Sign in

Emma Kelly

@evkelly.bsky.social
731 followers 1.2K following 206 posts

New Economy Program Manager for Appalachian Voices, anthropologist, union girlie. At home in the mountains with a good book or game. She/her

PostsRepliesMedia
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Seems to be a tough night for Republicans named Mike on the debate stage
010
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Proud Appalachian @rwheeler.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
mountain-topmedia.com
Mountain Association awarded $2 million ARC grant for Appalachian Kentucky economic development - Mountain Top Media
BEREA — The Mountain Association has been awarded $2 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support economic development efforts across Appalachian Kentucky. The funding, announced in…
0104
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
How it feels doing this Certified Floodplain Manager training
001
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
How it feels doing this Certified Floodplain Manager training
001
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Voices @appvoices.org · 01/08/2026
#Congress may advance a bill that lets projects sidestep pollution protections by labeling them as “national defense” or part of the so-called "energy emergency.” Read why the Defense Production Act is dangerous in Chelsea Barnes’ blog post: loom.ly/2jsgkhA
appvoices.org
The grave new threat facing communities
The Trump-Vance administration has used the Defense Production Act to prop up fossil fuel industries, including issuing hundreds of millions of dollars in DPA grants to keep aging coal plants operating and fund new coal-fired power plants. 
045
Reposted by Emma Kelly
POWHR Coalition @powhr.org · 23/06/2026
ICYMI: "...the county passed a resolution stating that 'the Board of Supervisors hereby oppose the Boost Project from being located in the Elliston Community.'" #NoMVPBoost Organizing did that. roanoke.com/news/local/b...
roanoke.com
County contradiction halts Mountain Valley Pipeline compressor station permit
A contradiction between Montgomery County actions has halted permitting for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s proposed Swann Compressor Station, leaving the project without an active air permit application.
01310
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Voices @appvoices.org · 17/06/2026
Mobile billboards are rolling around VA's state capitol this week with a simple message for legislators: Make #DataCenters use clean energy & stop polluting local communities. Tell your legislators to put communities before data centers: appvoices.org/actions/no-dirty-ener…
163
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Karen Bearden @chickadeenc.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Don't let the coal industry roll over the Monongahela National Forest! Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/do...
actionnetwork.org
Don't let the coal industry roll over the Monongahela National Forest!
The Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is a national treasure. “The Mon” boasts some of the continent’s southernmost cranberry bogs and red spruce forests, as well as numerous rare species a...
022
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Grace Hill @gracehill.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
hmmmm "due to “current economic conditions.”" Healing Appalachia announces cancellation of 2026 music festival
therealwv.com
Healing Appalachia announces cancellation of 2026 music festival – The Real WV
By RealWV Staff, Tyler Childers performs in Kentucky as part of Healing Appalachia 2025. Photo by Healing Appalachia. ASHLAND, KY -- In an announcement
151
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Jessica Madison Pískatá @lambinawoolsweater.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Guns, Germs, and Steel:
Real housewives of rhode island talking about the origin of baby dolls
0184
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
So excited to see a nature school come to the coalfields! thecarecollectiveofswva.org/wee-ones-for...
thecarecollectiveofswva.org
Wee ones forest school
The Care Collective is a proud sponsor of the Wee Ones Forest School, beginning programming Summer 2026. From June 9th to July 7th 2026, Wee Ones will meet on Tuesdays in Legion Park from 10:30am-1…
060
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Julia Simon @juliaradio.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Forget shark week -- It's climate solutions week y'all This year the theme is LOCAL solutions - ways that cities and states and neighborhoods are stepping up when the federal government backtracks on climate action. I'll thread the stories here as the week goes on... Here's our intro ⬇️📻🎧
npr.org
As the federal government rolls back climate action, U.S. cities and states step up
NPR's Julia Simon kicks off Climate Solutions Week with a look at how cities and states are working to reduce emissions.
415162
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
A fantastic week at the National Adaptation Forum in Pittsburgh hearing from folks all over the adaptation and resilience world
010
Reposted by Emma Kelly
In These Times @inthesetimes.com · 14/05/2026
On May Day, the Trump admin fired a mine safety commissioner & closed the Pittsburgh office of the agency that handles mine safety disputes. @kimkelly.bsky.social reports on what that could mean for coal miners already facing black lung, silica dust & dangerous work: inthesetimes.com/article/trum...
inthesetimes.com
Trump’s Latest Target: Coal Miners’ Safety
In one fell swoop, the Trump administration took an axe to the agency tasked with handling legal disputes around mine worker safety. It could signal even deeper cuts to worker protections coming down…
18749
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Voices @appvoices.org · 08/05/2026
The 2026 print edition of The Appalachian Voice will be available on newsstands beginning this month! 🗞️ 🎉 Please sign up to get copies for yourself and to share with others. Use this form to order free copies of the newspaper for yourself or others: appvoices.org/voice/distribution-20…
062
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Citizens' Law Center @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
“If this President or any politician truly wants to talk about the coal industry, they need to start by protecting the people who make it possible: the miners.” #BlackLungKills kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/01/p...
kentuckylantern.com
President Trump says he wants to save coal. He can't forget about coal miners. • Kentucky Lantern
Last week, the Trump Administration announced it was indefinitely pausing a new safeguard that would have curbed the silica dust that is causing black lung.
053
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
If you were around the KY/VA border  on HWY 23 last Friday, you might have heard the sounds of an Appalachian shindig in downtown Pound. Pound, usually known for having almost lost its charter because of widespread corruption, is now showing up as a leader in true community-led revitalization. 1/5
1106
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
From the conceptualization of the monument through the design and to the construction, Appalachian labor and overlooked narratives have shaped this project and now, future residents, performers, and kinfolks have someplace to gather and play for years to come. 5/5
010
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Last Friday, labor leaders from Pound, United Mine Workers of America, Communication Workers of America,  VT students/staff, and musicians all turned out to celebrate the monument. While part of the masonry is unfinished, local kids colored their versions of the stained glass to cover the gaps. 4/5
120
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
One of the artists is Dana Jo Cooley, a coal miner’s daughter from Whitwell TN who lost her father in the 1981 No. 21 mine disaster. From deep, personal work to coax out folks’ labor stories to designing/installing stunning stained glass/masonry,Dana Jo centered passion and trust in her process.3/5
110
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
In 2024, Pound received $$ from VT’s Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia program and decided to set about building a monument to regional labor. Community members worked with local artists to develop an incredible public stage that will sit on a revitalized former brownfield/landslide site. 2/5
110
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
If you were around the KY/VA border  on HWY 23 last Friday, you might have heard the sounds of an Appalachian shindig in downtown Pound. Pound, usually known for having almost lost its charter because of widespread corruption, is now showing up as a leader in true community-led revitalization. 1/5
1106
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
vrha.org/work-for-vrha/ If anyone is interested in furthering a career in medical education in rural areas!
vrha.org
Work for VRHA – VRHA
000
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Citizens' Law Center @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Yesterday, MSHA's silica dust rule was supposed to go into effect for all metal and non-metal mines. A year ago, it should have gone into effect for coal mines. Neither has occurred. MSHA is negotiating with industry to weaken the rule and blaming self-imposed constraints to delay action.
aclc.org
147
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
But do the IRB folks ALSO have to sign consent forms since they’re now also participating in the overall work?
030
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Citizens' Law Center @appcitizenslaw.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Today the President released his FY27 Budget Proposal. It contains harmful cuts to programs important to Eastern Kentucky. Read our Statement: aclc.org/2026/04/03/a...
aclc.org
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center’s statement on the President’s proposed FY27 budget - Appalachian Citizens' Law Center
Today, the administration released a budget proposal for FY27 that will hurt Central Appalachian families. The budget completely eliminates funding for the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Progr...
022
Reposted by Emma Kelly
More Perfect Union @moreperfectunion.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
The ProPublica union has voted to authorize a strike. Around 150 journalists, videographers, copy editors and more voted to authorize, with 92% of the union voting yes. ProPublica allegedly rejected restrictions on replacing jobs with AI, and hasn't met other union concerns.
propublicaguild.org
ProPublica Guild
191685542
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Another AI-generated grant landed in my inbox today so let’s chat about why, exactly, folks shouldn’t use AI for project applications. It can be really appealing, esp. in rural areas like SWVA where there are often few/no paid town employees and leaders play multiple roles within their community.1/9
131
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Voices @appvoices.org · 17/03/2026
#SouthwestVirginia has faced repeated floods in recent years, and there is a great need for better preparation for climate related disasters. That's why we're working with local residents to plan resilience projects and ensure that local voices lead the way. #SWVA Read more: loom.ly/7fgt9oo
053
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
A just transition is not going to happen if it’s designed by ChatGPT, regardless of what tech bros want you to think. A just transition has to prioritize people and creating connections, not just code. 9/9
040
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Think about the loop you might be creating in which you help fuel unsustainable/polluting infrastructure for data centers while applying for $ to fight those same forces. Think about partners whose jobs are displaced by AI or who are having to spend effort cleaning up AI-generated messes. 8/9
120
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
If you’re using AI to write environmental justice or community equity-focused projects, I ask that you take a step back and consider the bigger picture. Think about the local workers, artists, experts who could be paid for their more effective work during project dev. 7/9
120
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Maybe it doesn’t account for permitting in the budget/timeline or it cites incorrect regulations or it doesn’t include legal language for subcontracts/ RFPs-whatever the case, fallout from noncompliance costs far more time, money, and stress than writing the original application would have. 6/9
100
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
AI does not understand compliance. I have now dealt with multiple ChatGPT-generated grants that simply fail at local, state, and federal compliance standards. 5/9
100
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Who is creating that archive? Not the applicant, with fewer than 3 paid employees and no humanities training or tech. equipment. Not a contractor, since one wasn’t included in the AI-created budget. 4/9
110
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
AI like ChatGPT is not a search engine. It does not know what things cost and it certainly can’t tailor budgets and scopes of work to the specific capabilities of unique communities. In one case, it spat out an application that included the creation of an extensive oral history archive. 3/9
110
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
However, I have noticed a biiiig increase in more well-resourced groups, including environmental and justice focused groups, starting to use this tech and boy, is it causing some problems. 2/9
100
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Another AI-generated grant landed in my inbox today so let’s chat about why, exactly, folks shouldn’t use AI for project applications. It can be really appealing, esp. in rural areas like SWVA where there are often few/no paid town employees and leaders play multiple roles within their community.1/9
131
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
The Interior Department has rescinded more than 80% of its prior rules under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA, one of the country’s foundational environmental laws, requires federal agencies to conduct detailed reviews of how proposed projects could impact surrounding communities,
451296474
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
It’s time for my confession
042
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
It’s time for my confession
042
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
The coalfields of SWVA are covered in snow and ice so it seemed like a good time to bust out a cozy cookbook and try this lemon cake, make with vanilla tea-infused butter and a cream cheese icing.
041
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
The coalfields of SWVA are covered in snow and ice so it seemed like a good time to bust out a cozy cookbook and try this lemon cake, make with vanilla tea-infused butter and a cream cheese icing.
041
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Voices @appvoices.org · 30/01/2026
“Everyone deserves a safe community, clean air and water, safety on the job, and the basic constitutional protections at the foundation of our democracy. We urge our country’s leaders to work together to ensure that all of these rights are protected.”
appvoices.org
Appalachian Voices statement on partial government shutdown
At Appalachian Voices, we believe that no matter our income level, the color of our skin or whether we live in a holler or a city, everyone deserves a safe community, clean air and water, safety on the job, and the basic constitutional protections at the foundation of our democracy. We urge our country’s leaders to work together to ensure that all of these rights are protected.
042
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Appalachian Voices @appvoices.org · 29/01/2026
Did #bison live in #Appalachia? 🦬 Indigenous and archaeological records indicate that bison were found in nearly every state. In Letcher County, KY, an Indigenous organization is seeking to reintroduce bison on 63 acres of a reclaimed mountaintop removal coal mine. loom.ly/4wf2D3o
appvoices.org
Home on the Range … In Appalachia?
Many people believe wild bison have only ever lived and roamed in Yellowstone National Park or the vast open spaces depicted in Western films. Yet, Indigenous and archaeological records indicate that bison were found in nearly every state of what is now the United States — sorry, Hawaii — including in Appalachia. In Letcher County, Kentucky, the Appalachian Rekindling Project, an Indigenous, women-led organization, is seeking to reintroduce bison to the region on 63 acres of a reclaimed mount...
031
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
The way I absolutely cackled
010
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
If anyone wants to yell to the VA state legislators about clean energy, data centers, and community resilience, join us starting this Friday! appvoices.org/swva-hollers/
appvoices.org
Southwest Virginia Holler from the Hollers
The 2026 Virginia General Assembly will be in session from January 14 to March 16, and Appalachian Voices is working to pass several bills relevant to
063
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Kate Marvel @drkatemarvel.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
i would compare these people to comic book villains but that's unfair, thanos only wanted to kill half of us
26116
Emma Kelly @evkelly.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
If anyone wants to yell to the VA state legislators about clean energy, data centers, and community resilience, join us starting this Friday! appvoices.org/swva-hollers/
appvoices.org
Southwest Virginia Holler from the Hollers
The 2026 Virginia General Assembly will be in session from January 14 to March 16, and Appalachian Voices is working to pass several bills relevant to
063
Reposted by Emma Kelly
Proud Appalachian @rwheeler.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
appvoices.org
Community resilience hubs move forward in Duffield and Dungannon, Virginia
“In addition to serving as a public resource in times of need, this investment in solar and battery storage technology will lower energy bills for our community partners all year long," said Adam…
051