service, “The thing with nuclear material is it go a long way in reducing many of these “Businesses have an obligation to en- its energy efficiency goals. [email protected] expert scientists,” the judge wrote. never goes away.” — By Elizabeth E. Payne BlueSmokeCoffee.com Page 20 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 October/November 2015 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 21 INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work Appalachian Voices is committed to Member Spotlight: project. She will conduct protecting the land, air and water of Welcome to New Staff and 2015-16 AmeriCorps Members a historical analysis of the central and southern Appalachian Pallavi Podapati Digs Into region. Our mission is to empower Grab some iced tea in the region with groups helping to expand our Appalachian mining-related health people to defend our region’s rich with lemon and sit on such as the Southern Ap- Water Watch and End Mountaintop Re- Coal Miner Health Policies policies. America’s poli- natural and cultural heritage by providing them with tools and strategies the porch a spell, there palachian Mountain Stew- moval programs to the folks that need cies fall on the lower end By Julia Lindsay for successful grassroots campaigns. are some fresh faces ards, the Southern Energy it most. He enjoys making old-time and of the bell curve, Pallavi You just try to stop Pallavi Po- around the organization Network and the Mission “not-so-old-time” music, foraging in the New AmeriCorps members Lee Payne (left) and says, and she plans to dapati. Activist and Appalachian Organizational Staff this fall that we would and Service Board of Union forests for wild foods and medicines Ridge Graham investigate “why black Executive Director ...... Tom Cormons Voices Board member, Pallavi talks lung was recognized as like to introduce you to! Church in Berea. and listening to tales from elders. a way to give back. a thousand words a minute, chan- a disease in the 1930’s OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT While new to our “I have watched Ap- We also welcome two AmeriCorps Ridge Graham, our new Education Central Appalachian palachian Voices grow so Project Conserve members for the neling her voracious drive for social in the U.K., but it wasn’t Director of Development...... Jonathan Harvey Outreach Associate, grew up in Rock Controller ...... Susan Congelosi Team, Willie Dodson much over the past de- eleven-month 2015-16 service term that justice through the phone. until 1969 that the U.S Hill, S.C., and attended Appalachian Operations Manager ...... Shay Boyd Wllie Dodson Pallavi, now in her twenties, recognized it as an oc- is no stranger to the cade,” Dodson says. “This runs through July 2016. State University, where he received a Director of Leadership Gifts ...... Kayti Wingfield grew up in Hazard, Ky. Her cardi- turning to Week In Washington and environmental struggles of central and organization has not only broadened its Elizabeth “Lee” Payne joins as cupational illness.” Pallavi hopes to Operations and Outreach Associate ...... Lauren Essick degree in ecology and evolutionary helping with our Appalachian Water southern Appalachia. Currently a resi- scope of work, but also grown deeper our communications associate, and ologist father inspired her interest in apply what she learns abroad to poli- biology with a minor in statistics. Dur- Watch Project. PROGRAMS dent of Wise County, Va., Willie grew roots in the region. I have long felt a will serve as The Appalachian Voice’s public health, which blossomed into cies in the states when she returns. ing his undergraduate years, he worked The level of involvement with Director of Programs...... Matt Wasson a focus on the 20th century demands “This is a larger, global conver- up in the Piedmont and mountains great affinity with AppVoices and I associate editor and run our 2016 we- as a lab assistant studying vertebrate Campaign Director ...... Kate Rooth from Appalachian coal miners for the water watch program excited her. of Virginia, and graduated from Ken- couldn’t be more happy to join the team binar series. A native of Boone, N.C., sation,” she adds, noting that the Energy Policy Director ...... Rory McIlmoil anatomy, bird behavior and water “I remember sitting there as an intern tucky’s Berea College with a degree in as a staff member.” Lee earned degrees in archeology and pneumoconiosis compensation. coal industry has deep pockets and Legislative Associate ...... Thom Kay quality, and also as a teaching assistant and thinking ‘we are doing things Appalachian Studies. He has organized Willie serves as one of our Central ancient history before pursuing a Ph.D. Also known as black lung, the fatal political power. The core of her work North Carolina Campaign Coordinator ...... Amy Adams helping students create documentaries that regulatory agencies should Virginia Campaign Coordinator ...... Hannah Wiegard for environmental and social justice Appalachian Campaign Coordinators, with a specialty in Assyriology, the disease is caused by exposure to coal focuses on the prevention of suffering on food issues. be doing,’” Pallavi says. The team Central Appalachian Campaign Coordinator ...... Erin Savage study of the languages and cultures of mine dust. by leveling the scales between the Ridge will divide his service time created a citizen water monitoring Central Appalachian Field Coordinator ...... Tarence Ray While a student at the Univer- coal industry and the common man, ancient Mesopotamia. After graduation, between our North Carolina coal ash Central Appalachian Field Coordinator ...... Willie Dodson Communities Coming Together To Clean Up Coal Ash sity of Pennsylvania, she researched project in central Appalachia to work she worked for six years as the conser- wherever that may be. North Carolina Field Coordinator ...... Sarah Kellogg campaign and our Energy Savings with local residents to identify water At the General Assembly building other state decision-makers hold Duke American policies regarding black Pallavi joined the Appalachian Economic Diversification Coordinator ...... Adam Wells vator for the Yale Babylonian Collection. for Appalachia program, helping to in downtown Raleigh, N.C., community Energy accountable for its leaking coal pollution and hold coal companies Tennessee Energy Savings Coordinator ...... Amy Kelly But Lee’s love for southern Ap- lung and mining accidents. As a Voices Board of Directors in 2014. The organizations and residents concerned ash containment pits and that decisions organize. accountable for the damage. AmeriCorps Outreach Associate ...... Ridge Graham palachia never wavered, and this year sophomore, she met with federal position has nourished her hunger about coal ash cleanup held a press about cleanup options include the voices To learn more about the Appa- A true activist, her belief in the she became determined to return to her legislators and agencies to demand for involvement. “I get to hear about Communications & Technology conference on Sept. 23 announcing the of impacted residents in a transparent lachian Voices staff, visit AppVoices. power of a community when it works strong public health and environ- everything rather than one project, Director of Communications ...... Cat McCue formation of the Alliance for Carolinians process. beloved Blue Ridge mountains and find org/team. mental protections from mining together pervades her words. She’s Senior Communications Coordinator ...... Jamie Goodman Together (A.C.T.) Against Coal Ash (see We are proud to work alongside our and I love that,” she says. during The Alliance for Appalachia’s empowering. “There’s a clock on the Programs Communications Coordinator...... Brian Sewell full story on page 17). partners to help low-income and minority Her current role is another step Editorial Communications Coordinator...... Molly Moore Shaping Southwest Virginia’s New Economy annual Week In Washington, which wall,” she warns, “we need to come This new statewide grassroots orga- communities fight to clean up the coal in a tradition of service — while in AmeriCorps Communications Associate...... Elizabeth E. Payne together now; we need to be a little nization — supported by Appalachian ash pits that are literally leaking in their Appalachian Voices and Virginia together to reshape the area’s economic she attended with fellow members college, she played a significant role IT Consultant...... Jeff Deal Organizing are scheduled to co-host a future. Input gathered at the forums will of Kentuckians For The Common- more courageous.” Voices — represents groups impacted backyards and polluting their water. in a slew of organizations including INTERNS series of eight community forums during be compiled and presented to our local wealth. She met staff from Appala- Pallavi’s passion extends beyond by coal ash from across North Carolina. For more information about A.C.T. the Civic House Associates Coali- Energy Savings Outreach Assistant...... Jonas Heidenreich October to gather citizen input about the leaders and community planners to help Appalachia. Her next endeavor will The A.C.T. alliance demands that N.C. and our work to clean up coal ash, visit chian Voices during the event, and tion and Abuse and Sexual Assault North Carolina Outreach Assistant...... Maggie Simmons region’s economic future. Set to be held in inform their decision-making on the future take her to Wales for a year to do Department of Environmental Quality and AppVoices.org/coalash our work for clean water piqued Prevention. Without a doubt, Pallavi North Carolina Outreach Assistant...... Rebecca Bauer the three primary southwest Virginia coal of our economy. research for Swansea University’s conomic evelopment ssistant ichael hrader her interest. The following summer, will continue to challenge the status E D A ...... M S counties, each forum will have a profes- Check back next issue for an update, Disability and Industrial Society Virginia Grassroots Assistant...... Stephanie Leguichard she joined our team as an intern, re- quo wherever she is. Charting the Clean Power Plan in Virginia sional facilitator and will be open to people and visit AppVoices.org/new-economy to Editorial Assistant...... Chris Robey In Virginia, a major goal of Appala- bills for electric customers. of all backgrounds interested in working learn more. Editorial Assistant ...... W. Spencer King chian Voices’ work in recent years has A report by Public Citizen states that A Tennessee Homecoming Marketing Outreach...... Andrew Tarley Graphics Assistant...... Haley Rogers been getting our state on track toward a the Clean Power Plan will result in savings Protecting Streams Earlier this fall, Appalachian by rural electric cooperatives safe, reliable and affordable energy future, on residents’ electricity bills, cutting cus- Willie Dodson, central Appalachian Board of Directors but Virginia has never had a binding state tomer payments by 7.7% to at least 8.4% campaign coordinator with Appalachian Voices’ Amy Kelly completed her to institute a program that will Chair ...... Kim Gilliam renewable energy standard. The new by 2030. But in Virginia the planning pro- Voices, speaks at a public hearing in Big move to Knoxville, Tenn., effectively help residents — including low- Vice-Chair ...... Landra Lewis Clean Power Plan initiative to cut carbon cess has its possible pitfalls, too. The role Stone Gap, Va., on the Stream Protec- reopening our office — and our pro- income families — complete Secretary ...... Dot Griffith tion Rule. This fall, Appalachian Voices from electricity generation represents the of new natural gas plants is both relevant gram to bring energy efficiency to energy efficiency upgrades to Treasurer ...... Kathy Selvage first requirement that impacts the carbon and uncertain, and the risk of allowing our worked with partner groups to help the Volunteer State. The move was a their homes. The initiative can citizens attend the three public hearings Members-At-Large pollution from Virginia’s power plants. state to become more reliant on fossil fuels homecoming in more than one way, help residents save up to 40 on the rule held in the region. The new Clara Bingham Pallavi Podapati The state Department of Environ- in spite of this rule is now a central factor. guidance, if strengthened and properly as Amy’s family has lived in Tennes- percent on their electric bills, Pat Holmes Lauren Waterworth mental Quality has been holding listening Appalachian Voices and our partners enforced, would increase safeguards see since before it was a state, and make their homes more healthy Silas House Tracey Wright Amy Kelly (center) sessions to hear from citizens to address will remain engaged throughout the pro- Rick Phelps Tom Cormons (Ex-officio) for streams and people by reining in the before mountaintop removal coal and comfortable, help grow with husband Lyle precisely that, soliciting input on how cess to ensure that state action reduces ravages of mountaintop removal. Read mining scarred the landscape she local economies and reduce and daughter Aidia Advisory Councilil Virginia should respond and plan for com- pollution long-term and benefits everyday A C the full story on page 21. Jonathan C. Allen Van Jones pliance. The plan could incentivize energy Virginians. For the latest updates and to calls home. our region’s reliance on burn- Jonathan C. Allen Van Jones Jessica Barba Brown J. Haskell Murray Learn more and take action at As Tennessee Energy Savings ing carbon-emitting coal for Jessica Barba Brown J. Haskell Murray efficiency programs and drive growth in take action, visit AppVoices.org/clean- find out how to get involved with Alfred Glover Brenda Sigmon iLoveMountains.org/spr-comments Alfred Glover Brenda Sigmon solar for a more secure grid and shrunken power-plan. Outreach Coordinator, Amy will be electricity. Amy’s work, visit AppVoices.org/ Randy Hayes Bunk Spann Randy Hayes Bunk Spann working with communities served For more information and to energysavings/tennessee Christina Howe Page 22 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2015 Christina Howe Non-Profit The Appalachian Voice Organization 171 Grand Boulevard US Postage Paid Boone, NC 28607 Permit No. 294 www.appalachianvoices.org Boone, NC

Buck Cooper’s North Carolina dairy farm has been in his family for more than 150 years, and he’s been in the business since 1946. This photograph, titled “Hungry, Hungry Holstein,” was taken by James K. Fay and was a finalist in the Culture category of the 12th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition. The deadline to submit a photo to this year’s competition is Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.. For more information, visit appmtnphotocomp.org.

JOIN NOW!

Name ______Address ______Appalachia City ______State ______Zip ______is a Phone ______Email ______

national treasure. ❑ Please mail each issue of The Appalachian Voice (min. $25 donation) ❑ Maximize my donation! Do not send The Voice / I prefer Already a supporter? That’s why each issue of The Appalachian to read it online. Voice contains stories about our incredible Give the gift of regional environmental news to a natural and cultural heritage and efforts to ❍ $35 ❍ $250 friend or family member! build a brighter future for the region. ❍ $50 ❍ $500 ❍ $100 ❍ Other $______Join Appalachian Voices this fall, and you’ll ❑ Make this a gift membership for: also receive a year’s subscription to The ❍ Make me a Mountain Protector monthly donor at $______/month ($10 minimum) Name______Appalachian Voice to keep you connected to Membership Level City ______

the places and issues you care about. MC/VISA # ______State ______Zip ______Phone ______Email ______Expiration date ______Security Code______Signature ______Mail this completed form to: 171 Grand Blvd, Boone, NC 28607 Or visit: AppVoices.org/subscribe