Volume I, Issue 6
Footnotes Online
Kids Get Outside
In conjunction with the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple Camps, the Armed Services YMCA, and Outward Bound, the Sierra Club has launched the Military Family Outdoor (MFO) Initiative. The MFO aims to help members of the military and their families reconnect and relax in a healing, natural environment.
This summer, the Sierra Club is providing grants to hold week-long summer camps around the country, the first of which will take place this week near Fayetteville. Through its partnership with the military, the Sierra Club expects nearly 10,000 children to have an outdoor educational experience this summer.
Read more about helping kids connect with nature on the website of Richard Louv, Sierra Club partner and the author of Last Child in the Woods. And be sure to learn more about the MFO program.
Legislative Update: Transit, and a House Agenda That’s Go, Go, Go
The House has been working on a budget proposal in earnest and, after hours of meeting and amending yesterday, the bill will get a floor vote on Wednesday -- another indication that the pace of the session is lickity split. One provision of the House budget Sierra Club is especially excited about is the creation of an Energy Star tax-free weekend. If your fridge is green -- as in 70’s avocado green -- you’ll want to take advantage of this tax holiday to replace it for a better kind of green: an energy-sipping Energy Star appliance.
Rep. Becky Carney (D-Mecklenburg) and Sen. Richard Stevens (R-Wake) have been praised in the press this week for their introduction of a bill to relieve congestion by providing a state match for transit projects in the state's urban centers (HB2363). The bill also provides funding for commercial rail, commuter tail and the ports. Sierra Club State Director Molly Diggins was quoted in one story, saying "It's really the first time I can recall that anyone at the legislature has proposed a comprehensive approach to transportation funding." Passage of this bill this session -- even if a revenue source isn't identified until the next biennium -- will send a strong signal to the next administration about the new, robust direction of transportation in North Carolina -- one that can and should be based on choice, efficiency, fairness, and cost-effectiveness.
Read about the other bills we're following this session.
JOIN US FOR A LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING CALL In order to examine the Sierra Club's conservation priorities in more depth, we are organizing a series of issue briefing conference calls. Anyone interested in the issues can call in and discuss them with Christa Wagner, Chapter lobbyist. Click here for call schedule and registration information.
Sign up for NC Sierra Club's Lobby Day on Tuesday, June 24 and talk to legislators about issues important to you.
Sierra Club National President Finishes Term
Robbie Cox, professor of communications at UNC-Chapel Hill, recently finished his third term as National Sierra Club President. During his time at the helm, Cox helped to initiate Project Renewal -- a major reform of the national Club's governance structure and implementation of its programs and campaigns. What's more, he helped to launch the Club's Climate Recovery Campaign, a multi-year effort to secure comprehensive action on global warming.
He chaired the Sierra Club's online web expansion and launched the national Training Academy, which trained thousands of activists. Cox advocated for a new energy agenda in Congress and believes that should be the Club's highest priority.
In 2007, Chapel Hill awarded him the "Village Pride Award" for being an outstanding member of the community. Cox has been an effective, tireless leader, and NC Sierra Club thanks him for his work ethic, foresight, and remarkable drive. And we look forward to working with his successor, Allison Chin of Palo Alto, CA.
Morganton a Cool City
Congratulations to Kelly Hawkins and the South Mountains group! Morganton has been designated a "
Mayor Lookado of Morganton cited 450 acres of open space in the city, as well as an ordinance requiring trees to be planted in large parking lots to reduce the urban heat island effect. He also mentioned that 90 percent of utility construction in Morganton is underground to help protect green space. You can read more about it in the Charlotte Observer (story at bottom of page).
Go on an Outing!
Visit our Outings page for information on all our trips.
Take Action!
Deadline Extended, Horsepasture River
Make your comments heard and protect the Horsepasture River. Send a letter to the DENR Division of Water Quality by July 2nd to name the Horespasture as an Outstanding Resource Water, our state's highest level of regulation and protection.
Protect Our Coasts, Save Our Beaches
Senate Bill 599 aims to weaken North Carolina's long-standing coastal policy. Tell your Representative you want our beaches to remain beautiful.
NC Sierra Club in the News
County approves incentive package for area theme park The Mountain Times - May 22, 2008
AppalCART director Chris Turner, representing the Blue Ridge Sierra Club, supported the development of the Middle Fork Greenway as part of the incentive package. He said park expansion could also offer opportunities to use other “green techniques” in building and operations.
Duke is sunny on solar power Charlotte Observer - May 22, 2008
Wednesday's agreement is part of Duke's expansion into renewable energy. "It shows (the state law) is working, and it's a highly visible step toward a renewable-energy economy," said Molly Diggins, state director of the Sierra Club. The deal also proves, Diggins said, that the sun and wind are viable energy competitors in a South of cheap coal.
Can't wait for our next issue? Visit the NC SIERRA CLUB BLOG for conservation links, volunteer ideas, and news relevant to all our members and supporters.