Cleaner Beaches, Healthier Coast

North Carolina’s Outer Banks join San Francisco as only the second location nationwide to ban single use plastic bags. SB 1018, which passed the NC legislature this week, will prohibit the use of single use plastic bags on the barrier islands of Dare, Hyde, and Currituck counties. 

Senators Stein and Basnight, and Representatives Owens and Spear were the main proponents of the bill; due to their efforts threatened and endangered sea turtles will have safer breeding grounds and we can all enjoy cleaner beaches. Thanks to Representative Pricey Harrison for sponsoring companion legislature in the House. And thanks to the nearly 1000 Sierrans who made their voices heard by responding to our action alert. The legislature listened!

A More Fuel Efficient NC

Lawmakers in both houses have approved a measure that would give preference to fuel efficient vehicles for North Carolina’s motor fleet. When purchasing a new car or truck, agencies will now favor the purchase of autos in the top 15% of fuel efficiency for their class. Don’t worry, you won’t be getting pulled over by a Prius anytime soon; the law excludes emergency vehicles.

Jordan Lake Spring Cleaning

Imbalances in Jordan Lake’s composition due to high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen have become increasingly noticeable as dense algae blooms and wacky pH levels become common occurrences in the lake near Durham and RTP (background). Those on each side of the issue have given a lot of time and energy to find a compromise which lengthens the timeline for nutrient reductions, but overall keeps strong measures in place for improving water quality in Jordan Lake as well as all the streams that flow to it.

This week, the measure that would enact this compromise into law passed the General Assembly and will land on Gov. Perdue’s desk in the coming days, after which we can all begin enjoying a cleaner, safer Jordan Lake.

New Duke University Stanback Interns

The NC Chapter's newly minted legislative interns, Sean Quinn and Danielle Nathan of Duke University, have hit the ground running.

Sean is a political science and German major and has an interest in environmental law. His favorite bill to come up this session is HB 1389 Financing Energy Improvements w/ Assessments. If he could be an animal, he'd be a howler monkey. Danielle is a political science and philosophy major with an interest in communications. Her least favorite bill is SB832 CRC may permit a terminal groin. If she could be an animal: giraffe. Both have proven excellent additions to the legislative team.

Cool Update: Raleigh

The city recently announced an electric vehicle plug-in project, making the city one of three in the US taking part in "Project Get Ready," an initiative by the Rocky Mountain Institute. Along with Portland and Indianapolis, Raleigh will take steps to prepare for the 2010 arrival of plug-in vehicles. Progress Energy and Advanced Energy will collaborate with the city to build a demo fleet of charging stations along downtown streets and parking garages, as well as a few stations near NCSU. Plans are underway to expand the program to the Triangle. 

Good with numbers? Volunteer position available

We're seeking a volunteer to take on the important post of statewide Treasurer for the NC Sierra Club.  Accounting experience with non-profit organizations and an understanding of fund accounting principles are a big plus.  Interested in learning more?  Contact info@sierraclub-nc.org.

Get Outdoors!

North Carolina is leading the Southeast in the number of trails added to the Sierra Club's new site Trails. Check em out. And check out the statewide outings calendar.

Ocracoke - Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Explore | July 3rd - 6th | contact: Medoc Group

The group will plan to meet at the Swan Quarter ferry in Swan Quarter, NC, if not, plan to meet us at Teeter's Campground. We will explore the back country of the island via canoe and kayak and leave the car and our worries behind.

Hanging Rock & Wolf Rock Hike | July 11 | contact: Piedmont Plateau Group

A hike up the ever popular Hanging Rock Trail to the park’s namesake. After we explore the area and enjoy the fantastic 270 degree view, we will take a side trail up to Wolf Rock for a different perspective.

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