South Carolina Says NO COAL!!!

July 27th, Santee Cooper ratepayers, commercial & industrial business leaders and young people from across South Carolina called on Santee Cooper to implement an aggressive, broad based energy efficiency plan to reduce electric bills, create more jobs and restore the state-owned utilities tradition of leadership. The appeal came as Santee Cooper board members met to approve a 15 percent rate increase for residential customers over the next two years. Much of the proposed rate increase will pay for a multi-billion dollar coal plant on the Pee Dee River.

At the event, over 33 people spoke to the board and not one of them thought that the rate hike, especially to benefit such an outdated technology, was a good idea. People from a broad spectrum of campus, community, and industrial backgrounds spoke passionately about Santee Cooper’s need to take control of our energy future.

Lorena Hildebrant, a student at Winthrop University, said that “our generation cannot afford to live with the longstanding harmful effects of coal-fired energy. As young people, we realize the threat to our generation from climate change and environmental degradation. That is why we are asking Santee Cooper not to build a new coal fired plant.”

SEN Staff and South Carolina student network leaders.

Santee Cooper advertises the rate hikes as the first since 1996. During that period, however, the utility’s investments in programs that help its customers save energy and lower bills has decreased by nearly 70 percent. –According to the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, energy efficiency can reduce present day electricity use by 20 percent over the next several years, equivalent to 80 percent of the regions’ future power needs.–

Due to rising costs to construc and operate coal plants – as well as a discouraging regulatory environment – utilities across the country have cancelled plans for more than 90 plants in order to protect ratepayers from the high risks of coal. “Every other utility in our state has sworn off new coal plants because they are too expensive,” said Nancy Cave, Coastal Conservation League North Coast Director and Santee Cooper customer. “Other utilities are moving forward with energy efficiency, which is cleaner, cheaper and can more than adequately meet the energy demands of Santee Cooper’s customers.”

Many thanks to those who were able to make it out early to help canvass and get to know your fellow advocates! We had a weekend full of beach fun and local outreach and had a good time doing it!

For more information about the event check out scsaysno.com.

The board will make a decision on the proposed rate hike on August 24th. Details on how you can express your opposition to come!

Outisde the board meeting just before it starts

July 28: Take Action Against Coal in Georgia

Aerial image Plant Branch, located in Milledgeville, GA.

There’s finally a glimmer of hope in the quest to restructure energy sources in the Southeast. More than a year after a judge ruled to halt the construction of the Longleaf coal plant in south Georgia, an appeals court has upheld her the decision that the plant’s excessive emissions is a hazard to the health and safety of Georgia citizens.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore wrote in her initial decision (from July of 2008) that “the plant as permitted [by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources] would annually emit large amounts of air pollutants, including eight [million] to nine million tons of carbon dioxide…[and] since CO2 is ‘otherwise subject to regulation under the [Clean Air] Act,’ a PSD [prevention of significant deterioration] permit cannot issue for Longleaf without CO2 emission limitations.”

As noted by David Biello of Scientific American magazine, this is the first time that excessive CO2 emissions have been cited as a deciding factor in denying a permit for coal plant construction. If nothing else, this decision means that environmental concerns are moving up the governmental ladder and into our courts where precedents will be set that lay the groundwork for a sustainable national future.

Rather than denying the permit altogether, though, the appellate decision  has ordered a case review that will require the Longleaf construction proposal to contain stricter emissions targets and more environmentally-sound technology. By questioning the validity of the permit and ordering a further case review, Georgians now have an opportunity to build strong opposition to the Longleaf plant construction. The anti-coal movement is already strong – with hundreds of Georgians and several organizations already on board – but now that we’ve got more time, we can mobilize our voices and share our knowledge.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, at 6pm at Early County High School. At this hearing, members of the local and regional community will offer their opinions about the plant and its effect on the environment. Administrators will be present, public officials will be present, but most importantly, Georgia citizens must be present to express what they know about coal and its negative health and environmental effects.

What we know is this – that coal is by far one of the most environmentally-destructive resources available. Coal mining alters our planet’s landscape, transporting the coal to plants uses a tremendous amount of gas, and the process of burning coal produces millions of tons of CO2 emissions in our region alone. There are already more than one hundred plants in the Southeast and rather than constructing new plants, we need to be spending our money investing in safe, sustainable alternatives to coal-fired power plants.

Let’s attend this hearing and spread the word about wind, solar, hydrokinetic, and geothermal energy. (links to fact sheets that I’m more than happy to prepare.) We need to use this opportunity as a vehicle to unite our voices and fight against dirty coal. Clean energy is the future and it is imperative that we share this sentiment with our friends, families, and communities.

So come to the hearing and say your piece. Invite friends, relatives, and neighbors and encourage them to join the fight for clean energy and a safe, sustainable future.

Fired Up Freshwoman Tells the Florida Municipal Electric Association to SAY NO to Nukes in Florida

Submitted by Meghan Ryan, entering Freshperson at University of Central Florida:

Ever since Power Shift in February, it seems like I get daily reminders to do something about the environment, to get involved, and to get out of my comfort zone already! When I saw a posted opportunity for Lake Worth residents to get out there and be heard on nuclear issues, I knew I finally needed to get my act together and hit the ground running. I replyed to the post, and got more details about the meeting. Even though I showed interest in making a statement, I was secretly very nervous and very excited for the opportunity! Over the past week, I researched Nuclear power and related arguments so I could write a proper comment that would be effective and would relate to the board members of the Florida Municipal Energy Authority. With support from SEN and guidance on everything from what points to hit on and what to wear, I was ready to go!

The night before, I read over my comment, tweaked it, and finally put it away at midnight so I could get some sleep. I woke up at 8 in the morning to look over my comment one more time, print it out, eat some breakfast, and head up to the PGA Resort where the meeting was being held. I got there a few minutes early and, as I walked up to the ballroom, read my comment out loud again. A valet guy noticed and made a comment that made me laugh, so my nerves eased up a bit.

Within moments of entering the ballroom, I met Panagioti, an Earth First! activist from Lake Worth, as well as Cara Jennings, a Lake Worth City Council Member. Then three more girls from the Earth First Organization arrived. We all represented different interests, but were all speaking out against Nuclear power in Florida. I think it looks good that many people, young and old, activists and decision makers, are concerned about what is going on with Nuclear.

Some final edits to my comment and it was finally time for the meeting to start. Right before it was my turn to speak I was so nervous, but I knew I had to bite the bullet and get up there and speak about something I care about.

“Over the next two months, I encourage you all to do the responsible thing, and reseach Nuclear power, and the alternatives. You all here today have the power to do something great by Saying No to Nukes. The future of my generation and our potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions lies in your vote against building new nuclear plants. We need to make way for green renewable energy solutions and I think you all are going to be the people to do something about it. It starts today, so please go home and do your research, learn about the alternatives, and Say No to Nukes! “

Once I was done speaking, I sat down and started thinking, “This is just the beginning.” I’m so excited to move up to Orlando and attend UCF! Go Knights! But I am also excited to get very involved and do more with the issue of the new nuclear reactors proposed in Florida. I’m also excited to get the word out to my friends and whoever I happen to meet about how vital it is to be aware of the environmental movement and to get on board! I hope more people who are nervous about getting involved just jump in there and get excited, get pumped, do whatever you have to do, and get involved! I had so much fun and I can’t wait for what the future has planned for me!

For more information, see the Florida Municipal Electric Association
Also, see Regress Energy to get the facts on rate increases in Florida.
Want more on Levy County and Progress Energy? Levy County Fact Sheet

Florida Student Association is Going Green

During the last week of June, the Florida Student Association (FSA) met to plan for their legislative and campus priorities for the upcoming 2009-10 school year. The FSA is comprised of Student Government Presidents and Executive Officers from the 11 universities in the System of Florida.

They met in Orlando for a 3-day planning and strategy meeting, interspersed with educational presentations on topics relevant to students in Florida. These topics included the Bright Futures Scholarship, Student Health Insurance, and Student Representation on Student Fees Committees. Organizers for the meeting invited Southern Energy Network to address the Green Fee and to facilitate a conversation on how to move forward. Earlier this year, in January, the FSA Board of Directors voted to support the Green Fee campaign in Florida. With 8 out of 11 University System schools engaged in some level of the campaign, gaining the support of the state-wide student government association was a celebrated victory for students. Despite intense lobbying efforts from students and the FSA, the legislation that would enable implementation of the fee at schools with approval of the measure stalled out in the 3rd Committee.

I had the opportunity to network with student government from around the state, and met amazing student leaders! Students at Florida International University and Florida A&M University had a keen interest in the Green Fee and other ways their university might increase its efficiency and improve its environmental friendliness. Students at University of North Florida wanted to know how to get their student body engaged on the issues, while University of South Florida wanted to know how to focus the energy of their active campus groups.

During the hour-long breakout session that focused on taking action in the University System, representatives from 6 schools were present and actively engaged on discussion on the history and future of the Green Fee. They asked challenging questions and had some great ideas on how to move forward on the campaign. We also discussed other key energy related legislation, such as the Renewable Portfolio Standard.

Although the Green Fee did not make it onto the larger legislative agenda at this meeting, the Chair of the Legislative Committee, Stephen Mortellaro, has been working on the campaign for over 2 years at University of Central Florida. He considers it a worthy issue that deserves attention from the Association. With the next legislative session 6 months away, we have time to reinvigorate the campus campaigns before we take it back to the Senate!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as this campaign continues !

For more information on the Florida Student Association, visit their website.

Clean energy legislation gets a face lift and passes to the Senate

Last The House of Representatives has passed “landmark” legislation with the 219-212 vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The bill serves to help revitalize our economy by creating “over 300,000 jobs by 2020,” according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Furthermore, the bill will increase national energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil, and it establishes a legal limit on global warming pollution in our country.

“We have taken decisive and historic action to promote America’s energy security and to create millions of clean energy jobs that will drive our economic recovery and long-term growth,” said Chairman Waxman. “After more than three decades of being held hostage to the influence of foreign energy suppliers, this legislation at long last begins to break our addiction to imported foreign oil and put us on a path to true energy security.”

President Obama called the American Clean Energy and Security Act an “extraordinary piece of legislation that will finally open the door to decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, preventing the worst consequences of climate change, and making clean energy the profitable kind of energy.

The run up to this vote made clear how much difference a phone call or letter to Congress can make. Some Representatives reportedly based their decision to support the bill on the comments they received from constituents.

The bill contains the following key provisions:

* Requires electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020.

* Invests $190 billion in new clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy.

* Mandates new energy-saving standards for buildings, appliances, and industry.

* Reduces carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17% by 2020 and over 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.

Colin Hagan, Federal Policy Associate for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said the narrow vote demonstrates how critical it is that we build strong support in the Senate.  “Friday’s vote means we are a step closer to having a 21^st century energy policy, but it is far from over.”

As far as ACES itself is concerned, many environmentalists – myself included – view this victory as somewhat bittersweet; from a historical standpoint, the passage of ACES is a remarkable achievement. The fact that so many representatives did vote for the legislation says something about how far the environmental movement has come. From a scientific point of view, however, the bill is hardly where it needs to be in order to make a significant and lasting impact on human-induced climate change. Before debates even began, targets were weakened, cap-and-trade regulations were modified, and, ultimately, the bill was reworked and restructured so that it would please officials and corporations rather than secure the future of our planet.

Perhaps the most notable of the naysayers was Georgia Rep. Paul Broun, who called global warming a “hoax” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxxE8n7xX_o&feature=related) and charged the scientific community with fabricating evidence and “perpetrating” a lie. In the words of Broun, “there is no scientific consensus” that climate change is a real and imminent threat to the livelihood of our planet. And unfortunately, Broun is not the only denier in the House – his comments were met with applause. A slight applause, but an applause nonetheless.

As both a student and one of Broun’s constituents, I am imaginably shocked and disgusted at his remarks. I urge Broun’s constituents (or anyone who is concerned, for that matter) to phone, e-mail, or fax (http://www.paulbroun.com/index2.html) Broun’s office to let him know how we feel. After all, it’s up to us to hold officials accountable and keep them informed on the opinions of their constituents.

Aside from blatantly denying the existence of global warming, Broun also misinformed his audience by stating that ACES would ultimately cost American families an added $3,100 in annual taxes. To be frank, this claim is absolutely false, as a study by the Congressional Budget Office (http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/103xx/doc10327/06-19-CapTradeCosts.htm) projects the rise in taxes to equal about $175 a year in 2020. In the words of the report itself, “overall net costs would average 0.2 percent of households’ after-tax income.” And this number, of course, does not include the money saved by families as households begin to transition to the budget-friendly, environmentally-conscious energy sources outlined in the bill. The same report predicts that some families may even see a net profit of $40 a year in 2020. This isn’t a huge amount of money, but at least it’s in the pocket of American families.
But let’s not dwell on the negative. Senate debates will begin this fall and we must urge the Senate to take action on this bill. Please contact your senators, write letters to the editor, blog posts, Facebook notes, or Twitter feeds. Involve yourself with campus organizations and volunteer to help spread the word within your community. Urge your family and friends to take action by following the same steps. More importantly, though, we must put pressure on elected officials to act responsibly and with consideration. Call their offices, send them e-mails, letters, or faxes. Do everything you can to make sure your voice is heard and it just might make a difference.

Although ACES may not be the most comprehensive, scientifically-grounded piece of climate legislation, it is, to be fair, a promising start to what I hope to be a long and progressive path of national and global climate change initiatives. Let’s get this bill passed! After all, we have to have something to show off at December’s Climate Conference in Copenhagen.
Sources:

*energycommerce.house.gov

*http://cleantechbrief.com