Offshore drilling in NC: Offbase 

As we head toward November's elections, some candidates are making hay with a misleading mantra that we can lower gas prices at the pump by increasing drilling off the coast of North Carolina and other southeastern states.

Problem is, drilling off North Carolina's coast won't solve any problems. But it would create new ones.

In a state as tourism dependent as North Carolina, offshore drilling would potentially be an economic disaster. Our state is the sixth-most tourism dependent in the country, with many communities relying on the jobs and revenue only available with a healthy coast and a continuous flow of visitors.

North Carolina lacks the infrastructure needed to process oil or natural gas. If the ban were lifted, industrial ports, dry docks, and refineries would line our coasts. Our idyllic beaches: scarred. Our fisheries: polluted, degraded. And a world treasure might be lost; on the Outer Continental Shelf - precisely where offshore platforms would be constructed - exists the world's largest deep sea reef.

It makes little sense to open federally protected waters when doing so primarily benefits oil companies' shareholders. Send a letter to Nancy Pelosi for not being intimidated by Big Oil. Read more here about drilling in North Carolina.

Again, a Cool Cities Organizer

We in the Chapter office would like to introduce Kara Craig, our new Conservation Organizer. She will be handling the Cool Cities campaign in North Carolina and other conservation initiatives in our state.

Kara has a master's degree in public administration with a focus on non-profit management and environmental management from Eastern Carolina University in Greenville, where she researched state and local efforts to meet federal environmental missions. At the Foundation of Renewal for Eastern North Carolina, her work focused on incorporating sustainable development in movements to promote strong regional economies. She has a strong history in community organizing and will be an asset to the Club.

Please join us in welcoming Kara to the Chapter. We are excited to have her. Kara can be reached at the Chapter office or at kara.craig@sierraclub.org.

Greensboro: staying "Cool"

North Carolina cities are taking big steps to becoming cooler. After signing the Cool Cities Agreement, Mayor Yvonne Johnson of Greensboro called upon Sierra Club members to form a governmental advisory committee with representatives from each town district. This Monday, the Citizens Advisory Group on Sustainability held its third monthly meeting where city leaders reviewed current land-use and energy policies.

The Citizen Advisory Group's purpose is to foster better communication between governing bodies while also researching local GHG emissions and developing strategies for reducing such emissions. First matter of business—a local climate action plan. The report will be given directly to the city council for consideration, allowing for community review as well.

Among other NC towns that have established Cool Cities accountability committees are Greenville, Durham and Raleigh. The City of Raleigh created an Environmental Advisory Board that communicates directly to the City Council. Greenville Sierra Club members and the City Manager asked their previously established Environmental Advisory Commission to begin working on a local climate action plan. And Durham established Clean Energy Durham to lower energy use and support green initiatives.

Outings

Fri, Aug 22 - Sun, 24   Mt. Rogers Blueberry Pancake & Err...Backpack    (Capital Group)

The moon isn't being cooperative for a Perseid meteor shower trip this year so instead we'll feast on blueberries! Our trek will take us to the cool balds of the rooftop of Virginia.

Sat, Sep 20 White Water Rafting Trip to the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte    (Medoc Group)

Join us for an one-of-a-kind white water rafting trip at the US National Whitewater Center!

Sat, Sep 27 Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Us and Help Plant Trees    (Medoc Group)

Come celebrate the 15th Annual National Public Lands Day at Greenbelt Park, Md. The National Park Service needs our help to replant trees in the park.

In the News

Clean energy is the only way to go   News & Observer   July 27, 2008

 ...the facts about North Carolina's coast haven't changed. No one thinks there are significant oil deposits there. Natural gas is more likely, but new supplies are still years away. And the hurricane-prone waters make drilling a perilous, costly proposition. (written by Robbie Cox, former President of the Sierra Club)

Duke Energy sued for plant construction   Facing South    July 17, 2008

Despite his green media image, Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers is facing a fight from environmental advocates over his plans to build a polluting new coal-fired power plant in western North Carolina.

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