In a win for people living near coal mines, an updated federal rule gives more weight to community complaints about safety and environmental concerns. A second federal rule update aimed at preventing black lung disease limits how much silica dust miners can be exposed to, but lacks key enforcement mechanisms to make sure coal companies comply.

In Case You Missed It...

CALENDAR

Appalachian Mountain Photo Competition

Ongoing through June 1: The juried competition returns with a new format and a stellar exhibition. Boone, N.C. 

Earth Third Friday

April 19, 5-7 p.m.: Earth Day event presented by the town of Boone, N.C., at The Jones House. Look for the Appalachian Voices’ table!

Chesterfield Earth Day Happy Hour

April 22, 6-7:30 p.m.: Join Appalachian Voices and Chesapeake Climate Action Network for a Chesterfield Happy Hour at Local Pizza and Brewery, Chesterfield, Va.

Carbon Plan Hearings

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is holding public hearings to seek feedback on the Carbon Plan.

April 23, 6:30 p.m., Virtual

April 29, 7 p.m., Wilmington

April 30, 7 p.m., Durham

Webinar: Solar by the Community for the Community
April 24, 7 p.m.: Community leaders discuss real-life examples how solar ownership has built stronger, more resilient communities.

Community Strong Project Meetings

A series of sessions in Southwest Virginia to build more resilient communities. Stipend and dinner included. 6-7:30 p.m.

Dungannon, April 25

Clinchco, May 9

Pound, May 14

Dante, May 23

Pennington Gap, May 30

Keynote Address: How to Cope With Climate Anxiety
April 24, 7-8 p.m.: Dr. Britt Wray, author of “Generation Dread,” will speak as part of Elon University’s Earth Week. Free event. Elon, N.C.

Spring Garden Fair
April 27-28: Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport, Tenn., will host its annual celebration of the planting season.

Webinar: Put Money Back Into Your Community

April 30, 10-11:30 a.m.: An info session about upcoming grant opportunities for Appalachian communities, hosted by the Black Appalachian Coalition

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival
May 2-5: Look for the Appalachian Voices table with photo booth, coloring for kids and temporary tattoos! Pittsboro, NC

Rally for the Valley

May 8, 4:30 p.m., CDT: A rally to urge TVA to halt its gas expansion plans, scheduled to occur immediately after the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors listening session in Nashville, Tenn..

Virginia Solar Summit
May 13-15: This year’s summit will feature a session about the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund presented by SFF Director Autumn Long. Richmond, Va.

EPA Region 3 Virtual Summit
May 16: Looking to learn more about environmental equity and how to implement worthwhile changes in your communities and organizations? Join the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region for their virtual summit, “Empowering Communities for Environmental Equity.”

Deadline for Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition Mini-Grant Proposals
May 31: Businesses, organizations, government agencies, and individuals are invited to apply for a $12,000 grant for innovative coal mine land reclamation and ecological restoration projects.