Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet
"Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things." --Peter Drucker
In this issue:
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Join Our Green Building Tour Tomorrow! Tuesday, December 13 -- Tucson Health, wellness, and sustainability go together. Join us to find out how by touring the very first LEED Platinum certified recreation facility in the country!
The University of Arizona Recreation Center expansion was designed not only to be as energy- and water-efficient as possible, but also to support student health and wellness through green technology. After exploring the facility's mane eco-friendly features, enjoy a short reception and discussion about the recreation center and ways you can get involved in promoting green buildings and energy efficiency. Tasty snacks will be provided. For more information and to RSVP, contact Tiffany Sprague at (602) 253-9140 or tiffany.sprague@sierraclub.org. We hope you can join us! |
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Speak Up for Energy Efficiency! Calling all Southwest Gas customers! We need you to speak up for energy efficiency! On Tuesday, December 13, starting at 9 a.m., the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) will be holding a meeting and considering important energy efficiency policies for Southwest Gas. The company has asked the ACC for approval to increase its rates. Currently, it is in its best interest for customers -- you and me -- to use more of its product and to pay higher bills. We have a better idea. Rather than just watching rates and natural gas use continue to climb, Southwest Gas should be promoting energy efficiency and decoupling. These measures will save customers money, plus better align the interests of the companies with those of the consumers. Energy efficiency -- the energy we don't use -- is the cleanest energy resource and is also the most cost-effective. Decoupling removes the utility's incentive to encourage energy waste and helps to promote efficiency. Take action today! Send a message to the ACC supporting energy efficiency and decoupling as part of both of this rate case and in its Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan. We also encourage you to participate in the ACC meeting on December 13 at 9 a.m., at which time the ACC will discuss the SW Gas case (located at 1200 W. Washington St., Phoenix). For more information, please contact Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633 or sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org. |
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Get Involved at Our Energy Efficiency Workshop Thursday, December 15 -- Phoenix Join us to learn more about energy efficiency and green building codes -- and how you can help save money and energy!
Making buildings more energy efficient is an important step toward curbing global climate change. Buildings account for nearly 70% of electricity use in the U.S. and almost 40% of our carbon dioxide emissions. We need to do better! The workshop will focus on what's happening in Arizona on energy efficiency and ways you can engage your community in adopting greener building codes. We will also provide info on what you can do at home to maximize efficiency and save money, including the various utility programs and rebates to help implement efficiency measures. For more information and to RSVP, contact Tiffany Sprague at (602) 253-9140 or tiffany.sprague@sierraclub.org. |
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Take Action to Reject a Trash Incinerator With Arizona's abundant sunshine, we should be focusing on clean solar energy, not polluting sources such as burning trash. However, a current proposal puts the focus on burning waste. Mohave Electric Cooperative is seeking approval for a facility that burns municipal solid waste to produce energy, asking that such a practice be considered a "renewable" energy source. Approval of such a project would displace clean energy sources, including solar and wind, and pump more pollution into our air. Please send written comments! Let the Arizona Corporation Commission know that a trash incinerator should not be considered renewable and is unacceptable for our community. For more information, please contact Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633 or sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org. Thank you! |
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Energy Tip O' the Day Winter is just around the corner! This is a great time to clean or replace the air filters in your home. Clean filters increase air flow, reduce energy use, and make for a cleaner, healthier home. |
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Get Involved with Our Energy Team! Are you interested in learning more about energy issues in Arizona? Would you like to take positive actions to make a difference in our communities? Join others with the same interests through our Energy Team! For information on upcoming activities, please contact Jon Findley at (480) 756-2916 or energy@grandcanyon.sierraclub.org or Sandy Bahr at the Grand Canyon Chapter office at (602) 253-8633 or sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org. NOTE: We will not be meeting in December. Join us on January 24 to learn about plans for the new year! |