Newsroom

Klobuchar, Thune, Hickenlooper, Moran introduce bipartisan legislation to expand access to rural broadband

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services.

Mining agency encourages more, better stakeholder engagement for coal-impacted communities

When the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement released this latest round of funding in March, the agency also released new guidance that responds to the concerns raised by advocates such as the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition in recent years.

In the face of extreme floods, rural Kentucky lacked forecasting and broadband

As severe weather events increase, so does danger to rural communities. Plans are in place to address the urban observation bias in national weather prediction, but the other piece — reliable broadband — could still be years away for places like Eastern Kentucky.

Black lung resurgence drives push to protect coal miners against silica dust

As the long-awaited rule from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to protect coal miners from exposure to respirable silica goes through the Office of Management and Budget, the connection between new mining technologies and methods, toxic silica dust, and the resurgence of black lung is increasing the urgency for action.

Rural communities want to tap federal funding. But it’s hard to know where to start

A look at the challeges facing rural communities seeking federal funding and the programs created by the Biden Administration to help.

Closing the Digital Divide for the Millions of Americans without Broadband

A look at why broadband remains inaccessible to certain communities, and why new federal efforts may still fail to reach them.

A Policy Renaissance is Needed for Rural America to Thrive

JTF partner Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institute discusses the federal policy "renaissance" needed to revitalize rural communities, including building blocks like broadband, the Rural Partners Network, RECOMPETE, & more.

Opinion: A Pivotal Moment Has Arrived for Transforming Coal Country

New Service Helps American Coal Communities Access Funding to Revitalize Local Economies

Inflation Reduction Act Could Power the Energy Transition in Coal Communities

Providing stackable solar installation tax credits for businesses and individuals, and – for the first time – tax-exempt entities like schools and non-profits, IRA could help retool rural economies previously dependent on coal.

Interior Department Announces $122.5 Million for Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Grants

The Department of the Interior announced that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is making $122.5 million in fiscal year 2022 funding for Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grants available to eligible states and Tribes.

Who should pay to help coal communities in the energy transition?

Staff at Arizona’s utility regulator say customers shouldn’t be charged more to fund a $144 million just transition package for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and other coal communities.