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"Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness."
- George Santayana
Get busy! There are many issues and opportunities to make a difference, nationally and locally.
Here are a few, if you have a project or concern you would like put on the website, please email to: solanobreeze@yahoo.com |
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Solar Energy Promoter: Are you interested in promoting solar energy and have some time to assist in making solar permits more affordable in your area? We are teaming up with Loma Prieta Chapter to help expand their successful solar permit fee campaign state wide. We are looking for a few volunteers from throughout the Redwood Chapter to help with this effort. The campaign is set up to train people and provides lots of support and assistance. If you are interested please contact: solanobreeze@yahoo.com Chapter Membership Engagement Campaigners: We’re looking for volunteers to help with outreach efforts to members in all our groups. Work with Chapter and Group membership chairs and committees to plan activities to involve members. If you’re a "people person" who loves the environment, this is a job for you. Contact: solanobreeze@yahoo.com Chapter Volunteer Coordinator: We are looking for a volunteer who will work with Chapter and Group leaders to identify and recruit potential volunteers and match volunteers to their areas of interest and increase volunteer participation. Are you a natural "match-maker" - or always aspired to be one? If so, we need you! Please contact: solanobreeze@yahoo.com Plan Social Events and Fundraising Activities: Join a group of people who plan parties, fundraisers and other events for environmentalists and the public. Be active, make new friends and support a worthwhile cause. solanobreeze@yahoo.com North Group Hike Leaders: North Group is desperately seeking hike leaders. Please contact: kbhike@mindspring.com |
The Endangered Species Coalition
Represents millions of Americans dedicated to a strong endangered species act.
The Endangered Species Coalition welcomes the news that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may reexamine endangered and threatened species decisions influenced by former Assistant Deputy Secretary Julie MacDonald. We are heartened to hear that these species on the brink of extinction may finally receive the protections they urgently need. However, this should be the first step in a complete investigation into the Bush Administration’s corruption and political manipulation of decisions affecting our nation’s endangered species.
To find out more go to:
http://www.stopextinction.org/site/c.epIQKXOBJsG/b.704799/k.CCB4/Home.htm |
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Earthjustice Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. We bring about far-reaching change by enforcing and strengthening environmental laws on behalf of hundreds of organizations and communities. Cheney and the Klamath Fish Kill In Brief:Report shows Bush administration interfered with Klamath river flows, destroying thousands of fish and ruining livelihoods of fishing communities from California to Oregon.
To find out more go to: http://www.earthjustice.org/about_us/index.html |
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Environment California
Clean Energy for America
Right now, America is failing to take advantage of our almost unlimited potential nationwide to generate electricity from renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power. Fortunately, support for clean energy is on the rise as more and more people recognize the environmental and economic benefits of shifting away from fossil fuels. California is leading the way with the nation’s strongest renewable electricity standard and the Million Solar Roofs program.
Building on the momentum from California and other states, we are calling on Congress to support a national renewable electricity standard of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020. By adopting this policy, Congress can help build a cleaner and more secure economy for America, while reducing global warming pollution and making the U.S. once again the world’s clean energy leader.
For more information go to: http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/
Energy Independence and Global Warming
Members of Congress are working at cross-purposes regarding a national energy policy. Some are promoting "alternative" fuels while others support "renewable" energy. Will alternative fuels reduce our dependence on foreign oil and slow global warming? Not necessarily. However we can do both if we choose our options carefully.
Coal is promoted as an "alternative" fuel but it doubles carbon dioxide emissions when compared to conventional fossil fuels. Not only is carbon emitted while using coal-based fuel, the process of making liquid fuel from coal creates almost a ton of carbon dioxide for each barrel of fuel produced. This contributes to increased warming of the atmosphere.
The coal lobby is asking for billions of taxpayer dollars to pay for coal gasification. Thirty years ago we squandered billions of taxpayer money on energy companies to pursue "coal gasification." It wasn't a good idea then and it's not a good idea now.
More fuel can be saved at less cost to taxpayers by increasing the mileage per gallon of gas for each car. Ford and General Motors ignored the need for energy independence after September 11, 2001 by continuing to build more gas guzzling SUVs to their detriment. The technology to increase gas mileage is readily available and far cheaper than developing coal as an alternative fuel.
We should continue to develop solar power and wind energy that is clean as well as renewable. And while biodiesel is both an alternative and a renewable fuel that creates carbon dioxide in use, the amount created is far less than fossil fuel or coal.
Increasing the fuel efficiency for all cars and pickups will have the biggest immediate impact toward energy independence. It's time for U.S. automakers to step up to the plate and be patriotic Americans! If countries in the European Union and Japan are committing to 40 mpg by 2012, then surely U.S. car manufacturers can do no less.
Call our elected officials in Washington to let them know what you think.
Question: Do you want your U.S. taxpayer dollars spent on a missile defense shield for Europe?
Call the White House Comment Line -
202-456-1111 - to express your opinion
Greenbelt Alliance
ACTION ALERT: KEEP SPRAWL OFF EAST BAY HILLS
In Pittsburg, city officials are approaching a final decision on their attempt to open East Bay hills to development. On August 28, the Planning Commission will make their last changes to the proposed Hillside Development Ordinance. Although the City says this ordinance is intended to protect the hills, it is really a how-to manual for developing the hills.
Help stop Pittsburg from ruining views and worsening traffic in the East Bay! This hearing on August 28 is one of the last possible opportunities to make the ordinance stronger. Come to the hearing and demand that the Planning Commission keep development off steep slopes and ridgelines.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 28, 7:00 pm
WHERE: City Hall Chambers, 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg
ACTION ALERT: CHOOSE THE BEST ALTERNATIVE FOR THE CONCORD NAVAL WEAPONS STATION
On the other side of the same East Bay hills, the Concord City Council will soon take a critical step in determining how development will occur on the Naval Weapons Station.
This 5,100-acre area is one of the largest remaining developable areas in the entire region, on a par with Coyote Valley in the South Bay.
On September 4, the city's planners will be presenting various alternatives -- different development scenarios -- for the Weapons
Station. Greenbelt Alliance is urging the City Council to adopt an alternative that preserves 80% of the Weapons Station as protected open space, while concentrating growth around the North Concord Bart Station.
Please join us in telling the City of Concord that you support protected
open space and smart growth at the Weapons Station!
WHEN: Tuesday, September 4, 6:30 pm
WHERE: Council Chambers, 1950 Parkside Drive, Concord
ACTION ALERT: CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR SONOMA COUNTY'S FARMS AND TOWNS
In Sonoma County, the Board of Supervisors will soon be facing important questions: How will the County reduce its contribution to global climate change? How will it ensure a clean and plentiful supply of water for residents? How will it protect farmlands and natural areas from sprawl development? These questions will be answered in the County's General Plan, the blueprint for the next 20 years of growth and development. The County is updating the plan now.
Unfortunately, the Planning Commission recently made decisions that actually weakened important parts of the plan. Now the Board of Supervisors will have the final word on how well Sonoma County protects its environment and its residents.
This is a critical time to get involved; contact Daisy Pistey-Lyhne at
daisypl@greenbelt.org or at (707) 575-3661 to find out how.
Read the full story at:
http://greenbelt.org/resources/newswire/2007august.html#subheading5
FEATURE: HOW WALKABLE IS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
A new online quiz uses Google maps to calculate a score based on where
you live and what's close by.
Take the quiz at: http://walkscore.com/
Find out what makes neighborhoods walkable at:
http://walkscore.com/walkable-neighborhoods.shtml
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