Without advance warning about the true scale of power outages and the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, local officials say they were caught off guard, leaving residents to fend for themselves.
An oil company wants to drill in Big Cypress National Preserve. Laws over mineral rights have complicated the fight to stop it.
An FDR program to electrify rural America is now beset by expensive coal plants and often-hidebound governing boards, as members clamor for transparency and renewables.
Wood pellet manufacturing plants have underreported emissions at plants throughout the South, which are most often in Black and low-income communities.
Poor energy efficiency and weatherization standards in Southern states made it even harder for people to stay warm and safe.
The president promised to create a task force on how best to help the communities. Advocates want that and new jobs, broadband internet and funding for health and education.
A new administration brings potential to address Appalachia’s economic and environmental issues on a wider scale.