A group of top White House cabinet members and policy advisors is tasked with helping coal communities revitalize their economies. Learn more about the process and how to get involved. [ Read More ]
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Chelsea Barnes
A committed advocate for clean energy policy, education and outreach, Chelsea is our Director of Government Affairs and Strategy based in our Norton, Va., office. When she is not advancing renewable energy, you can likely find her enjoying one of Southwest Virginia's many scenic trails.White House group focuses on supporting coal communities
Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Biden’s jobs plan holds promise for Appalachia
Thursday, April 1st, 2021 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
As an organization that cares deeply about the people, land and water of our region, we find much to applaud in the White House's American Jobs Plan. Read about what the plan entails and hear from us and partners about what this plan could mean for Appalachia. [ Read More ]
Big opportunities to RECLAIM decades-old abandoned mines
Friday, March 5th, 2021 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Thousands of abandoned mine lands need to be reclaimed in Appalachia and across the country, and this reclamation work can create thousands of jobs. That's in addition to the creative community and economic projects that local people can build with new funding. [ Read More ]
Pushing back on Appalachian Power’s unfair solar restrictions for schools and governments
Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Appalachian Power Company is blocking local schools and municipal governments from installing solar. But these public entities have the opportunity to strike a better deal during upcoming contract negotiations with the obstructionist utility.
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It’s the Senate’s turn to pass the RECLAIM Act
Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Advocates for mine cleanup and economic development in Appalachia are calling on the U.S. Senate to pass the RECLAIM Act and AML Reauthorization after the two bills passed the U.S. House in early July. [ Read More ]
What do Virginia’s new energy laws mean for the coalfields
Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
New energy laws in Virginia provide significant opportunity for solar development in the state's historic coalfields, but not enough direct support for communities hit by the clean energy transition. [ Read More ]
A policymaker’s guide to fostering community solar development
Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Pro-solar policy is crucial to bringing clean, renewable energy to Southwest Virginia and Appalachia as a whole. [ Read More ]
Old Dominion Power rate proposal would harm Southwest Virginia communities
Monday, August 19th, 2019 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Old Dominion Power is seeking a massive rate increase, which would increase average residential electricity bills by nearly $29 per month and make it more difficult for Southwest Virginia businesses and residents to access solar power. Now is your chance to speak up! [ Read More ]
Southwest Virginia takes powerful steps to advance solar energy
Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
A big week for solar energy in Southwest Virginia includes celebrating eight communities for their advancements in solar and the announcement of a substantial grant to build a big solar project on a former mine site.
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Solar in Southwest Virginia recognized in national competition
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia was recently awarded a "Solar Discovery" prize for identifying solar projects in Virginia's coalfield counties that would create jobs and benefit local communities.
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High prices for dirty fuels in Southwest Virginia
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Old Dominion Power wants to charge residents more for increasingly expensive fossil fuels, when renewable energy offers a lower-cost alternative. Join us at the State Corporation Commission's public hearing in Norton, Va., on May 23! [ Read More ]
Coalition explores innovative mine reclamation solutions in West Virginia
Friday, March 15th, 2019 | Posted by Chelsea Barnes | No Comments
Members of the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition visited an abandoned mine in Mingo County, W.Va., slated to become the site of a solar-powered aquaponics agriculture facility. [ Read More ]
