Author: Daniel Shaffer

A message from Allen Johnson, Chair, ABRA Board of Directors

As Chair of the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, we commend and thank Lew Freeman for his extraordinary and competent leadership. Lew developed, coordinated, and empowered diverse peoples and organizations into the collective ABRA

Opportunity to comment on commercial gold mining in Virginia

As previously reported, the Canadian exploration company, Aston Bay, has been performing exploratory drilling for gold across central Virginia, and advertizing their finds internationally. As one of the most environmentally destructive activities undertaken by humans, modern industrial-scale gold mining saddles

Pipeline developer urges replacement of 4th Circuit Panel

Card – E&E News – 5/17/22 Related: Green Judges vs. American Gas

Dominion makes its case to SCC for $9.65 billion from customers to build wind farm

Card – Richmond Times-Dispatch – 5/17/22 Related: What’s ‘reasonable and prudent’ when it comes to Dominion offshore wind project’s costs?

State panel studies potential impact of gold mining in Virginia

Card – WDBJ7 News – 5/16/22

Shareholders ask Dominion for report on risk of stranded natural gas assets

Card – Virginia Mercury – 5/11/22

Advocates say Duke Energy’s North Carolina climate plan relies too heavily on fossil fuels

Card – Energy News Network – 5/17/22

New Comment Period and Public Meeting Announced for Rocky Forge Wind Farm’s Modified Permit

Card – Rocky Forge Wind – 5/18/22

Not a great time to roll out Dominion’s pricey solar tariff

Card – Virginia Mercury – 5/16/22

Europe’s push to cut Russian gas faces a race against winter

Card – ABC News/Associated Press – 5/18/22

ABRA CONSERVATION HUB

ABRA’s Conservation Hub program promotes responsible resource management by providing access to critical information needed for effective public involvement in environmental review and oversight.

Following the defeat of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in 2020, ABRA initiated the Conservation Hub to support informed public engagement with the broader range of environmental issues confronting the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Mountain region. The Conservation Hub builds on the analysis and information sharing capacity achieved through ABRA’s Pipeline CSI project during the years of ACP opposition.

The Conservation Hub is based on the use of GIS mapping to provide details and context for land development projects and management practices that involve risk of environmental harm, as well as for environmental preservation and restoration initiatives. The Conservation Hub also provides access to regulatory documents and assessments related to specific projects or issues.

Multiple Conservation Hub sites, focused on individual projects or issues, have been developed collaboratively with ABRA’s partners and allies. Going forward, we invite conservation groups, individuals, and communities to provide ideas for new Hub sites and GIS mapping that can contribute to informed public engagement on behalf of environmental integrity in the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region.