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You’ve heard Sierrans talking about offshore wind for over a year now. Well, the Governor’s office just heard about it from her own Scientific Advisory Panel on Offshore Energy. That’s right; the report released by the panel found that North Carolina has the best offshore wind resources on the East coast. Further, it concluded that we should do more to bring this industry to our state. Whether pushing for offshore wind or pushing back against hastily fracking in the state, Sierrans are stepping up this year. If you want to step up, too, this month’s issue of Footnotes offers some good ideas of places to start. A pleasure, as always,
Offshore Wind: The People Are ReadyWhen will wind win? It’s a question that Sierrans have been asking for a while. And the public is ready! When the Offshore Wind team hosted a forum in Morehead City, more than 200 people showed up. The picture on the right doesn’t do the event justice. And when the Governor’s Scientific Advisory Panel released its findings, Sierrans were ready to respond. If you want to join the offshore wind team, contact Carina at carina.barnett-loro@sierraclub.org. And be sure to check the ‘In the News’ section of Footnotes for articles about the forum and the findings of the Scientific Advisory Panel. Fracking Hearings Coming Up Soon!
When the NC Chapter launched TheDailyFrack.com, we did not expect so many people to notice. But notice they did. Maybe legislators will notice how passionate the public is about protecting our air and water when the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) holds public hearings next month. If you want to get involved in our fracking campaign, contact Travis at travis.hargett@sierraclub.org. People are planning to come from all across the state to give DENR feedback on their report. Will you join them? Here are some specifics about the two hearings that will help you plan ahead: Sanford, NC – March 20 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – The Wicker Center, 1801 Nash Street, Sanford, NC (map) Chapel Hill – March 27 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – East Chapel Hill High School, 500 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC (map) Last Call to Attend the NC Sierra Club’s Political TrainingThe NC Sierra Club will be hosting a political training for group leaders and volunteers. This training is a great opportunity to learn how the Sierra Club can use its grassroots strength to help win targeted local, state, and federal elections. NC Legislature: the good and bad guys; Saturday, February 18 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To participate in this training, please sign-up here. If you have questions, please call or email Travis Hargett at travis.hargett@sierraclub.org or 919.833.8467 Lunch and refreshments will be provided. This requires a $10 fee for each participant. Sierra Club In the News
Sierrans are stepping up big time in 2012. Here are some of the news stories where Sierrans have contributed to the public dialogue about our key issues. If you are feeling inspired, consider contacting your local group to see how can stand up on issues that matter in your community. Offshore Wind News Sierrans responding to the findings by the Governor’s Scientific Advisory Panel that North Carolina has the best offshore wind resources on the East coast. News and Observer The same story ran in the Greensboro News and Record Coastal News 14 - Wilmington WECT – NBC 6 - Wilmington Offshore Wind Wire Billboard News Sierrans were quick to talk about the impact new rules that allow billboard companies to cut down public trees by our roadways. Charlotte Observer WSOC-TV Asheville Citizen Times Progressive Pulse And thanks to these stories, editorial boards have been voicing their own concerns about new billboard rules: Charlotte Observer Editorial http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/05/2986024/billboard-rules-bow-to-wrong-kind.html Southern Pines Pilot Editorial http://www.thepilot.com/news/2012/feb/08/billboard-firms-win-trees-lose/ ‘The Fracking Truth’ News When the NC Chapter launched it’s fracking campaign, the media and the public were keen to take notice. Greensboro News and Record ran the same story that appeared in the Fayetteville Observer http://fayobserver.com/articles/2012/01/24/1152456 Durham Herald Sun Southern Pines Pilot News and Observer Business Blog NC Utilities Law Blog Upcoming EventsCommunity Meeting on Fracking February 16 – 7:00 p.m. – Bull City Forward, 101 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27701 (map) Christa Wagner, a policy analyst in the Commerce Dept. will present on the economic viability of gas drilling in North Carolina. She’ll discuss the type of infrastructure needed to support the industry, where the demand for gas is, and the possible risks and benefits. Afterwards, we’ll host a social and discuss ways to get involved with the Sierra Club in Durham. Click here to let us know that you are coming! 2012 Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference March 8 – 9 - Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St, Charlotte, NC (map) This event is a first of its kind that highlights Southeastern assets for wind energy deployment within the region. The conference is a collaborative effort involving more than 40 regional stakeholders from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Topics will include the region’s supply chain, resource, and market strengths to educate decision makers about costs, benefits, and policy options for wind energy. Offshore and coastal onshore wind energy will be discussed a the conference with a concentration on offshore wind energy. Click here for more information. DENR Holds Public Meetings on Fracking Sanford, NC – March 20 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – The Wicker Center, 1801 Nash Street, Sanford, NC (map) Chapel Hill – March 27 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – East Chapel Hill High School, 500 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC (map) The agency’s draft report on Fracking will be made available on DENR’s website in early March (at which time a public comment period will begin), and findings from the report will be presented at these two public meetings. Comments will be accepted at these meetings, as well as via mail and email. OutingsNear Asheville
March 2 – 5 – Creekside Loop – Pisgah Billed as a “gentle 11 mile loop with minimal climbing and enough camping opportunities to tweak your itinerary,” this outing is surely going to enjoyed by all who attend. The hike has a moderate skill rating and covers many trails – the Mullinax Trail, Laurel Creek Trail, Bradley Creek Trail, and the Riverside Trail. Space is limited, so be sure to make your plans today! Contact: Jerry Weston at takeahike@earthlink.net or at 336.856.1431 (please call before 9:00 p.m.) For more information on Sierra Club Outings check out the Outings Calendar. Want to know the latest? Join us on Facebook or Twitter!
Did you know you can make a monthly gift to the NC Sierra Club? Find out how you can make a sustaining gift by visiting our website, or contacting the Chapter office at 919-833-8467.
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