Appalachian Voices
Chelsea Barnes is an experienced professional in energy policy and government affairs, currently serving as the Director of Government Affairs and Strategy at Appalachian Voices since January 2019. In this role, Chelsea manages a federal policy portfolio focused on coal land reclamation, black lung benefits, clean energy, and community revitalization, while coordinating coalitions to develop relevant legislation. Previously, Chelsea held various positions at EQ Research LLC, including Director of Policy Services, and was involved in legislative tracking and drafting renewable energy legislation. Chelsea's career also includes roles at Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP, and the North Carolina Solar Center, with a strong emphasis on energy policy research, analysis, and the implementation of renewable energy initiatives. Chelsea holds a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The College of Wooster.
Appalachian Voices
Founded in 1997, Appalachian Voices brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a generative and equitable clean energy economy. Appalachian Voices is fueled by an abiding love of our common wealth: our mountains, rivers, forests, farms, and communities. We respect the depth and complexity of our region's history, and we honor cultural traditions that uphold the integrity of the land and the people. We are bound together by a moral commitment to our neighbors and the pursuit of a durable and ecologically sound shared prosperity. By bringing the best of ourselves to our work every day, we honor the people and places we represent in our pursuit of an Appalachia with healthy, intact ecosystems and generative local economies that allow communities to thrive. Please visit our website to learn more about our work.