Our CAAV Coalition speaker on August 16 was Lara Mack, Virginia Field Organizer for Appalachian Voices. That group was founded to battle the damage from Mountain Top Removal to Appalachian communities and their environment. It has now expanded to include collaboration with others focusing on actions that promote healthy communities and transition off fossil fuels throughout Virginia. Major foci include safe coal ash disposition, energy savings and efficiency that lower costs to rate payers, fighting fracked gas pipelines and legislation to promote renewable energy, especially solar.
Any group that needs a public presentation on the argument that we don’t actually need more pipelines in Virginia is invited to check out these links:
Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis – IEEFA.org
Risks Associated With Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion Across Appalachia, April 2016
Their marvelous publication, Appalachian Voice, is distributed free at several locations in Harrisonburg and elsewhere. It includes several articles on the important biodiversity of the Appalachian region—and why they work so hard to slow and prevent destruction—as well as information on electric coops, the local food movement, and updates on legislation affecting the region. Find it quickly!
If you would like to get in touch with Lara about Appalachian Voices’ Virginia work on renewable energy, environmental justice, and the fracked gas pipelines, contact her at lara[at]appvoices[dot]org.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Appalachian Voices, you may sign up here. Members support the group’s legal standing in court cases and give input on board members and programmatic work. If you become a member, you will receive their monthly e-newsletter “The Advocate” and will also receive the Appalachian Voice in your mail!
Events they’ll be participating in for the coming months include the following:
- Community Meetings to discuss the threats of the Mountain Valley Pipeline
- Sept 1st – Summers County, WV
Graham House: Rt. 3 and 12, Lowell, WV, between Pence Springs and Talcott at 6:30PM - Sept 6th – Franklin County/Roanoke County/Bent Mountain
Bent Mountain Community Center, 10148 Tinsley Lane, Bent Mountain , VA 24059, at 7PM - Sept 8th – Monroe County, WV
Lindside United Methodist Church, Community building, 8764 Seneca Trail S. (route 219), Lindside, WV 24951. 6-8PM - Sept 13th – Montgomery County
Christiansburg Library, 125 Sheltman St., Christiansburg, VA, at 7PM
- Sept 1st – Summers County, WV
- Hands Across the Appalachian Trail – Nelson County, Blue Ridge Parkway – Saturday, Sept 17th at 10:30AM, Humpback Rocks Farm Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 5.8
This event brings attention to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s vision to “connect the human spirit with nature – preserving the delicate majesty of the Trail as a haven for all to enjoy.” Everyone should have the opportunity for that experience.
JOIN HANDS with us to ensure the Trail remains protected!
Event plan: sign making, a few short speeches then we will stretch our joined hands for a photo shoot. Bring signs or make one when you arrive – we will provide materials.
Climate Action Alliance of the Valley 