Echoes of Appalachia

When it comes to the majestic Appalachian Mountains, those ancient ridges that define the landscape and heritage of East Tennessee, residents expect their elected officials to protect the land that feeds their identity, economy, and culture. Yet, for years, Senator Marsha Blackburn has offered little more than political lip service. While the Appalachian region faces environmental degradation, economic stagnation, and dwindling resources, Blackburn has consistently voted against critical legislation that could have revitalized the area, choosing instead to serve special interests and bolster her personal net worth.

Let’s be clear: Marsha Blackburn didn’t start out rich. But she’s certainly not struggling now. When she first entered Congress in 2003 as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, her estimated net worth was below $500,000. Fast forward to today, and her assets are estimated to range anywhere from $1.5 to $3 million, depending on public disclosures and conservative estimates. That’s a steep climb for someone who’s made a career claiming to serve the average Tennessean while increasingly aligning herself with corporate interests, including those that have long profited from exploiting Appalachia’s resources.

Nowhere is this hypocrisy more glaring than in her relationship with the Appalachian Mountains, a region rich in biodiversity and culture but historically ignored and underserved by Washington elites. Blackburn’s voting record speaks volumes. She has consistently opposed legislation that would bring critical infrastructure, environmental protections, and job opportunities to Tennessee’s mountainous communities.

Consider the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 which was a landmark piece of legislation designed to repair aging roads and bridges, expand broadband, and invest in clean water across the country, including Tennessee. Blackburn voted against it, dismissing it as a “gateway to socialism.” In doing so, she turned her back on billions of dollars that could have been funneled into Appalachia, improving roads that snake through the Smokies and strengthening the basic infrastructure that holds these communities together. Her vote denied opportunities for good-paying union jobs in a region desperate for economic development.

What about environmental protections? Blackburn has one of the worst environmental voting records in the entire Senate according to the League of Conservation Voters. Her consistent votes against clean air and water legislation, renewable energy funding, and public health protections have made her a reliable ally to polluters and a constant enemy of conservationists. This includes votes to undercut environmental review processes, fast track fossil fuel development on public lands, and eliminate funding mechanisms like the Superfund tax, which helps clean up toxic sites, of which Appalachia has many.

One of the most shocking examples of her disregard for Tennessee’s natural heritage came when she was the only member of the state’s congressional delegation to vote against the Great American Outdoors Act. This bipartisan bill, praised by conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts alike, fully funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund and addressed a massive maintenance backlog in the National Park System. That includes parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park, which straddles the Tennessee North Carolina border and is a cultural touchstone for millions.

So why would Blackburn vote against a bill that protects public lands and boosts tourism, one of Tennessee’s major industries? It’s hard not to wonder whether her allegiances lie with wealthy land developers and fossil fuel interests, not the people who hike, fish, hunt, and live in the hills of Appalachia.

To be fair, Blackburn has occasionally thrown a bone to conservation efforts, like supporting the expansion of the Blackburn Fork Wildlife Management Area. But these gestures pale in comparison to the scope of her anti environmental voting record. It’s a classic political move: highlight one or two symbolic projects to distract from a broader pattern of inaction and obstruction.

She’s also taken credit for local provisions in the Water Resources Development Act, such as dredging projects in Memphis and wastewater improvements for Blue Oval City. But these are far from the Appalachian region and do little to address the unique environmental and infrastructure needs of Eastern Tennessee. In other words, Blackburn has been more concerned with shoring up her support in western and middle Tennessee while ignoring the Appalachian communities she is equally sworn to represent.

It’s worth noting that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, another bill she opposed, included significant investments in clean energy, climate resilience, and rural development. Appalachia, already experiencing the early impacts of climate change, desperately needs this kind of investment to preserve its forests, manage flood risks, and transition to sustainable economic models. Yet Blackburn said no, again putting ideology over the well-being of her constituents.

The consequences of her inaction are tangible. Communities in Appalachia still struggle with poor internet access, crumbling roads, limited job opportunities, and contaminated water systems. While other lawmakers push for progress, Blackburn continues to prioritize obstruction and partisan posturing over tangible results.

And all the while, her personal wealth continues to grow. Through careful investments, speaking fees, book deals, and a reliable political career that spans over two decades, Marsha Blackburn has secured her place among Washington’s elite. She rails against the “D.C. swamp” while swimming comfortably in its warm, lucrative waters. She claims to be a voice for Tennessee, but time and time again, she’s voted in ways that undermine the very people and places she was elected to protect.

The Appalachian Mountains are more than just a backdrop. They are a living, breathing entity, home to generations of Tennesseans who have endured neglect, poverty, and exploitation. They deserve a representative who fights for their interests, not one who views them as an afterthought.

Marsha Blackburn may have protected some infrastructure projects or promoted a handful of local initiatives, but her overall record is clear. She has done next to nothing to protect the Appalachian Mountains or improve the lives of those who call them home. Her votes consistently favor short term profit and political gain over long term environmental and economic health.

Tennessee’s voters, especially those in the hills and hollers of Appalachia, deserve better than this. Why does Tennessee voters keep electing her to office? They deserve a leader who doesn’t just show up for photo ops or push symbolic gestures, but one who brings home real results. The mountains are watching and so are we.

-Tim Carmichael