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Attacks on Renewables Proliferate at Legislature

It is hard enough to get any legislation promoting renewable energy passed in the West Virginia Legislature. But in 2025 there have been several bills introduced by hard-right legislators, the effect of which would be to undermine the development…
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Community Solar Bills Introduced in Both House and Senate

The community solar concept allows consumers who cannot install their own solar panels to participate in solar energy generated at a community facility. The concept is operating in many states, but not West Virginia. Bills promoting community…
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Open Letter to the Jefferson County Planning Commission in Opposition to the Mountain Pure Water Bottling Concept Plan

Groundwater is a public resource that should not be depleted or used in excessive quantities except for the public good. The West Virginia Legislature has declared that the waters of the state, including groundwater, are valuable public natural resources held by the state for the use and benefit of its citizens.
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Appalachian Hurricane Flooding Intensified by Climate Change

We have all seen the news coverage of the horrific flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, a small city often touted as protected from the effects of climate change. The truth is that Appalachia, including West Virginia,…
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A Longer Mosquito Season This Fall Thanks to Climate Change

The worst time for mosquitos is usually late August and early September. But the longer it stays warm in the Fall, the longer mosquitos hang around. They aren’t usually killed off until the first frost, which comes later now in West Virginia…
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Early Voting – The Solution to West Virginia’s Poor Voter Turnout

Election day is November 5, 2024 all across the country. In case you haven’t heard a president will be elected. But there are also many important West Virginia local and state races to be decided. The problem is that many West Virginians don’t…
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How West Virginia Electric Utilities Stack Up

West Virginia is served by a small number of electric utilities, all of which are regulated by the Public Service Commission. Appalachian Power provides service generally in the southern half of the state. First Energy Corporation operates in…
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How to Talk With a Conservative About Climate Change

We all know them. They are in our families and at our workplaces. They are the people who deny that climate change is manmade, or who claim that some scientist has proved it’s all a hoax. Sometimes it’s a matter of choosing teams. Concern…
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Fall Wildfire Season Poses Risks for West Virginia

According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry, forests cover 78.5% of the land in the state – making us the third most heavily forested state in the nation. This natural blessing filters water, provides wildlife habitat, and provides…
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Climate Change Hammers Outdoor Recreation

You may not have really noticed the impact of overheating on outdoor recreation – like the frog doesn’t notice the water in the pot slowly getting warmer. But if you play outdoors the impact on your fun is obvious.Increasing temperatures…