This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
Anti-Mountain Valley Pipeline activists erected an aerial blockade in the middle of an access road in the Jefferson National Forest in Giles County, Virginia.
A pole planted in the middle of an access road is halting any progress on construction of a seven-mile road leading to the path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. An activist perched on top of the 50-foot log displays a banner that reads “The Fire is Catching, No Pipelines.”
Dozens of supporters also gathered.
Tree sitters remain as they have for a month now, camping in all weather in the tops of trees on the top of Peters Mountain to prevent felling of more trees along the route. Mountain Valley has only three more days to clear acreage before a federally mandated March 31 deadline to protect endangered species.
Credit Appalachians Against Pipelines
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Appalachians Against Pipelines
In a news release from the protesting group, the pipeline fighter said the hope is that this action might inspire others to take action to prevent construction of the pipeline.
EQT, the main company behind the roughly 300-mile, 42-inch high-pressure pipeline project, has not yet responded to a request for comment made earlier today.
The action also comes on the heels of Virginia environmental regulators approving erosion, sediment and storm water control plans for the natural gas pipeline, effectively meaning Mountain Valley can begin full-scale construction.
Last week in a court hearing, Monroe County Circuit Judge Robert Irons denied the request for a preliminary injunction.
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On this West Virginia Week, the board of education is in charge of rulemaking for schools according to a ruling from the Court of Appeals of West Virginia, Sen. Jim Justice is admonished and a rule to weaken silica limits in mines is proposed.
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration proposed a rule amending existing provisions for the sampling of silica dust in MNM mines and coal mines.
Appalachian Power will spend $17 billion to construct three new natural gas-fired power plants across the state, and $7.5 billion to upgrade its West Virginia coal-fired power plants.
