By Debra McCown, Bristol Herald Courier, Va. Jul. 11--ABINGDON, Va. -- While a new coal-fired power plant under construction in Wise County will add another local pollution source, the permitting process for it has spurred emissions reductions at an existing power plant nearby.

By Justin Faulconer, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Jul. 8--Amid rising growth at Smith Mountain Lake, Bedford County officials are preparing for future drinking water demands.

By Bryan Gentry, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Jul. 3--Appalachian Power Company wants to launch a program allowing customers to support the use of renewable energy through a voluntary monthly fee.

By Duncan Adams, The Roanoke Times, Va. May 31--Appalachian Power Co. acknowledges the timing is tough but the utility is petitioning the Virginia State Corporation Commission for a rate increase that would boost customers' electric bills by an average of about 23 percent.

By Bryan Gentry, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Apr. 22--Appalachian Power will place nearly 5,000 acres near Smith Mountain Lake under a state conservation easement, making the land off-limits to commercial and residential development.