Thinking about the Economics of Petrochemicals

By John McFerrin            One of the clichés of our public policy has long been that we have to “balance” the environmental and social costs…

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West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Trout Unlimited Report on Pipelines

By John McFerrin            West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina are thick with rivers and streams.  More and more, they are (or are proposed to be)…

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Delay for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Dominion Energy and Duke Energy, co-owners of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, have asked federal regulators for a two year extension.  They now say the 600 mile pipeline will…

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Changes Coming to the National Forests

By John McFerrin            Many, many years ago a coal operator in eastern Kentucky was quoted as saying, “Green?  You want green, we’ll just take all…

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More Threats (and a little hope) for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

By John McFerrin            The April, 2020, issue of The Highlands Voice included a story about threats to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Those threats continue to grind…

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Environmental Protection Agency Limits States’ Rights

By John McFerrinFor activities which cross or result in a discharge into streams and wetlands, builders must have a permit pursuant to the…

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Atlantic Coast Pipeline problems persist despite Supreme Court decision

From the Southern Environmental Law Center“While today’s decision was not what we hoped for, it addresses only one of the many problems faced…

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Thoughts from our president

Summer has arrived and Mother Nature continues to show off her amazing splendor throughout the highlands. As one travels throughout the mountains the trees have leafed out…

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U.S. Supreme Court Allows Atlantic Coast Pipeline to Cross Appalachian Trail

By John McFerrin The United States Supreme Court has reversed the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and held that the United States…

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