Early County Environmental Protection Division Hearing
On July 28th, members from the Sierra Club, Environment Georgia, GreenLaw, GIPL (Georgia Inter Faith Power and Light), and other environmentally conscious and concerned citizens travelled to Early County to attend the Environmental Protection Division Maximum Achievable Control Technology hearing for the Longleaf coal power plant. Sierra Club organizers mobilized at local residents to turn out and comment on the hazardous impacts the coal plant would have on their community, specifically the effects of high mercury emissions and the opportunity for an energy project that did not include coal.
Some residents consider the plant as an opportunity for economic development and are reluctant to accept that the project will bring far less benefits than they expect, some disregard the environmental issues altogether.
Very few local residents provided comments in support of the plant suggesting new economic opportunities and jobs. "Jobs for Georgians" a non-profit organization committed to reserving in-state jobs for Georgia natives was in favor for of the project in principle, but was strongly opposed to LS Power for using 80% of their own work crew to construct a power plant in Arkansas, instead of locals. LS Power has promised a mere 100 permanent jobs to Early County, meanwhile the growing renewable energy industry could bring 59,000 green-jobs to Georgia.
Georgia can become a regional and even national leader in renewable energy. Georgia's already thriving wood pellet export business could be strengthened and converted into a domestic energy source. Locking a county into fifty years of coal emissions would severely hinder its potential for economic development.
The Southeast has great potential for renewable energy production. Coal is the energy of the past. We as a society are looking forward, and so should Georgia.
Smart Energy Team Meeting, Sunday, August 2th, 5p.m., Seandra Rawls - Chapter Staff, 404-607-1262 x 222
RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday, August 24th, 6:45p.m., Jim Dexter 678-313-2407, jimdex@aol.com |
Wahsega Conservation Retreat
Friday - Sunday, August 28th - 30th
Camp Wahsega near Dahlonega
Come to the cool Georgia mountains to hear the latest on the conservation campaigns of the Sierra Club. This year's conservation retreat is for volunteers both new and veteran, chapter conservation issue leaders, group conservation chairs and anyone else interested in helping save the planet. Clean energy, transit, water protection, wildlands, coastal and other issues will all be covered. Registration fee of $85 includes all meals from dinner Friday through lunch on Sunday. For more information please contact Mark Woodall at markwoodall@windstream.net or click here.
World Peach Cafe Breakfast
Saturday, August 22nd, 10a.m.
Join us for breakfast at the World Peach Cafe in Sandy Springs. The vision of the World Peach Cafe is to srve nutritious and tasteful vegetarian food in a peaceful, warm and gracious environment. Come join us at 220 Hammond Drive, Suite 302, Sandy Springs!
Williams Pulpit
Saturday, August 15th
Western North Carolina
Hike to the "pulpit" a huge 100 foot rock outcrop with great views of the nearby valley. The area is reportedly a great spot for summer wildflowers. Contact volunteer leader Lee Thomas at 770-458-3389.
Whiteside Mountain
Saturday, October 10th
North Carolina
This is a perennial favorite of the Sierra Club. It is a long drive but well worth it. Count on seeing a few waterfalls on this trip. Contact ArthurRatliff@Bellsouth.net or 404-284-0055.
**Please visit the outings section of the Georgia Chapter website to see a complete list of outings.
Chapter Retreat at Okefenokee Swamp
Friday - Sunday, October 30th - November 1st
Laura Walker Park, near Okefenokee Swamp
Join us this fall for the annual chapter gathering. We’ll have kayak/canoe trips in the swamp, float trips on the St. Mary’s river, hikes with naturalists in the forest, and much more... Please look for the registration form on the chapter website, and join us in the swamp for an unforgettable Halloween. For questions or more information please contact Genie Strickland at the Georgia Chapter at genie.strickland@sierraclub.org or 404-607-1262 or click here.
Environmental Scoop
Stay Local, Help Environment
Have you ever wondered where your food comes from whether you are eating at your favorite restaurant or shopping at your local store? Instead of buying from your local grocery store, there are many options available that better support your local community and protect our environment. You can join a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) that will deliver you fresh, seasonal produce or shop at local farmers markets. Help the environment and be creative! Explore your options by clicking here.
Hemlockfest
Friday - Sunday, November 6th - 8th
HemlockFest is an annual benefit music festival to increase public awareness and generate funds to help save the Eastern and Carolina Hemlock trees. Funds raised each year are used for support of the Georgia laboratories rearing adelgid-devouring beetles, education and research on the HWA problem, and assisting businesses and homeowners to protect Hemlocks on their private property. Learn more by clicking here.
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