Seasons Greetings from NC Sierra Club
Before we get to our naughty and nice list, we'd like to give a much necessary thanks to all our members and supporters. As a volunteer-driven organization, your involvement is key in moving North Carolina to a green energy economy, in protecting our coastline, our Piedmont, and our Smokey Mountains, and in engaging fellow citizens in democracy.
This past year:
- 20 citizen lobbyists made it to our annual Lobby Day, where they advocated for strict protections for North Carolina beaches, drought and water management controls, and an intermodal transit bill.
- 417 letters were sent to legislators on passing drought measures, 441 letters were sent to stop a bill that would have been terrible for our coast, 120 letters advocated for an 'outstanding resource designation' for the Horsepasture River in W. NC, in addition to many other, more targeted mailings.
- Numerous volunteers hosted house parties, participated in electoral work, assisted with fundraising and the North Carolina Chapter's online presence, including this newsletter.
Whatever holiday you celebrate, we hope you enjoy the season - and the outdoors - with your friends and family. So have a nice mug of shade-grown hot cocoa. Hang those LED lights and think about a plantable tree. Thanks to you, it was a good year for North Carolina's environment.
Who's been naughty, who's been nice?
Naughty
Jim Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy - Well, it would be really hard to find a way to put Rogers on any nice list, as his utility company argued that the 800 megawatt coal unit under construction at Cliffside was not a "major" emitter of pollutants. The utility also argued that their 'voluntary' emissions controls were adequate in lieu of those required by the Clean Air Act. Somebody deserves a piece of coal.
On December 2nd, US District Court Judge Lacy Thornburg ruled that Duke Energy violated the Clean Air Act in not procuring the strictest possible controls for air pollutants like mercury, a potent neurotoxin.
You can read about the ruling and what it means for the Cliffside coal unit at the News and Observer, Forbes, Mountain XPress, and the Triangle Business Journal. For a full history of the ongoing fight against the Cliffside coal-unit, visit our Cliffside page.
Nice
The Office of the President-Elect, and our fellow environmental organizations - Obama's transition team stated energy efficiency retrofits will get a large portion of any economic stimulus package released in 2009. The Sierra Club has long touted energy efficiency programs as a way to strengthen our economy (Sierra Club Energy Policy, 2% Solution, Smart Energy Solutions). In North Carolina, the Cool Cities program promotes energy retrofits as a practical solution to combat global warming.
Along with our fellow environmentalists, the Sierra Club sent the incoming administration a 391 page document titled 'Transition to Green' that plots out the environmental community's main concerns and policy recommendations. A large part of those recommendations: energy retrofits.
To read more on the environmental community's ideas on revamping our economy and moving into a clean energy future, visit the coalition site saveourenvironment.org, or read the Sierra Club Press Release.
Want Climate Change Solutions?
NC Sierra Club would like to offer energy solutions to Cool Cities, Cool Counties, and all our volunteers as they move forward into a green economy. Join us in Winston-Salem for a workshop on Jan 24th that will draw upon the experience of North Carolina communities and businesses in their fight against global warming.
You will hear first hand testimonies of pragmatic, local initiatives to combat climate change. You will leave with the tools to identify and redefine your town's energy use and generation. You will move your Cool City or County from commitment to action.
The meeting will be held January 24th (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem.
Outings
Thu, Jan 1 New Year's Day Hike (Capital Group)
Celebrate the beginning of the New Year with a hike at Umstead State Park!
Thu, Jan 1 - Sun, 4 Art Loeb Trail Backpack (Capital Group)
Follow the premier trail in the Pisgah on a Winter Backpack
Fri, Jan 2 - Sun, 4 Long Cane Creek Base Camp Backpack (Piedmont Plateau)
Join us for a winter base camp backpack in milder SC climes.
Come check out our Blog
Responding to Raleigh's Comprehensive Plan
by Marvin Woll, Capital Group
The City of Raleigh recently introduced the Raleigh Comprehensive Plan for 2030. A large number of Raleigh citizens and city employees did an excellent job in developing this plan; however, some sections need to be revised. Read more.
Can't wait for our next issue? Check out the NC SIERRA CLUB BLOG for conservation links, green tips, volunteer insights, and local and regional news relevant to all our members and supporters.
For upcoming club events and meetings, take a look at our Chapter Calendar.
And be sure to join us on Facebook.