Reflecting on 2024: Building Power Across Appalachia and Beyond

Reflecting on 2024: Building Power Across Appalachia and Beyond

In 2024, the Alliance for Appalachia significantly expanded its reach and impact across the region. We welcomed four dynamic new members, including our first Indigenous organization, strengthening our collective voice and deepening our commitment to diversity and inclusive advocacy. This growth enhanced our ability to address the complex environmental and social challenges facing Appalachian communities.

Federal Advocacy and Legislative Impact

Our federal advocacy centered on key legislation, particularly the Environmental Justice For All Act. This transformative bill would strengthen legal tools for communities facing environmental discrimination, require comprehensive cumulative impact assessments for new projects, and provide vital resources for community-led solutions. Through coordinated visits to Washington D.C., we advanced water quality regulations and flooding prevention measures while building crucial relationships with legislative offices.

The Alliance maintained strong opposition to the proposed federal prison in Letcher County, Kentucky. Our advocacy highlighted significant environmental concerns, including the project’s potential impact on water quality and forest ecosystems. We worked to elevate community voices calling for sustainable, community-driven economic alternatives that better serve local needs and protect environmental resources.

Strengthening Grassroots Power

Implementation of disability justice principles transformed our approach to organizing and advocacy, ensuring more inclusive and effective community engagement. The introduction of advanced GIS mapping tools empowered member organizations to better document environmental violations and advocate for their communities. These technological resources proved particularly valuable in supporting grassroots enforcement efforts and strengthening accountability.

Emergency Response and Regional Resilience

Our response to Hurricane Hellene demonstrated the Alliance’s capacity to amplify regional mutual aid efforts effectively. This experience highlighted the importance of strong community networks and informed our approach to climate disaster preparedness and response.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Cross-Regional Solidarity and Liberation

The emerging Gulf South to Appalachia connection through Taproot Earth represents a significant expansion of our work, grounded in our commitment to Indigenous Sovereignty and Black Liberation. By centering these fundamental principles, we’re building partnerships that recognize and support the leadership of Indigenous and Black communities in environmental justice work. This collaboration creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, unified advocacy, and strengthened disaster response capabilities across regions facing similar environmental justice challenges. Our commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and Black liberation shapes our approach to environmental protection, community development, and regional organizing.

Enhanced Federal Strategy

Our Federal Strategy Team is preparing for comprehensive D.C. advocacy in 2025, building on momentum from opposition to the Letcher County prison project and continued support for the EJ for All Act. We’re developing coordinated campaigns around water quality, flood prevention, and environmental justice legislation, with a focus on securing tangible policy changes that benefit Appalachian communities.

Community-Led Solutions

The integration of disability justice principles and enhanced mapping capabilities positions us to support more effective, inclusive advocacy efforts. Our expanded coalition, enriched by Indigenous perspectives and diverse community voices, will continue pressing for stronger environmental protections and just transition initiatives.

Regional Leadership and Knowledge Sharing

Our participation in the Appalachian Studies Association Conference and other regional gatherings has reinforced the Alliance’s role as a connector and amplifier of grassroots environmental justice initiatives. These connections provide platforms for sharing successful strategies, building collective power, and advancing our shared vision for a sustainable, just Appalachia.

Moving Forward Together

As we enter 2025, the Alliance’s growing coalition demonstrates the power of unified action in addressing Appalachia’s environmental and social challenges. Through continued collaboration, strategic advocacy, and commitment to community-led solutions, we’re building momentum for lasting change in our region. Our expanded partnerships and strengthened advocacy tools position us to advance environmental justice, challenge extractive industries, and support sustainable development across Appalachia. By centering Indigenous sovereignty and Black liberation in our work with Taproot Earth, we’re contributing to a broader movement for social and environmental justice that recognizes the interconnected nature of our struggles and solutions.