Duke Energy today announced a dramatic reconfiguration to their Carolinas Modernization Project, scrapping a proposed 40-mile transmission line that would have cut through the counties of Buncombe, Henderson and Polk in North Carolina and Spartanburg in South Carolina; eliminating a new substation in Campobello, S.C.; and reducing the size of a proposed new natural gas plant slated to replace the current coal-fired plant at Lake Julian outside of Asheville.

On Thursday October 8, MountainTrue announced the winners of the MountainTrue Awards, which are presented each year at the organization’s Annual Member and Supporter Gathering. For 2015, the event was held at Hi-Wire Brewing’s Big Top location. Award honorees are recognized for their hard work and dedication to protecting our forests, mountains, rivers and streams, and to promoting clean energy and sustainability.

Duke Energy today announced delay its plans and reconsider its options to its originally proposed Western Carolinas Modernization project, which includes a new natural gas-powered station at Lake Julian, “foothill” transmission lines and a new substation in Campobello, S.C. Below are statements on behalf of Julie Mayfield, co-director of MountainTrue, and Kelly Martin, senior campaign representative for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign in North Carolina.

People of faith will gather for a special event in Asheville at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church on Thursday, September 24 to watch Pope Francis’ address to congress and discuss what his message means to the world and how we can better care for God’s Creation.