Footnotes Issue #51: January 9th, 2012
What Will Become of Plant Washington?
Two monumental victories for public health in Georgia closed out 2011: the completion of strong EPA safeguards that will reduce mercury emissions from power plants by 91%, and the decision by LS Power to cancel the proposed Longleaf Energy Station in Early County. LS Power's decision to pull the plug on Longleaf sent a clear message to other coal-baron want-to-be’s that dirty coal is not the answer!
Shortly after Longleaf was cancelled, Cobb EMC's Board of Directors decided it will examine Cobb EMC's investment in the proposed Plant Washington coal-fired power plant at a closed Board meeting on January 24. To date, the Cobb EMC has paid $14 million dollars for the development of the project to Dean Alford's Power4Georgians. The former Cobb EMC subsidiary won a no-bid contract to develop the project, even though they have never developed another coal plant and continue to use pre-recession energy demand figures to justify the investment.
January 24 will be the first opportunity for Cobb EMC to revoke its financial support of Plant Washington since four new board members took their positions on the EMC's Board of Directors. Plant Washington supporters have already started weighing in, so smart energy supporters should write letters, too!
The other six seats of the Cobb EMC Board will be filled by a combined election on March 31, at Piedmont Baptist Church. After overwhelming victories for all reform candidates during the first round of elections held in 2011, only two incumbent board members plan to seek re-election on March 31. Just as we closed out 2011 feeling victorious, 2012 promises to open even greater opportunity for Georgia to move Beyond Coal and into the clean energy future.
Quick Links
The Georgia Chapter is co-sponsoring the screening of "Houston, We Have a Problem," on Tuesday, January 10, at The Temple from 6-9 p.m., with a great panel discussion after the film. Tickets are only $5, click here to get yours!
Sierra Club Meetings
Smart Energy Team Meeting, Monday, January 9, 7:00 p.m., Mike Walls - Chair, mwalls@ellijay.com Wildlands and Wildlife Committee Meeting, Tuesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m., Mike Murdock - Chair, murdock1@mindspring.com Beyond Factory Farming, Wednesday, January 18, 7:30 p.m., Leah Garces - Chair, Leah.Garces@ciwf.org Atlanta Inner City Outings (ICO), Tuesday, January 24, 7:30 p.m., Naomi Bock, atlantaico@gmail.com |
Upcoming Events
Atlanta Local Food Initiative Fruit & Tree Sale - January 21 (pre-order today!)
Make your landscape edible by planting a fruit tree, bush or vine! On Monday, January 21, from 10 a.m. - noon at the Atlanta Foodbank get yours and help support the Atlanta Local Food Initiative. The Atlanta Local Food Initiative (ALFI) is a network that joins individuals, corporations, nonprofits, universities, and governmental agencies to build a local food system that enhances human health, promotes environmental renewal, fosters local economies, and links rural and urban communities. Pre-order today by clicking here!
Hike the Alabama Pinhoto Trail - January 14-15
Last minute post, but I've decided to pick up a piece of the Alabama Pinhoti Trail. The hike will be an overnight trip, about 10 miles one way, and will include an occasionally strenuous climb up to the ridge of Horn Mountain, about 1,000' of mostly steady uphill grade on the way in. Please note that there will limited water available after approximately 4 miles from where we'll park, so plan accordingly. Limit: 10. Click here for more info and to register.
Sierra Club 101 - February 11
You got on our mailing list because you care about the environment and want help -- now what? Sierra Club 101! Come learn about the Sierra Club and how to get involved in our local efforts. Open to members and non-members alike -- bring a friend! Breakfast and coffee provided. February 11, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Register online by clicking here.
Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference Coming to Atlanta - February 23-24
Now in its fifth year, the Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference -- the nation's leading forum for sharing ideas and strategies to build a green economy and create good, green jobs -- is headed to Atlanta! The conference will feature two days of exciting speakers and informative workshops, bringing together community leaders, union members, environmentalists, business leaders and elected officials to discuss how each region is, block by block, building the foundation for a green economy.
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