"Not facing up to climate change would be catastrophic for the future of the national parks."
-- David Graber, chief scientist for the National Park Service's Pacific West Region
In this issue:
1) Take Action: Protect Communities from Pollution
2) Take Action: Win on Energy Efficiency
3) Protect: Giant Sequoia National Monument Threatened
4) New Video: Let Your Friends Know -- Coal Ash is Toxic
1) Take Action: Protect Communities from Pollution
More than 87 million Americans live near ports or in coastal communities that have poor air quality. Much of this pollution comes from old, dirty tractor trailers that emit roughly ten to sixty times the diesel pollution of new trucks.
The Port of Los Angeles has shown that by just requiring newer trucks, ports can reduce pollution, create good jobs, and help business grow. Help ensure that ports around the countries can implement clean truck programs.
Ask your Representative to cosponsor the Clean Ports Act!
2) Take Action: Win on Energy Efficiency
Last week, all of us who like clean energy had an exciting win; Rural Energy Star (H.R. 4785) passed the House of Representatives 240 - 172. This bill will establish a loan program to allow rural electric utilities to help their customers fund home energy efficiency retrofits. This was an important win, and demonstrates continued momentum for energy efficiency retrofits. We’ll be keeping an eye on Rural Energy Star as it moves forward but right now the Senate needs to first pass their Home Star energy efficiency retrofit program.
Urge your senator to pass Home Star!
3) Protect: Giant Sequoia National Monument Threatened
One of California's most treasured landscapes, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, is under threat. The Forest Service has released new management plans for the Monument that include heavy logging of giant sequoia trees. The Sierra Club has proposed an alternative plan in which the ancient forest is recognized for its tourist, recreational, and ecological value and is managed in a similar fashion to a national park.
The Forest Service is holding a Sept. 22nd hearing in San Francisco and asking for comments on its plan. Help save the Giant Sequoia National Monument for future generations.
Learn more about the Giant Sequoia National Monument and submit your comments.
4) New Video: Let Your Friends Know -- Coal Ash is Toxic
As the Environmental Protection Agency continues a series of hearings across the country on how to regulate toxic coal ash, the Sierra Club is launching new efforts to educate and engage citizens. The latest is our brand new video about coal ash, which includes some shocking information and encourages people to tell EPA that we need strong federal safeguards for coal ash.
Watch the video now.