Show NC the money

Yesterday, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. With green investments of close to $100 billion nationwide, the act offers North Carolina nearly $113 million for home weatherization and about the same for mass transit funding, as well as block grants - where mayors can undergo energy efficiency retrofits of existing buildings (N & O).

Money is headed North Carolina's way, and fast, and the Obama administration has promised accountability and transparency. You can follow where and how the money is spent at recovery.gov, and the full text of the law can be found here.

To find out how you can get involved in putting economic recovery monies to use for energy efficiency and other clean energy projects in your community, contact Cool City Coordinator Kara Craig.

Cool Community Reinvestment  

Want to learn more about how American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds can make your Cool City even greener? We've created the NC Cool Cities listserv to help you stay better informed about the Cool Cities program and to hear from fellow members across the state on how they're using recovery funds. Sign up now. You can also consult our North Carolina Cool Cities page for a wealth of information:

• Best Practices - offers an in-depth looks at already implemented energy saving initiatives in our state
• Resources - offers campaign "starter kits", North Carolina examples and innovations, funding opportunities, online resources, and helpful contacts.
• News - national, statewide, and local media coverage of Cool City initiatives across the state.
• Cool Cities Blog - an outlet for members and nonmembers to discuss energy efficiency and climate change.

Coming Soon - March Appeal

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, most recently borrowed by President Obama in his campaign, “we are faced with the fierce urgency of now.” The North Carolina Sierra Club has a lot going on in 2009, but to make significant progress on our mission to explore, enjoy and protect the planet, we need your financial support. Click the donate button to your left and help us:

• Advocate for strong, positive solutions to environmental issues in our state.
• Build support for lasting change in our state’s energy future.
• Curb global warming pollution and promote energy efficiency in our communities.

Read more about what your gift will support in the “Annual Report” edition of Footnotes that hit mailboxes in January (PDF version).

Thanks for supporting the work of the North Carolina Chapter. 

Former Chapter Advocate Now at DENR!

Congratulations are in order for David Knight, former Chapter Lobbyist, who will now be working for the Perdue administration as Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources at DENR. In his new role, David will provide supervision to the following divisions and work groups within the department: Soil and Water Conservation, Forest Resources, Marine Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, the Ecosystem Enhancement Program and Natural Resources Planning and Conservation. 

Prior to accepting the new role, David had been working for the Nature Conservancy as Director of Governmental Relations. Congratulations, David!

Outings

Sat, Feb 21   Moore's Wall Hike    (Piedmont Plateau)

If the visibility is good, you may see magnificent views.

Fri, Mar 6 - Sun, 8   George Washington National Forest Backpack   (Piedmont Plateau)

Join us for a backpack on the AT.

Sat, Mar 14 - Sat, 21   Snowbird Trails Project    (Capital Group)  

Help us trail blaze, document, and hike the trails in the Snowbirds of western NC!

In the News

A green economic recovery? Wow!   Asheville Citizen-Times   Feb 16, 2009 

[The Obama Administration] has the opportunity to ignite a transformation in America by investing in clean energy, making our buildings and homes more efficient, rebuilding our water infrastructure, reducing our dependence on oil — these are the solutions that can lead directly to economic prosperity, job creation, and enhanced national security.

Big Drought Failed To Curb Water Habits   StarNewsOnline.com   Feb 10, 2009

"You can't treat water conservation like a New Year's resolution," said Molly Diggins, director or the Sierra Club's North Carolina chapter, of the public's hot-and-cold attitude toward the issue. "It has to be institutionalized."

Have you checked out our blog? Check out our post on hardened beach structures, currently banned in North Carolina since 1985.

For upcoming club events and meetings, take a look at our Chapter Calendar.

And be sure to join us on Facebook.