Lobby Day, June 24
The legislative session is coming to a close. Sierra Club priority bills will be debated this week and next. We need you in Raleigh now!
Because it’s the short session, things are moving quickly. We need your help encouraging lawmakers to support key environmental issues before the legislature adjourns.
Tuesday will be your chance to talk directly with decision-makers about conservation issues important to you. You’ll get to see the impact of your presence in the legislature first hand, as lawmakers take up environmental legislation in House Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
We hope to see you here at the Capitol!
Agenda:
Policy Briefing 9a.m. - 10a.m.
Lobbying 10a.m. - 1p.m.
Lunch, Debriefing 1p.m. - 3p.m.
To register, please sign up using our secure network, or call 919. 833.8467, or email info@sierraclub-nc.org.
Legislative victory protects Great Smokies!
S1646, Swain Settlement Funds, championed by Sen. John Snow (D-Cherokee) and Rep. Phil Haire (D-Jackson), passed unanimously out of the House on Monday, and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. This bill establishes a receiving fund for federal monies appropriated as a settlement with Swain County in lieu of building the North Shore Road through the Smokies, and contains various fiduciary safeguards for those funds. Sierra Club has opposed the North Shore Road for decades. This bill represents one of the final steps in cashing out the road, which would have gone through the wild heart of the Smokies, in return for compensation to Swain County.
Issues still on the table include:
Transit: H2363 is the legislature’s first truly intermodal transportation bill in support of urban transit, passenger and freight rail and ports, all interconnected. This bill has a great deal of momentum but suffered a setback this week when it was pulled from the House Transportation committee.
Water Conservation: Though parts of the state recently emerged from the worst drought ever, much of North Carolina remains in extreme drought conditions. We support passage of H2499,
Beach Hardening: We oppose a bill that will unravel the state’s ban on hardened structures, which passed the Senate last year and is eligible in the House this session. We want to save our beaches for summer vacation!
Summertime Campaign: Lightbulbs to Leadership
We’ve gotten the word out: change your lightbulbs! But it will take more than lightbulbs to solve the climate crisis. That’s why Sierra Club is launching the Lightbulbs to Leadership campaign this summer.
The campaign will show government officials that America is ready and willing to do more by highlighting acts of leadership in the every day lives of Americans who choose to make energy saving changes.
Recently, two bills that promote energy efficiency and address energy prices have failed in Congress. And now President Bush is resurrecting his failed proposals of the past to open the Artic National Wildlife Refuge and lift the moratorium on off-shore drilling. Without more forward-looking action from our leaders, we will all remain in the dark.
This campaign has a little fun to it, as well. Check out our Lightbulbs to Leadership ad. Then, sign a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asking for improvements in U.S. Automakers’ fuel economy. We have until July 1st on this initiative to cut pollution!
Faith partnerships in NC
The Sierra Club will acknowledge the contribution of the faith community to environmental stewardship in a “Faith in Action" report due out this week which will feature a Durham, NC church. Through its "Kids and Nature Connect" summer program, Watts Street Baptist Church helps children hike, garden, and spend time with animals.
Last year, the Watts Baptist Church hosted an educational series on smart energy, environmental degradation, and climate change. The church actively promotes personal responsibility, urging each household to reduce its contribution to global warming.
Talking about Sierra Club's partnership with the faith community, Chapter Chair Pat Carstensen said, "The rural church in which I grew up celebrated soil stewardship one Sunday every year. I am excited about the Sierra Club’s faith partnership efforts, which are not intended as an endorsement of any religious leader, tradition, or doctrine, but do recognize that spirituality is a deep well that many draw on in their efforts to protect the planet."
Look for the Faith in Action report on 6/19.
Take Action
North Carolina is slowly emerging from the worst drought in state history. Tell the General Assembly to reform water policy in our state before concluding the short session.
Keep our beaches beautiful. Recent legislation before the House aims to wash away 30 years of responsible coastal policies. Please
Please contact DENR by July 2nd with your desire to see the Horsepasture River granted an Outstanding Resource Water classification.
Outings
Visit our Outings page for info on summer trips.
In the News
Drought bill interest rises with temperatures WRAL.com Jun 15, 2008
"We just need to get better prepared for the next drought and learn from the lessons of this past year," said Molly Diggins, director of the state Sierra Club chapter. "The bill is modest in many respects, but it gets us on the path."
Duke pledges emissions controls at N.C. plant Forbes Jun 13, 2008
"I think it's certainly to Duke Energy's credit that they are not contesting it," said Molly Diggins, state director for the North Carolina Sierra Club. "However, under the Clean Air Act, we believe Duke Energy is required to stop construction."
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.