Author: Brittany Patterson

Unpacking the Recent Federal Court Rulings Turning Pipeline Development on its Head

Federal regulators have halted construction of two major natural gas pipelines that cross through Appalachia this month, following several federal court decisions. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) halted the Atlantic Coast Pipeline on Friday, Aug. 10. The agency issued a similar stop-work order earlier this month for the 303-mile […]

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Trade Troubles: Escalating Trade Threats Could Hit Ohio Valley Coal, Natural Gas

President Donald Trump’s desire to help boost the Ohio Valley’s energy industry and bring back mining jobs could be stymied by the administration’s escalating trade battle with China and other trading partners across the globe. The Trump administration announced in June $50 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods, which are set to […]

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Coal Ash Uncovered: Largest Ash Dump A “Cautionary Tale” As Trump Changes Regulations

Curt and Debbie Havens’ ranch style home is the gathering place for their family. Their two boys grew up playing in the streets in this quiet neighborhood in West Virginia’s northern panhandle. Now, their grandchildren do the same. “They played ball, all kinds of games,” Debbie recalled during a recent […]

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A Lifeline for Some Communities, Federal Cuts Pose Problems for EPA’s Superfund Program

On a recent drive through the Northview neighborhood of Clarksburg, James Lachapelle surveyed what is left of the factory that was once the lifeblood of this blue-collar community in north central West Virginia. Broken windows dot the dilapidated structure, which was once the Roland glass factory. Luscious green vines and […]

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