Sarah Elbeshbishi
@sarahbishi.bsky.social
currently covering energy/environment for mountainstatespotlight.org • prev. USA TODAY • forever terp • she/her • email me with tips and/or new recipes at sarah@mountainstatespotlight.org
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: Citizen groups challenge secrecy and pollution concerns in Tucker County data center air permit decision
Tucker County data center case tests WVDEP’s transparency on air pollution permit
Citizen groups are challenging the DEP’s decision to issue a permit for a power plant in Tucker County amid transparency and environmental concerns
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
NEW: Citizen groups challenge secrecy and pollution concerns in Tucker County data center air permit decision
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
"One in three fire departments in West Virginia is at risk of getting hit by a flood. Climate change is amplifying the risk to these and other key community service buildings." Uprooter @sarahbishi.bsky.social for @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
From fire departments to hospitals, hundreds of first responder stations face a serious flood risk - Mountain State Spotlight
One in three fire departments in West Virginia is at risk of getting hit by a flood. Climate change is amplifying the risk to these and other key community service buildings.
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:57 PM
"One in three fire departments in West Virginia is at risk of getting hit by a flood. Climate change is amplifying the risk to these and other key community service buildings." Uprooter @sarahbishi.bsky.social for @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
In Bluefield, a man rode his electric wheelchair to a pantry from almost a half a mile to ask for food.
“We gave him five bags of food, which if you stretch it, could last a week, week and a half. And then what is he going to do afterwards?”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/06/s...
“We gave him five bags of food, which if you stretch it, could last a week, week and a half. And then what is he going to do afterwards?”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/06/s...
With SNAP benefits delayed, thousands of West Virginians turn to overwhelmed food banks
A federal SNAP delay has left thousands in West Virginia without support. Volunteers say they’re overwhelmed.
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:17 PM
In Bluefield, a man rode his electric wheelchair to a pantry from almost a half a mile to ask for food.
“We gave him five bags of food, which if you stretch it, could last a week, week and a half. And then what is he going to do afterwards?”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/06/s...
“We gave him five bags of food, which if you stretch it, could last a week, week and a half. And then what is he going to do afterwards?”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/06/s...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
In June, the Triadelphia Volunteer Fire Department was flooded during the deadly floods that devastated West Virginia’s northern panhandle. It’s one of almost 200 fire stations in West Virginia that face a significant risk of being flooded each year.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
From fire departments to hospitals, hundreds of first responder stations face a serious flood risk - Mountain State Spotlight
One in three fire departments in West Virginia is at risk of getting hit by a flood. Climate change is amplifying the risk to these and other key community service buildings.
mountainstatespotlight.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:37 PM
In June, the Triadelphia Volunteer Fire Department was flooded during the deadly floods that devastated West Virginia’s northern panhandle. It’s one of almost 200 fire stations in West Virginia that face a significant risk of being flooded each year.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
My latest for @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social: One in three fire stations face a significant flood risk. And a quarter of the WV's essential facilities do too.
Read here: mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
Read here: mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
From fire departments to hospitals, hundreds of first responder stations face a serious flood risk - Mountain State Spotlight
One in three fire departments in West Virginia is at risk of getting hit by a flood. Climate change is amplifying the risk to these and other key community service buildings.
mountainstatespotlight.org
October 29, 2025 at 4:14 PM
My latest for @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social: One in three fire stations face a significant flood risk. And a quarter of the WV's essential facilities do too.
Read here: mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
Read here: mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/29/f...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: From fire departments to hospitals, hundreds of first responder stations face a serious flood risk
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/28/f...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/28/f...
October 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM
NEW: From fire departments to hospitals, hundreds of first responder stations face a serious flood risk
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/28/f...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/28/f...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
There are many reasons that are causing increased electricity rates for West Virginians. But the explosion of data centers is making it worse.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...
Data centers in other states are raising power costs in West Virginia
West Virginians are seeing higher power costs as AI and data centers increase electricity demand across the regional power grid.
buff.ly
October 7, 2025 at 8:30 PM
There are many reasons that are causing increased electricity rates for West Virginians. But the explosion of data centers is making it worse.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: ‘I just need basic answers’: West Virginians want transparency as they struggle to get info about planned data centers
mountainstatespotlight.org
September 28, 2025 at 10:15 AM
NEW: ‘I just need basic answers’: West Virginians want transparency as they struggle to get info about planned data centers
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: Nation’s largest gas well owner asks West Virginia lawmakers to weaken water protections
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/18/d...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/18/d...
September 18, 2025 at 10:15 AM
NEW: Nation’s largest gas well owner asks West Virginia lawmakers to weaken water protections
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/18/d...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/18/d...
I wrote about water quality issues again. pls read. thx
NEW: Wyoming County residents say a coal mine contaminated their creek. State regulators just approved more mining.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/10/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/10/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org
September 10, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I wrote about water quality issues again. pls read. thx
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: Wyoming County residents say a coal mine contaminated their creek. State regulators just approved more mining.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/10/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/10/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org
September 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
NEW: Wyoming County residents say a coal mine contaminated their creek. State regulators just approved more mining.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/10/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/10/w...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: ‘Plans without resources are a fantasy.’ West Virginia failed to fund flood protection plans for years.
mountainstatespotlight.org
August 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM
NEW: ‘Plans without resources are a fantasy.’ West Virginia failed to fund flood protection plans for years.
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
Must-read @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social story by @sarahbishi.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/29/f...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/29/f...
Despite decades-long efforts, the state has done little to address flooding risks facing West Virginia
Following the 2016 floods, lawmakers created an office tasked with addressing floods. But in the years since, little else has been done.
mountainstatespotlight.org
August 29, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
Between 2005 and 2024, West Virginia experienced nearly 2,300 flood events, costing $342 million in property damage.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/10/d...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/10/d...
Despite federal funding in 2022, West Virginia finally funds flood studies
Years after the deadly 2016 floods, West Virginia will launch flood risk studies of Kanawha River Basin and Guyandotte River.
mountainstatespotlight.org
August 11, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Between 2005 and 2024, West Virginia experienced nearly 2,300 flood events, costing $342 million in property damage.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/10/d...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/10/d...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
A federal judge ordered the Chemours Chemical Company on Thursday to immediately stop discharging unlawful levels of cancer-causing chemicals into the Ohio River from the company’s Washington Works plant.
Chemours to stop unlawfully releasing toxic chemicals into Ohio River at West Virginia plant
A judge ordered Chemours to stop polluting the Ohio River with cancer-linked chemicals from its West Virginia plant.
mountainstatespotlight.org
August 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
A federal judge ordered the Chemours Chemical Company on Thursday to immediately stop discharging unlawful levels of cancer-causing chemicals into the Ohio River from the company’s Washington Works plant.
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
“Today, that unlawful, unpermitted discharge stops.”
Latest @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social update from @sarahbishi.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/07/c...
Latest @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social update from @sarahbishi.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/07/c...
Chemours to stop unlawfully releasing toxic chemicals into Ohio River at West Virginia plant
A judge ordered Chemours to stop polluting the Ohio River with cancer-linked chemicals from its West Virginia plant.
mountainstatespotlight.org
August 7, 2025 at 7:23 PM
“Today, that unlawful, unpermitted discharge stops.”
Latest @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social update from @sarahbishi.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/07/c...
Latest @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social update from @sarahbishi.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/07/c...
hi. i wrote about how folks in Tucker County found out data centers are coming there way. pls read. thx.
NEW: Locals fought for details about a planned data center complex. Lawmakers took away their power to do anything about it.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/03/l...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/03/l...
August 4, 2025 at 5:43 PM
hi. i wrote about how folks in Tucker County found out data centers are coming there way. pls read. thx.
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
Read about the boom in WV data center projects from @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social energy + environment reporter @sarahbishi.bsky.social.
Ahead of @nationalpress.bsky.social Local Business Journalism Fellowship, a great example of covering local economies. mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
Ahead of @nationalpress.bsky.social Local Business Journalism Fellowship, a great example of covering local economies. mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
Why do politicians want data centers to come to West Virginia? Mountain State Spotlight explains
Gov. Patrick Morrisey and lawmakers want to bring data center developments to West Virginia. So, what does that mean for the state?
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Read about the boom in WV data center projects from @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social energy + environment reporter @sarahbishi.bsky.social.
Ahead of @nationalpress.bsky.social Local Business Journalism Fellowship, a great example of covering local economies. mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
Ahead of @nationalpress.bsky.social Local Business Journalism Fellowship, a great example of covering local economies. mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
A lawsuit over a West Virginia factory sending PFAS pollution into the Ohio River has implications for Louisville's drinking water supply, 400 miles downstream. I chatted w/ a @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social reporter who's covering the case. Listen here:
Digging In: Why a West Virginia factory’s pollution could trouble Louisville’s drinking water
Louisville’s drinking water utility says a West Virginia factory’s PFAS pollution could cause problems locally. The facility faces a lawsuit for violating its permit.
www.lpm.org
July 15, 2025 at 3:43 PM
A lawsuit over a West Virginia factory sending PFAS pollution into the Ohio River has implications for Louisville's drinking water supply, 400 miles downstream. I chatted w/ a @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social reporter who's covering the case. Listen here:
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: What’s the big deal about data centers? Here’s what West Virginians need to know.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
July 17, 2025 at 10:05 AM
NEW: What’s the big deal about data centers? Here’s what West Virginians need to know.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/17/w...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: ‘I am the news:’ As lawmakers pass legislation targeting trans people, four West Virginians share their stories
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/22/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/22/t...
As lawmakers pass legislation targeting trans people, four West Virginians share their stories
Facing legislation targeting their identities, a counselor, a daycare worker, a student and a professor talk about life in the state
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
NEW: ‘I am the news:’ As lawmakers pass legislation targeting trans people, four West Virginians share their stories
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/22/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/22/t...
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: Officials touted a bill that will help plug orphaned gas wells, but it leaves taxpayers, not the drillers, covering the cost
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/10/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/10/s...
A new law makes orphaned gas wells easier to fix, but taxpayers still pay
A new law will reduce orphaned well cleanup costs — but doesn’t prevent more wells from becoming the state’s problem.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
NEW: Officials touted a bill that will help plug orphaned gas wells, but it leaves taxpayers, not the drillers, covering the cost
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/10/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/10/s...
Looking for an update on broadband? We got you covered. Read it here:
NEW: West Virginia regulators try to speed up broadband expansion over objections from utility companies
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/09/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/09/p...
PSC issues new broadband rules despite objections from utilities
Regulators imposed new reporting requirements for utilities, created a new pole inspection database and a working group to change state law.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 9, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Looking for an update on broadband? We got you covered. Read it here:
A proposal to end a federal energy assistance program could leave tens of thousands of West Virginian families without heat. My latest here:
NEW: Tens of thousands of West Virginians need help paying their power bills. Trump wants to end the program that helps
mountainstatespotlight.org
May 20, 2025 at 1:31 PM
A proposal to end a federal energy assistance program could leave tens of thousands of West Virginian families without heat. My latest here:
Reposted by Sarah Elbeshbishi
NEW: Tens of thousands of West Virginians need help paying their power bills. Trump wants to end the program that helps
mountainstatespotlight.org
May 20, 2025 at 10:05 AM
NEW: Tens of thousands of West Virginians need help paying their power bills. Trump wants to end the program that helps