Solar Projects In Google News

LETTER: Show support for keeping large solar projects out of Carver's ... - Carver Reporter

Sat, 05/18/2013 - 12:30 PM

LETTER: Show support for keeping large solar projects out of Carver's On Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m., the Carver Zoning Board of Appeals will be having a public hearing of an appeal by Rocky Meadow Development to remove the cease and desist order and return the building permit so Borrego Solar may continue their work

Developer: NC doesn't need solar 'mega-projects' - Charlotte Business Journal (blog)

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 10:38 PM

Developer: NC doesn't need solar 'mega-projects'North Carolina is much likely to be a center for distributed generation solar projects — utility scale solar farms of 20 megawatts or less. A number of 100-plus megawatt projects have gotten a lot of attention in the Western United States. There

Financing Solar, 25 Bucks At A Time - Solar Industry

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 04:27 PM

Building on this online marketplace idea, Mosaic was launched in January of this year to raise money for solar projects. The Oakland, Calif.-based organization has funded projects such as the 114 kW installation on the roof of the Ronald McDonald House

General Motors Adds Four Solar Projects - Solar Industry

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 03:24 PM

Empower Energies, which recently changed its name from ViSole Energy Inc., has announced the completion of four new photovoltaic solar projects at the General Motors Warren Technical Center campus, located in Warren, Mich. The installations include a Empower Energies installs four PV arrays for General MotorsPV-Techall 2

Canadian Solar, Duke Energy Renewables, Integrys Energy Services and ... - ThomasNet Industrial News Room (press release)

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:37 PM

pv magazine

Canadian Solar, Duke Energy Renewables, Integrys Energy Services and Community Energy Complete Solar Projects for Sterling Municipal Light in Massachusetts. Print |. Email |, Comment, Share. Canadian Solar Inc. 650 Riverbend Drive, Suite B Kitchener NextEra, Wind and Gas Giant Goes Solar; Buys Smart Energy CapitalGreentech MediaSEIA report: US military cuts casualties and costs with solar energypv magazineNew Solar: From 100% In March To 2.5% In AprilEarthTechlingSolar Industry -ecoRI news -Bizcommunity.comall 58

Empower Energies installs four PV arrays for General Motors - PV-Tech

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 11:25 AM

solar installations. As the leading automotive user of solar power, we understand the importance of solar projects like this, and we continue to work with companies such as Empower Energies to activate new projects at our facilities around the

Morocco starts building first of 100s of MWs of concentrated solar projects - Clean Energy Authority

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 01:29 AM

b_210_158_16777215_00_images_news_201305_senertrough-2.jpg While new large-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) projects seem to be on the wane in the U.S. and Europe, they're just getting started elsewhere. Case in point, Morocco. Earlier this

Empower Energies Completes Four Solar Projects for General Motors - The Herald | HeraldOnline.com

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 05:34 PM

TROY, Mich., May 16, 2013 — /PRNewswire/ -- Empower Energies, a leading Renewable Portfolio Solutions company, announced the completion of four new photovoltaic (PV) solar projects at the General Motors Warren Technical Center campus, in Warren,

Empower Energies Completes Four Solar Projects for General Motors - PR Newswire (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 05:17 PM

TROY, Mich., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Empower Energies, a leading Renewable Portfolio Solutions company, announced the completion of four new photovoltaic (PV) solar projects at the General Motors Warren Technical Center campus, in Warren, MI.

Empower Energies Completes Four Solar Projects for General Motors - MarketWatch (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 05:16 PM

TROY, Mich., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Empower Energies, a leading Renewable Portfolio Solutions company, announced the completion of four new photovoltaic (PV) solar projects at the General Motors Warren Technical Center campus,

California Solar Projects In Google News

Gov. Jerry Brown touts solar home project in Long Beach - Long Beach Press-Telegram

Sat, 05/18/2013 - 12:36 AM

Around 100 officials, residents and project workers attended the celebration in the 100 block of E. 69th St. in Long Beach. The installation is part of California's Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program, and was completed by the nonprofit GRID Photos: California Governor Jerry Brown Visits Solar Panel Home Installation San Jose Mercury News media centerall 2

The Advantages of Developing Solar on Brownfields - Greentech Media

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 05:43 PM

Building on brownfields and landfills cuts down on -- or perhaps completely eliminates -- resource conflicts which have frequently plagued large-scale solar projects in California, particularly those on Public Lands. As a result of these minimized

Mosaic's Biggest Solar Project Ever Boasts Investors Nationwide - AltEnergyMag (press release)

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 01:00 PM

Mosaic's Biggest Solar Project Ever Boasts Investors NationwideOAKLAND, CA -- (May 16, 2013) Mosaic, a clean energy marketplace, just topped $1M invested on their biggest solar project to date with over 800 investors from 42 states across the country. Mosaic's solar investments offer a way for individuals to go

Blue Earth Completes Construction of Two More Solar PV Projects in California ... - Wall Street Journal (press release)

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 09:35 AM

HENDERSON, NV--(Marketwired - May 17, 2013) - Blue Earth, Inc. (OTCQB: BBLU) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Xnergy Inc., finalized the construction of two renewable energy projects utilizing solar PV (photovoltaic) technology.

Blue Earth Completes Construction of Two More Solar PV Projects in California ... - Marketwire (press release)

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 09:30 AM

HENDERSON, NV--(Marketwired - May 17, 2013) - Blue Earth, Inc. ( OTCQB : BBLU) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Xnergy Inc., finalized the construction of two renewable energy projects utilizing solar PV (photovoltaic) technology.

Nearly 100% Of New California Electricity To Be Solar In 2H 2013 - CleanTechnica

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 03:11 PM

Herman Trabish of Greentech Media has happened across a pretty interesting find — 97% of new electricity generation capacity in line to be added to the California grid in the second half (2H) of 2012 is from solar power projects. This is according to

SolarCity, Goldman Collaborate Over $500M Solar Project Funding - iStockAnalyst (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 01:48 PM

(NASDAQ: SCTY) announced a collaboration with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) to fund than $500 million in solar power projects. The San Mateo, California-based rooftop solar systems installer expects the lease financing agreement with Goldman Sachs Backs $500 Million SolarCity Fund for Financing Rooftop-Solar Fox BusinessWhat SolarCity's earnings say about the challenges of building a solar retail GigaOMHauppauge Solar Energy Company to Open by SummerPatch.comBloomberg -Daily Beast -Forbesall 43

Mosaic's Biggest Solar Project Ever Tops $1M Invested from 823 Individuals in ... - PR Newswire (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 12:02 PM

Mosaic's Biggest Solar Project Ever Tops $1M Invested from 823 Individuals in To date, Mosaic has raised over $2M from than 1,500 investors to finance solar projects in California, Arizona and New Jersey. For information about Mosaic visit www.joinmosaic.com. *Please visit joinmosaic.com to learn about the

3 Reasons PG&E Is Reaching Its California Solar Initiative Targets - Greentech Media

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 03:13 PM

3 Reasons PG&E Is Reaching Its California Solar Initiative TargetsThe announcement that PG&E has stopped taking applications for its portion of the CSI residential program has caused a bit of nostalgia and something of a feel-good moment among some in the solar industry. In our opinion, however, the CSI residential

Sebastopol, California Solar Power Regulations Make It Second In State To ... - Huffington Post

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 12:41 PM

The ordinance will go into effect 60 days after it receives the final stamp of approval from the Sebastopol City Council and will not apply to homes and other in-the-works building projects already on file with the city. Any Sebastopol residents care

New Jersey Solar Projects In Google News

Goldman Sachs to fund $500m SolarCity rooftop solar projects - Business Green

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 11:39 AM

In related news, Mosaic, an online marketplace that aims to connect investors to solar projects, announced this week that it has topped over $1m of investment with a deal for a 486kW capacity solar development in Wildwood New Jersey. Mosaic said

Watchung students help to welcome new Bayberry solar panels - New Jersey Hills

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 07:02 AM

Together with other solar energy iniatives throughout New Jersey, there are now 260 schools statewide that are involved in generating some of their energy from participation in similar solar projects. The ribbon cutting ceremony included greetings from

NextEra, Wind and Gas Giant Goes Solar; Buys Smart Energy Capital - Greentech Media

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 02:51 PM

Its solar projects include the SEGS concentrating solar power plant, New Jersey's Paradise project, and the 5-megawatt Hatch CPV project. This acquisition looks to be NextEra's deeper entry into solar -- in some measure, driven by Andrew Beebe who was

Mosaic's Biggest Solar Project Ever Tops $1M Invested from 823 Individuals in ... - Wall Street Journal (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 12:11 PM

Mosaic's Biggest Solar Project Ever Tops $1M Invested from 823 Individuals in To date, Mosaic has raised over $2M from than 1,500 investors to finance solar projects in California, Arizona and New Jersey. For information about Mosaic visit www.joinmosaic.com. *Please visit joinmosaic.com to learn about the

US: True South Rewnewables awarded 80 MW in Q1 - pv magazine (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 08:40 AM

The new contracts include projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. “We are pleased to see new customers come to True South The company currently provides O&M and Asset

Pohatcong council opposes elementary school's solar panel project - The Express Times - LehighValleyLive.com

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 03:27 AM

Pohatcong council opposes elementary school's solar panel project - LehighValleyLive.comPohatcong attorney Kevin Benbrook said the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities passed new metering regulations that restrict the size of municipal solar projects to meet only the municipality's needs, limiting the profits. Former Councilman Kevin

Farmland belongs array-free - Hunterdon County Democrat - NJ.com

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 08:26 PM

- NJ.comNew Jersey and you. But some are not — like solar power plants and farmland. You might think they'd make a perfect pair, since flat, open farm landscapes have easy access to the sun's renewable energy. But New Jersey's farmland is precious. This state

SCCC named in suit regarding unpaid bills for solar project - New Jersey Herald

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 04:55 AM

Funds have been blocked for some of these public solar projects in New Jersey since Sunlight and MasTec have been disagreeing over money. The Morris County Improvement Authority and Sunlight have filed a separate lawsuit against MasTec and have

NJ interest groups form coalition to take on electric utilities' planned rate ... - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com

Tue, 05/14/2013 - 10:16 PM

NJ interest groups form coalition to take on electric utilities' planned rate - NJ.comAdd up the number of proposed infrastructure and solar projects, rate hikes and storm-related recovery requests now on the table from New Jersey's three largest utilities and the total is about $8 billion. Separately, a variety of interest groups have

KDC Solar and North Jersey Media Group cut the ribbon on largest solar ... - Your Industry News (press release)

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 12:47 PM

It currently operates 34 megawatts of "behind the meter" solar facilities at 9 different locations and is constructing and permitting 85 megawatt of "behind the meter" solar projects at businesses and institutions throughout New Jersey. KDC Solar

Colorado Solar Projects In Google News

REC Solar completes first community solar project in Colorado - PV-Tech

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 07:52 PM

REC Solar has completed the first of four community solar projects in Colorado under the state's legislation Community Solar Gardens Act implemented last year. The 500kW Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array is also the first community solar project

Wall Street firm makes record bet on rooftop solar power - Environment & Energy Publishing

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 03:24 PM

In the largest financing agreement of its type to date, Goldman Sachs said yesterday it would provide than $500 million in lease financing to help build thousands of distributed solar projects under a partnership with SolarCity of San Mateo, Calif

Riverside County solar fee slashed in settlement - The Desert Sun

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 06:32 AM

The settlement only applies to solar projects with generating capacities over 20 megawatts. Other conditions of the compromise require solar developers and any contractors or projects is a transmission bottleneck in getting power to coastal markets

Greeley-Weld airport eyes solar garden - Northern Colorado Business Report

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 05:12 AM

A Colorado State University official told the Business Report in January that the university reached an agreement with Namaste Solar to add solar capacity. How large an array CSU, which already has than 5.5 megawatts of solar capacity, might

REC Solar Completes Pioneering Colorado Community Solar Project - Environmental Expert (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 10:22 PM

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- REC Solar, a national leader in solar electric system design and installation, today announced the completion of a 500 kilowatt community solar project in Boulder, Colorado. The Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array

Solar SpeedRack™, LLC Announces Breakthrough in Racking Systems - Sacramento Bee

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 09:19 PM

MarketWatch (press release)

The certification covers the states of Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. "This is the first step in a global launch of our racking systems," added Mr. Shamloo. Solar SpeedRack Solar SpeedRack(TM), LLC Announces Breakthrough in Racking SystemsMarketWatch (press release)all 2

Solar SpeedRack™, LLC Announces Breakthrough in Racking Systems - PR Newswire (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 04:06 PM

MarketWatch (press release)

The certification covers the states of Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. "This is the first step in a global launch of our racking systems," added Mr. Shamloo. Solar SpeedRack Solar SpeedRack(TM), LLC Announces Breakthrough in Racking SystemsMarketWatch (press release)all 2

Solar SpeedRack(TM), LLC Announces Breakthrough in Racking Systems - MarketWatch (press release)

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 04:06 PM

The certification covers the states of Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. "This is the first step in a global launch of our racking systems," added Mr. Shamloo. Solar SpeedRack

LVEDA shines light on solar issue - Lucernevalleyleader

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 12:43 AM

Carrillo encouraged residents to arm themselves with knowledge regarding the DRECP, which designates 22.5 million acres of land — mostly in the Mojave and Colorado desert regions — for plant and wildlife management and for compatible renewable energy

Will 2016 be the end of the roof for third party lease models? - PV-Tech (blog)

Tue, 05/14/2013 - 11:08 AM

Residential TPO-financed installations comprise greater than 50% of new capacity in California, Arizona, Colorado and Massachusetts, according to GTM Research. Project finance raised by TPO providers. SolarCity has raised $1.6B to date, of which around

Department of Energy Solar Projects

Solar Capital signs R11.5 billion contract with DoE - Bizcommunity - Bizcommunity.com

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 09:45 AM

- .com. 16 May 2013 11:40Submit a commentBizLike. Solar Capital has recently signed its second Independent Power Purchase Agreement with the Department of Energy. This second Solar Capital project, which

In wake of Solyndra debacle, US industry sees chance to go from niche to ... - Environment & Energy Publishing

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 09:55 PM

Mosaic has successfully been able to "crowd fund" solar projects on commercial buildings through direct investment from investors who provide as little as $25 for a project. The company, which started offering this project funding in January, has been

Future's So Bright … Generating solar power on unusable industrial park land - Oak Ridger

Thu, 05/9/2013 - 11:27 PM

Future's So Bright … Generating solar power on unusable industrial park landSince 2004, the Agency has taken part in than 40 solar projects across the globe to bring together rising international interest in German solar technology and help expand global solar markets. “The selection of Oak Ridge as the first American

Global Fund Backs Cheap Australian Wind As Local Firms Head Abroad - CleanTechnica

Wed, 05/8/2013 - 12:12 PM

I fully support any wind or solar projects and funding already, they reduce emissions and slow the expenditure of rapidly dissipating FF reserves. But the world need's an additional solution (and a large one at that) if all energy needs are ever

Generating solar power on unusable industrial park land - Oak Ridger

Tue, 05/7/2013 - 10:29 PM

Since 2004, the Agency has taken part in than 40 solar projects across the globe to bring together rising international interest in German solar technology and help expand global solar markets. “The selection of Oak Ridge as the first American

SolarCity to Install Solar Power on 160000 Military Homes - Solar Novus Today (blog)

Tue, 05/7/2013 - 04:58 PM

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a partial guarantee of a $344 million (USD) loan to help secure financing for SolarCity's SolarStrong project. As part of the project

Solar Powers $1.1 Billion VC Investment in Cleantech - Solar Novus Today (blog)

Tue, 05/7/2013 - 04:58 PM

In mid-June, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced loans and guarantees or offered conditional loan guarantees totaling than $10 billion in loan guarantees for solar projects. First Solar secured $4.5 billion in loan guarantees, NextEra

Take the TruSolar Initiative's Bankability Survey - Greentech Media

Tue, 05/7/2013 - 04:01 PM

Take the TruSolar Initiative's Bankability SurveySolar Assurant Senior Product Manager David Smith said both Assurant (NYSE:AIZ), an insurer, and the initiative want to make it easier to complete solar projects. Sandia National Labs Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH) Principal Gary Leatherman

NRG Energy, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results; Reaffirms Adjusted EBITDA ... - Wall Street Journal (press release)

Tue, 05/7/2013 - 11:02 AM

NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) today reported first quarter 2013 Adjusted EBITDA of $373 million with Wholesale contributing $234 million, Retail contributing $103 million and Solar projects contributing $36 million. .. equity requirements for U.S

NRG Energy, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results; Reaffirms Adjusted EBITDA ... - MarketWatch (press release)

Tue, 05/7/2013 - 10:56 AM

NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) today reported first quarter 2013 Adjusted EBITDA of $373 million with Wholesale contributing $234 million, Retail contributing $103 million and Solar projects contributing $36 million. .. restricted cash to support

The Green Life

Ideas for living well and doing good from Sierra magazine.

4 Cool Bike Accessories

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 10:12 AM

It's Bike to Work Week, which means you have the perfect excuse to spruce up your bike with these unique accessories!

Wearable Bike Planter:  We've seen an old bike repurposed as a giant flower planter, but what if you could just strap a plant to your bike and take it with you on your daily adventures? Well, now you can! Check out this petite bike planter and other adorable planters that you can wear as accessories.

Bicycle Wine Rack/Beer Holder: We don't advise drinking and biking, but this gadget could come in handy if you're headed to a party or barbeque this spring. Don't bother trying to squeeze these beverages into your purse or bag, just head over to Etsy and get your bicycle wine rack or beer holder for under $30!

Florescent Wheel Lights: These are a must-have for all after-dark cyclists. Brighten up the streets with these florescent wheel lights. The MonkeyLectic lights provide nearly 360-degree visibility and last up to 20 hours on AA batteries. Get yours here.

Bike Rack/Bookshelf: Looking for a cool way to store your bike inside your home? Invest in a stylish bike rack, which doubles as a bookshelf, and let your ride act as an accent piece in your living room or hallway. Check out a list of options here with prices that range from $95-$300. 

 

--Image courtesy of WearablePlanter 

Read More:

Charge Your Phone While Cycling

Discounted Bike For Sierra Club Members

Are Grocery Delivery Services Green?

5 Weird and Wacky Bikes

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 11:48 AM

While biking gains traction in cities across the country, especially as we celebrate Bike to Work Week, you might feel the urge to pedal your own path. While everyone else hops on their ten-speeds, stay ahead of the pack, and get into gear with these head-turning rides.       

Circular Bike:

Sure, the aptly named Circular Bike might not actually be mobile, but it sure makes a sweet statement piece. Artist Robert Wechsler built the canary-yellow, carousel-like contraption from nine salvaged bikes. The modular Circular Bike can be dismantled, moved, or reassembled altogether. It often sits in public places, where its wacky, whimsical appearance invites curious passersby for a giggle-inducing spin.  

Image by Robert Wechsler

Square-wheeled bike

Yes, you read that correctly: a square-wheeled bike (which is actually a trike—most call it a bike, though). In 1997, Stan Wagon, a mathematics professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota designed a square-wheeled ride that can roll smoothly—but only on evenly spaced bumps of a special shape, known as an inverted catenary. A catenary is the curve that a rope or chain forms when supported at either end. (Imagine the cables on a suspension bridge.) A road made of upside down, catenary-shaped bumps placed side-by-side create the perfect surface for Wagon’s bike, which you can ride in the lower level of Macalester’s Olin-Rice Science Center.

Image by Stan Wagon, Macalester College

Sideways Bike:

The Sideways Bike puts a radical spin on a prim and proper horseback riding practice. Rather than straddling the seat, the rider actually sits sidesaddle style. With the front and rear seating independent from each other, the rider maneuvers by shifting his or her lower body rather than turning a handlebar. The bike drifts from side to side while the rider sits upright. In fact, creator Michael Killian says that the sideways bike can be used as a snowboard trainer. Watch Killian slalom on his Sideways Bike below:

 

Video by Patricia Killian

Conference Bike

On the seven-seat Conference Bike, you’ll never doze off during a meeting again. The circular seating arrangement gives you no choice but to interact with fellow passengers. Each pair of pedals is connected to a round shaft by a chain linked to the rear wheels. That way, everyone contributes equally to pushing the bike forward. One person maneuvers the bike by turning a central steering wheel. San Francisco artist Eric Staller originally built the apparatus as a gallery piece, but the buzz it generated convinced him to sell it as a bike. The Conference Bike website reports that 300 bikes are being enjoyed in 18 countries—as a corporate team-builder in Amsterdam and San Diego; a tour bike in Berlin, Baltimore and Minneapolis; and a bike for the blind in Dublin and Florida. Check out the Conference Bike in action in San Francisco's Misson District below:

 

Fietscafe

The Fietscafe lets work off your beer belly—while drinking. This mobile pub seats up to 17, but don’t fret if a night of bar hopping leaves you feeling sluggish; only five people actually need to pedal. A bartender pours Amstel beer, while a sober driver does the steering. Although Fietscafe was originally built as a parade float to promote a Netherlands pub, now it’s also used in bar crawls and tailgating. Since then, 63 of these party pedals have been sold in the U.S., Germany, and Belgium. 

Image by Fietscafe © www.fietscafe.nl

--top image by istockphoto/princigalli

Read More:

Becoming a Bike Commuter

The Bikes of March

Five Most Eco-Friendly Bicycles

Melissa Pandika is an editorial intern at Sierra and a graduate journalism student at Stanford University. Her interests include environmental health and justice, urban environmental issues, and conservation biology. She has a soft spot for cetaceans.

 

6 Must-Have Resources for Cyclists

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 06:20 AM

To continue our celebration of Bike to Work Week, we've collected a slew of info-packed articles to help you hit the road.

1.) How to Pick the Perfect Bike: We'll share six things you should know before buying a commuter bike.

2.) How to Deal with Bad Weather: If you're committed to year-round bike commuting, check out our tips for dealing with rain, snow, or cold weather.

3.) Tips for Female Cyclists: In the U.S., female cyclists are the minority on the road. Here's how we can change that.

4.) How to Become a Bike Commuter: Are you new to two-wheeled transport? Follow these seven steps to stay safe and comfortable on the road.

5.) How to Be More Productive: Research suggests that biking to work improves memory and the ability to multitask. Find out how much physical activity it takes to make an impact.

6.) Tips for Trail Biking: If you're not satisfied with weekday cycling, check out our advice for making the most of designated mountain trails.

--Image by istockphoto/olaser

Charge Your Phone While Cycling

Tue, 05/14/2013 - 12:24 PM

There are many reasons why biking to work rules. You save money, eliminate the stress of parking, get in a quick workout, and now, thanks to Aaron Latzke and David Delcourt, you can even charge your cell phone using kinetic energy generated from your ride! Yeah, we know, pretty awesome.

The Kickstarter campaign for the Siva Cycle Atom was launched a few weeks ago, and with only a few days left to pre-order, the project has already seen more than $110,00 pledged by 1,200 backers. Needless to say people are pretty excited. The Atom, which reportedly weighs about as much as a banana, is a small device that can be attached to the back wheel of your bicycle. While you pedal, the Siva Cycle Atom converts the kinetic energy into electronic energy that charges up the Atom. You can choose whether to charge your gadget (phone, ipod, etc.) directly while riding or store the energy generated in the battery pack to charge your electronics when you finish your ride. So as long as you have your bike, you can rest assured that you won't be caught without a battery charge.

For more information about the Siva Cycle Atom, check out the video below by the creators or head over to official Kickstarter project site. 

 

 

--Image and Video by Kickstarter - The Siva Cycle Atom

 

Read More:

Discounted Bikes for Sierra Club Members

The Art of Traffic Safety

5 Apps to Green Your Travel

Discounted Bikes for Sierra Club Members

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 12:13 PM

It's time to kick off Bike to Work Week, and this year we've got the perfect ride. That's right, we're talking about our very own limited-edition, not-available-forever Sierra Club bicycle.

Made by PUBLIC bikes, the leader in European-style rides, our custom bicycle is avaliable in two styles to fit the needs of every rider. The first option is PUBLIC's C7 model, which offers a step-thru "Dutch style" frame, ideal for riders wearing skirts or dresses. The PUBLIC V7 model, our second option, boasts a sloped diamond frame design. Both models come in bright grass-green and feature the Sierra Club's logo on the rear and head tube, as well as our slogan on the rear fender. Click here for more information on this nice ride and to get your own today.

Our beloved Sierra Club members will receive a 10% discount with the promo code SIERRACLUB. And this is just one of the many benefits that come along with joining our team as a member of the Club. Find out more of our awesome members-only perks today.

--Images courtesy of PUBLIC bikes

 

Read More:

3 Incredible Interspecies Moms

No More Helmet Hair

Hit and Run from the Cyclist Perspective

How Rachel Carson Are You?

Thu, 05/9/2013 - 09:54 AM

Rachel Carson grew up near a glue factory, was a bestselling author before her seminal Silent Spring, and is often called the "mother of the environmental movement."

Curious, empathetic, courageous, Carson pursued her dreams and her gut, ultimately shepherding hard truths into the national consciousness.

It's a lot of live up to, but check off the following simple facts to see how much you share with a person integral to our modern pursuit of a green life. (And if you haven't already, check out our John Muir quiz.)

The Rachel Carson Checklist

You ...

... have a late May birthday. ... hail from Pennsylvania. ... got your love of nature from your mom. ... grew up near a coal-fired power plant. ... feel called to be a writer. ... have been known as a bit of loner. ... have studied English and biology. ... have a degree in zoology. ... have a deep affinity for the sea. ... have had an article published in a newspaper or magazine. ... have financially supported your parents and siblings. ... work to encourage natural wonder in children. ... have worked as an editor. ... have worked as a marine biologist. ... have worked for the federal government. ... have testified before Congress. ... avoid pesticides. ... have been affected by breast cancer. ... believe people are part of the natural world, not masters of it. ... have read Silent Spring. ... want to change the world.

Bonus point: Your middle name is Louise.

See how you scored:

Between 1 and 7 items:

Even having a little in common with Carson is pretty cool. Her modest childhood and her work to sustain her family are universal experiences, but waxing lyrical about biology and captivating generations (before writing an earth-shattering investigation into humans' effect on the environment's effect on humans) aren't everyday accomplishments. 

Between 8 and 14 items:

Lookin' good, friend. Whether or not Carson has directly inspired your life, it's worth looking into your similarities. Carson's commitment to her dream (writing) and her passion (nature) helped redefine how we inhabit our world. Imagine if we all did the same?

Between 15 and 21 items:

Whoa, there, tiger. Rachel Carsons don't come everyday, so kudos to you for your shared brilliance. Do tell — how are you working to change the world? And if you've testified before Congress, tell us that story, too.

 

Mackenzie Mount is an editorial intern at Sierra. She's cleaned toilets at Yellowstone National Park and studied sustainable cooking at The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas. She scored an 8.

 

--images courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

READ MORE:

SO COOL -- Silent Spring told in vanity plates

A film about Rachel Carson's life

A radio interview with Linda Lear, Carson biographer

6 Great Gifts for Moms

Wed, 05/8/2013 - 10:00 AM

Love is unlimited, but money and time aren't always as abundant. With Mother's Day fast approaching, many of us are scrambling to find a gift that shows our love, but not our lack of resources. Whether you're restricted by a tight budget or you're just low on spare time, we've got a few gift ideas that will make your mom smile.

Gifts on the Go If you're flush with cash but don't have a second to spare, a few clicks will put one of these products in route to your mother.

Order one of these five eco-friendly cell phone accessories. Extra points if you follow up with a phone call. Keep an on-the-go mom refreshed and healthy with one of these five BPA-free drink containers. Spread the love around by giving one of these upcycled gifts: Purchase a recycled candle holder that helps homeless mothers in Chicago or a recycled necklace that helps support impoverished Ugandan women.

Gifts on a Budget If your pockets are empty but you're full of creativity, go the DIY route this year.

Got a broken umbrella, sewing skills, and an hour or two? Make this repurposed tote bag. If you have 20 minutes and an old CD, this attractive napkin holder will make a music lover smile without breaking the bank. Treat athletic moms to a day outdoors. Start the day with an energizing green smoothie, then practice yoga in a park, bike a scenic route, or explore a local hiking trail.

--Della Watson

--image by istockphoto/Lisa-Blue

READ MORE:

The 5 Best Eco-Spreads

DIY in 10 Minutes: Rustic Jewelry Holder

Must-Have Paddling Gear

Dialed In

Fri, 05/3/2013 - 11:00 AM

Smartphones have become our mailboxes, maps, cameras, clocks, calendars, books, and music players. In that spirit of multipurpose minimalism, we went on the hunt for some eco-friendly cell accessories.  Whether you're pumping reggae or Rachmaninoff, the durable Zion In-Ear Headphones from HOUSE OF MARLEY keep the bass deep and the beats clean. If a call interrupts your groove, answer via a center button and mic embedded onto the Rasta-threaded cord.These earbuds are made from sustainable wood and recyclable aluminum  and come packaged in recycled paper and plastic. The audio-goods company, created in partnership with Bob Marley’s family, donates 5% of its profits to 1Love, a nonprofit that funds green initiatives. $100

Finally, a way to charge up while backcountry camping: With the CampStove from BIOLITE, you can warm your hands on the same fire that charges your phone. The 33-ounce thermoelectric gadget needs no gas. Just stuff in some twigs, set 'em on fire, and plug in. $130

A splash of water can make a smartphone dumb. Keep yours high and dry by strapping it into the nylon ProCase by  T-REIGN. The rugged cocoon is made via a zero-waste manufacturing process by a company that recently switched its packaging to be more minimal. $35

The Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit from GOAL ZERO, a company that claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of portable solar products, charges your phone (or tablet) anytime the sun shines. After dark, juice up with the kit's four rechargeable batteries — they come in a pack that doubles as an LED flashlight. $120

A phone case may seem like just another unnecessary thing to buy. But when you consider that a naked cell is much more likely to break than a protected one (remember, its outsides are made of glass), a cover starts to look like an ecological investment. The slim, stylish, and biodegradable Interchangeable iPhone 5 Case from INNOVEZ sports bright-colored style and two layers of buffering to prevent an early death knell for your cell. If you haven’t upgraded to the 5 yet, don’t worry: Innovez makes degradable cases for all versions of the iPhone. $25

--Avital Andrews

Schmear Campaign: The Best Eco-Spreads

Thu, 05/2/2013 - 02:46 PM

Spreads have come a long way from the days of instant-soup packets mixed with sour cream. Animate your Ak-Mak with these eco-friendly slathers. 

The Sweet and Spicy Black Bean Hummus from EAT WELL ENJOY LIFE is a low-fat pate made with corn, pineapple, red peppers, pecans, chipotle chilies, and a medley of spices, all without GMOs. Michelle Dudash, a Cordon Bleu-certified chef and registered dietician who wrote Clean Eating for Busy Families, loves this particular flavor and admires the brand for its unique taste combinations and eco-values: The PET plastic packaging is easily recyclable, and the paperless company recycles all of its waste. About $5 for 10 ounces

JUSTIN'S Honey Almond Butter, creamy and sweet, goes perfectly on everything from rice cakes to bananas, says Amie Valpone, a Manhattan nutritionist who runs the Healthy Apple blog. To give the butter texture, she sometimes sprinkles it with ground flaxseed. The spread is high in protein, comes in a recycled-plastic, BPA-free jar, and doesn't have genetically modified anything — the only ingredients are California-grown almonds, sugar, honey, sea salt, and palm oil, which the company sources from a sustainable farm. Justin's uses mostly organic ingredients. About $9 for 16 ounces

The Premium Organic Sesame Butter from GOLDEN MILLSTONE is made from just a single rare ingredient: sesame seeds harvested by small organic farms in Ethiopia, slow-roasted at temperatures low enough to qualify them as a raw food, then ground on a 90-year-old millstone. The nutty, nutritious spread is packed with those fatty acids that are hard for vegetarians to get, plus protein and antioxidants. Use the sesame butter right out of the glass jar as you would peanut butter, or mix it into dips, smoothies, or salad dressings. $8 for 14 ounces 

For those seeking an alternative to butter or margarine, Rich and Creamy Melt Organic from PROSPERITY ORGANIC FOODS is a find. All of its ingredients — including virgin coconut oil, sustainably harvested palm-fruit oil, and high-oleic sunflower oil, plus a touch of real butter — are organic, fair trade, and non-GMO. The healthy-fat, clean-tasting schmear has a lush flavor with the faintest hint of coconut. Spread it on bread, dollop it on potatoes, or use it to grease pans — then recycle the container. About $4 for 13 ounces

Terry Walters is a James Beard nominee whose latest cookbook is Clean Food: A Seasonal Guide to Eating Close to the Source. She shared her recipe for Carrot Cashew Miso Spread, which is good on sourdough, on crackers, and in a sandwich. Here's how to make 11/2 cups of it: Peel 2 large carrots and chop them into 1/2-inch pieces. Put them in a pot with 3/4 cup of raw cashews and 1 cup of vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes. Scoop out the carrots and cashews and put them in a food processor. Put 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid in a separate bowl and dissolve 2 tablespoons of light miso into it. Add the miso broth to the carrot-cashew mixture and process until smooth. Top with sesame seeds and serve, or put it in the fridge, where it'll keep for up to 4 days.

--Avital Andrews

Cat + Owl = BFFs?

Thu, 05/2/2013 - 08:19 AM

Talk about an odd couple. Two years after we first shared a video of Fum the cat frolicking with Gebra the barn owl, the celebrity critters remain BFFs, with a shared website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page to prove it. 

What could explain the Spanish duo’s unlikely affection? Some believe it’s because they’ve been buddies almost since birth. They also share an instinct to prey on rodents.

Good luck trying not to "awww" over this adorable footage of Fum leaping and pawing at Gebra, who responds with a few pecks when their playtime gets too rough.

 

Read More:

Cat Facts: Mining OIl Shale Doesn't Add Up

Sordid San Francisco Falcon Drama

Green Careers: Wildlife Biology

Melissa Pandika is an editorial intern at Sierra and a graduate journalism student at Stanford University. Her interests include environmental health and justice, urban environmental issues, and conservation biology. She has a soft spot for cetaceans.

 

Compass

Pointing the way to a clean energy future.

Big Victory: Minnesota's Landmark Clean Energy Standard Charts Course Beyond Dirty Energy

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:56 PM

Minnesota energy has begun a new chapter.

Minnesota has taken a first step in outlining the next big leap forward in the state's sustainable energy future. Pushed by more than 60 environmental, labor, business, youth, and faith groups, the jobs omnibus bill -- expected to be signed by Governor Mark Dayton -- includes a Clean Energy and Jobs package that sets a standard of 1.5 percent solar by 2020 with a broader goal of reaching 10 percent by 2030. This is a great start for a state that is in position to lead the Midwest into the clean-energy economy.

I remember seeing pictures earlier this month of people filling the halls of the Capitol in St. Paul to demand phasing out coal and bringing in clean energy jobs. Legislators, impressed by the turnout, stopped in the rotunda to express their support. The governor even put a picture of the rally on his Facebook page. 

Retiring coal is key to solving climate disruption and investing in healthy communities. But just as important is the transition to clean energy. Minnesota's solar legislation will propel the state's investment in energy innovation, generate jobs, and build on the existing goal of reaching 25 percent renewables by 2025. This new standard includes:

- An estimated 450 megawatts of new solar by 2020 added to the existing 13 MW in the state.

- Community-shared solar. Utilities will offer solar "subscriptions" to anyone who wants to invest in an off-site project and receive credits on their energy bill. This is perfect for Minnesotans who rent or have shady roofs.

- A solar tariff. Minnesota will be one of the first states in the country to adopt a tariff that will pay homeowners who generate and pump clean energy back into the grid.

- The commission of a study to explore how Minnesota can achieve an energy system free of burning fossil fuels over the next several decades.

Critics have complained that this will increase rates. But they conveniently overlook the fact that the cost of Big Coal has sharply increased while solar and other renewables have been steadily getting cheaper. This is one reason why the vast majority of Minnesotans support more wind and solar. They are tired of polluters calling the shots. That's why their representatives have taken action by paving the way for a bright energy future.  

-- Mary Anne Hitt, Beyond Coal Director

An Open Letter to Energy Secretary Moniz on Natural Gas Exports

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 10:08 AM

By Deb Nardone, Beyond Natural Gas Campaign Director

Dear Secretary Moniz,

Congratulations on being confirmed as Secretary of Energy. You will play a vitally important role leading our country toward a clean-energy future.

As you begin to consider how natural gas will fit into our energy policy, the Sierra Club's 2.1 million members and supporters urge you and the Department of Energy (DOE) to seriously consider whether fracking for gas is really going to benefit Americans.

There are currently 25 proposals the DOE is considering to build terminals that could export up to 45 percent of total U.S. gas production as liquefied natural gas (LNG). We ask you to think through how exports will affect our public health, environment, climate, and economy, which we have detailed in
our report, Look Before the LNG Leap.

In December, NERA Consulting (which is known to have close ties with the fossil fuel industry) published an economic study on LNG exports that included a number of major flaws, such as using old data for its projections. Even more concerning is that NERA's report provides no economic assessment associated with risks to public health and the environment. If exporting natural gas has such potential to change the U.S. economic landscape, why would we think it would not also drastically change our environmental landscape?

The reality is that exporting natural gas will mean more fracking in our communities, which will affect not only our air, water, and land, but the health and safety of the public. Fracking is a dangerous and largely unregulated drilling process, which lacks adequate federal and state protections. Even the Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General warned in its latest report that poor data on air emissions of toxic pollutants from oil and natural gas production make it difficult to predict the potential health effects fracking will have on the public.

Continued drilling and fracking is also going to wreak havoc on our climate by increasing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Natural gas is made up mostly of methane, an extremely powerful climate-disrupting gas in its own right, which is actually seventy times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of trapping heat. According to studies by the International Energy Agency, using more natural gas will put the planet on track toward a 3.5°C global temperature increase, driving us closer to climate disaster.

As the new head of DOE, it is your public responsibility to complete a full environmental impact assessment for LNG export before our nation commits to any exports. The Environmental Protection Agency has repeatedly advised DOE that a comprehensive environmental impact statement is essential to understanding the public health and environmental implications of increased domestic fracking.

In addition to public health and our climate, LNG exports will have significant negative effects on the U.S. economy, especially the middle class. Purdue University conducted an assessment of NERA's study and found, disturbingly, that exports would actually decrease GDP and transfer wealth from the middle class to the already-rich oil and natural gas investors. As stated in the NERA report, "impacts [from LNG exports] will not be positive for all groups in the economy. Households with income solely from wages or government transfers, in particular, might not participate in these benefits." And major job loss, especially in the manufacturing sector, is also expected to be an outcome of LNG exports. A recent report commissioned by Dow Chemical showed that exports could affect hundreds of thousands of planned new jobs in U.S. manufacturing.

In order to fully determine whether sending natural gas overseas is in the public's best interest, DOE must redo the flawed economic study and ensure that it includes costs associated with health and environmental risks. It must also be based on current climate science.

But the real game-changer for exporting LNG will be if and when the U.S. completes the free trade agreement called the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is currently under negotiation with 10 countries across the Pacific Rim. And Japan, the world's biggest LNG importer, is likely to join the talks in July. The TPP and another pact the U.S. is initiating with the European Union (EU) are likely to require DOE to approve all gas exports, of any amount and without delay, to nations that have signed free trade agreements with the U.S. The TPP could be finalized as early as October of this year, and the U.S.-EU trade pact in 2015.

To keep domestic control of our natural gas resources, the DOE must insist that the trade negotiations do not remove DOE's authority to examine the environmental and economic impacts of LNG exports, even to free-trade countries.

Gas exports will transform the U.S. energy landscape and affect communities across the country. They are already altering our climate. We urge the DOE to conduct a thorough scrutiny of the nation's energy policy and take a hard look at the economic and environmental consequences of gas exports. Until these steps have been taken, we must not move forward on extracting any more natural gas. Let's keep it in the ground and fully understand what's at stake before making any decisions that cannot be easily undone. The American public and our future generations deserve no less.

Huge Victory in Oregon Builds Momentum Against Coal

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 09:45 AM

Energy company Kinder Morgan announced last week that it is ditching plans to export 30 million tons of coal through the Port of St. Helens, Oregon -- a move that further galvanizes the grassroots movement in the Pacific Northwest that is keeping Big Coal out.

"Three down, three to go!" exclaimed Sierra Club Organizer Laura Stevens. "This proposal would have meant a dozen mile-and-a-half-long, dirty, coal-dust spewing trains through the Columbia River Gorge and dozens of other communities every day."

The three remaining sites coal companies have their eye on to build coal-export terminals are in Boardman, Oregon, and Longview and Cherry Point in Washington.

"The announcement came just two days after we packed two hearing rooms in St. Helens to oppose a re-zone that would facilitate coal exports, and the nearby city of Scappoose, where the council voted unanimously to pass a resolution expressing their concerns about the project," Stevens said.

Communities through Washington and Oregon continue to face the prospect of dealing with miles-long trains carrying tens of millions of tons of coal each year -- and bringing its harmful coal dust pollution with them. The coal would then be burned in energy-hungry East Asia, emitting carbon that would rival the infamous Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. The nightmare scenario has solidified communities across the Pacific Northwest, bringing together a coalition that includes environmental groups, hunters and anglers, farmers, business leaders, mayors and state leaders, faith leaders, and the health community.

"All of us locally involved in this love the Columbia River and our environment here," Darrel Whipple, an organizer with the group Clean Columbia County, said in the Los Angeles Times. "We have concerns about coal dust polluting the river, coal dust polluting the land. We have children and asthma patients who are at risk."

Activists in the Pacific Northwest have already won several battles. Just two months ago, Ambre Energy licked its wounds after the Oregon Department of State Lands tabled a decision on a dredging project for a planned facility at Port of Morrow that would receive nearly 9 million tons of coal a year via train from the Powder River Basin. The state’s decision to delay came two days after hundreds gathered at the state Capitol to demand that Big Coal stay out. 

Congratulations to everyone in the Pacific Northwest for this much-deserved victory!

Tar Sands and Soda? Launching the Future Fleet Campaign

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 05:49 PM

By Michael Marx, Beyond Oil Campaign Director

The Sierra Club has a long and successful history mobilizing our two million-plus members and supporters to push government leaders to protect our health, air, water, land, animals, and climate. Corporations have a tremendous impact on all of these. 

With the launch of the Future Fleet campaign we intend to hold corporate leaders to the same high level of scrutiny and responsibility as government. We will push them to get off the fence on climate, stop being part of the problem, and start being part of the solution. Today, the Sierra Club, ForestEthics, and our millions of supporters, kick off our campaign to persuade the first three companies -- Coke, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper -- to make the leap and join us as leaders in the effort to solve the climate crisis.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group own and operate some of the biggest vehicle fleets in the U.S. -- between them more than 100,000 vehicles moving soft drinks and snacks around the nation.

Oil use accounts for more than 40 percent of U.S. carbon pollution, and the biggest customers for oil are large companies. By getting these three corporate fleets to start a corporate race to the top by prioritizing fuel efficiency and eliminating tar sands, we can significantly reduce the nation's demand for oil, curb emissions, increase transportation choices, and slow the development of extreme oil sources, like tar sands.

We are quickly running out of time to head off the climate crisis, so we're starting with some of the biggest oil consumers. As well-known worldwide brands, the decisions these beverage giants make about what they drive and what fuel they use will influence what vehicle and parts manufacturers build and the market for high-carbon extreme fuels like tar sands. Efficiency gains in those 100,000 vehicles will have a real and immediate effect on the amount of carbon pollution we produce as a nation.

These are companies that care deeply about consumer feedback, so when consumers ask them to be leaders on climate solutions, we know they will listen. Washington, D.C., remains gridlocked, and oil companies continue their multimillion dollar climate denial PR campaign, but these companies have three great reasons to act without delay. First, to protect and strengthen their brand by being climate leaders. Second, to reduce fuel usage and save money. And third, to do the right thing for their next generation of customers.

We are asking these companies to accelerate the switch to electric and more efficient vehicles, improve driving behavior, and change shipping practices to save fuel.

We are also asking them to reject the most dangerous and extreme sources of oil, starting with the worst of the worst: tar sands. While companies need eventually to move off oil altogether, they urgently need to start with the most egregious source. We know which oil refineries process tar sands, and ForestEthics has already convinced 19 companies to stop buying from them. The Sierra Club is joining and expanding this successful effort to convince even more companies to get on board and go even further to reduce their oil consumption altogether.

To date, the climate movement has largely given large corporate oil consumers a free pass. Those days are over. With the Future Fleets Campaign, we along with ForestEthics intend to shine a bright spotlight on the need for corporate leadership to head off a climate crisis, starting with their oil consumption. This has been a critical missing link in the climate movement, but no more. The future fleet will use no oil!

Sierra Club & Solar Crowdfunding For the World's Poor

Tue, 05/14/2013 - 06:30 AM

More than 1.3 billion people around the world live in darkness lacking access to even small amounts of life changing electricity. The good news is we can change their fate and help solve climate change at the same time. The bad news is those tasked with solving the problem aren't getting the job done because they are products of two broken systems - energy and finance. That's why we need disruptive solutions like solar crowdfunding to transform these systems so that they deliver outcomes that benefit the poor and the planet.

Crowdfunding works by aggregating small amounts of funding through online portals like the one maintained by SunFunder, SolarMosaic, or Milaap. These platforms aggregate small 'crowdsourced' amounts of funding into larger sums that directly finance clean energy entrepreneurs. All told, it's a $90 billion clean energy access opportunity that can help transform people’s lives and the fate of our planet.

 

But more than the sheer amount that can be raised, what makes crowdfunding so important is that it fills a gaping hole left by traditional financial institutions. These institutions simply aren't financing enough clean energy - let alone decentralized clean energy that serves the poor. That’s a big problem because we know that to end energy poverty we need to dramatically ramp up decentralized clean energy (at least according to the International Energy Agency). Because, after all, small is big.

Instead financial institutions tasked with ending energy poverty are dumping billions into the problem - large scale coal plants (like the one in Kosovo). This outrageous use of public funds leaves us with the maddening task of banging our collective fists on the brick wall of institutional inertia until the system changes. And change it will.

But in the meantime people living in the dark need solutions now. That's why myself, and the Sierra Club, are working to increase awareness of the power crowdfunding holds. Not only does it empower individuals to make concrete change in the world, it also sends a political message: we won’t stand by while the planet burns and the poor get screwed - even if our leaders are.

That's why I personally am putting my money where my mouth is, starting with a new project SunFunder is financing near Kampala, Uganda. SunFunder has already provided clean energy to over 22,757 people by sourcing $75,000 from the 'crowd.' Now they're looking to raise another $15,000 to provide 375 people with solar power via Fenix Ready sets to help power off-grid wireless communications for nearly 4,000 people. Deploying this clean energy will generate over $100,000 in village income over the next three years, increasing poor household income by 36.4% while eliminating 15,000 liters of kerosene and 37 tons of CO2. As you can see, a little finance can go a long way.

But it doesn't end here. Supporting these off grid entrepreneurs holds tremendous promise in the battle to disrupt the fossil fuel dominated grids in the Western world. By supporting clean energy where the playing field is actually level - off grid areas - we can create a base of power to launch an insurgency against the industries fueling climate change. That's why how we power the world's poor is just as important, and perhaps even more, than how we power the rest.

The Sierra Club is doing its part to bring its 1.3 million members to this revolution. Help us build our ranks by spreading the word. Because with crowdfunding the future is literally in our hands. Check out the project here and tweet: "What if you could shine light for billions living in darkness while fighting climate change? @SunFunder is doing just that: http://bit.ly/109MrvB"

-- Justin Guay, Sierra Club International

Clean Energy Activists Fight Back in Louisiana

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 08:08 AM

Earlier this year, the Louisiana Public Service Commission abandoned new energy efficiency rules in a bid to roll back progress on clean energy and efficiency. Not only did the Commission scrap a program that will help citizens across the state -- they did it without hearing public comments.

Now the Sierra Club, with the help of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Louisiana Environmental Action Network, and the League of Women Voters of Louisiana, is fighting back, suing the PSC for refusing to allow public testimony before voting to ditch the energy efficiency rules -- a vote that barely passed.

The PSC's questionable judgment didn't stop there. Late last month, the commission got an earful from grassroots activists and entrepreneurs when it weighed the idea of overturning the state's solar net metering. The commission promptly passed on the ill-advised idea.

"Louisiana has the best solar tax credits program in the country," said Jordan Macha, Sierra Club Louisiana Representative. "The Sierra Club, the Alliance for Affordable Energy, and other industry and consumer groups generated 750 calls and letters in one week to commissioners. The support for net metering was overwhelming and the commissioner who wanted it overturned backed off and decided to hold off the vote."

Later in the week, the focus turned to New Orleans, where the city council hosted a public hearing on their proposed Integrated Resource Management Plan, which develops a long-term energy strategy for the city under the purview Entergy New Orleans, the city's only energy utility provider.

"The plan seriously lacked energy efficiency and renewables as part of the city's long-term energy portfolio. The council should prioritize the access to energy efficiency for all, as well as including cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels," said Macha.

The coalition helped push a turnout of nearly 80 people with 45 people commenting to the city council about the need for more renewables.

"What we’re seeing is a surge in support for clean energy, not just among environmentalists, but also business leaders, the faith community, and families who'd rather get energy from clean sources that are cost effective instead of dirty fuels that make people sick," Macha said.

-- Brian Foley

Appalachians Stand Up Against Mountaintop Removal

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 06:44 AM

Appalachians against mountaintop removal coal mining from Kristen E on Vimeo.

 

 

On May 8, concerned residents of the Appalachian region came to Washington, D.C. to demand an end to the industry practice polluting their water and devastating their communities – mountaintop removal mining. They took their call – and samples of the water from their hometowns – to the Environmental Protection Agency’s doorstep in the hope that new rules and safeguards could curb the destruction and danger mountaintop removal poses to their environment and their families. 

--Sierra Club Media Team Intern Kristen Elmore

Appalachian Families Denied Clean Water Travel to Washington to Demand Action

Fri, 05/10/2013 - 08:26 AM

Appalachian activists gather outside the Washington, D.C., Environmental Protection Agency office to demand an end to mountaintop removal coal mining.

Elaine Tanner and her partner Jimmy Hall have both experienced, up close and personal, the destruction caused by mountaintop removal coal mining. The Kentucky natives are fighting a coal company they claim poisoned their well water. One of the company's mountaintop removal sites is right next to their home in Letcher County.

"They destroyed our water," said Jimmy. "The Kentucky Department of Water tested the water of many wells in our area and found a toxic soup. They said the water was unfit to touch and could only be used for flushing the toilet. But the state Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) had knowledge of this and still said the water was safe to use, just filter it to drink. So now we have people in our town with cancer, heart disease, and skin and organ issues."

The mining has blown away their land over the years, too. The property, which has been in Jimmy's family for more than 200 years, went from 250 acres down to 134 acres thanks to a coal company that leased it out from under their family when an uncle passed away. The two also are living in Ohio because they cannot drink the water at their home in Kentucky.

Jimmy and Elaine joined more than 100 other Appalachian residents in Washington, D.C., this week to tell their members of Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that mountaintop removal coal mining must end.

"The water is poison and I came to D.C. to see if the federal government will do what the local, state, and regional governments have failed to do - which is to bring us an emergency supply of water for the 100 families in my community," says Jimmy.

The photo to the left and below shows some of Appalachian activists sitting outside of the EPA offices with jugs of water from their home taps that showing contamination by mountaintop removal coal mining.

Elaine says she and Jimmy filed a Safe Water Drinking Act request for relief in February and just got to show EPA on Monday the request and permit documents showing that mining company Consol Energy is responsible for providing emergency drinking water within 10 days and a permanent supply to her community within a year.

The process has been a long, tiresome journey. Jimmy says it took the state around 10 years to test their water, and Elaine says not much has been done since then.

"It's been over a year since our water tested to contain 17 times more arsenic than allowed. Some families have had no choice but to take the chance and use this toxic water in the meantime," Elaine says. "We plan on coming back until the destruction of our mountains has ceased," says Elaine.

Jimmy and Elaine are not alone. All across Appalachia, people are fighting coal companies who are destroying the region's land and water with mountaintop-removal coal mining. These families are tired of waiting for action from their legislators, most of whom are beholden to the King Coal because of the industry's deep pockets.

However, in spite of the powerful forces aligned against them, local residents are still winning victories, In Virginia this week, residents of the town of Appalachia celebrated a victory when  the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy denied a surface mine permit for the Ison Rock Ridge mine in southwest Virginia.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., wrote about Ison Rock Ridge in the Washington Post back in 2009, when the Obama Administration first took office and was weighing its approach to mountaintop removal. In the intervening four years, while the EPA has taken some actions that have slowed the clip of mountaintop removal, mountains are still being blown up, streams are still being buried, families are still suffering from polluted air and water, and states are not adequately enforcing the law. We applaud the recent Ison Rock Ridge decision, and we call on the EPA to do more to protect other communities, mountains, and public health.

The Sierra Club proudly stands with these Appalachian residents in the fight for clean water and clean air. We work with great local organizations and coalitions, as well as nationally, to petition government at all levels to end mountaintop removal coal mining.

"Every day this goes on, our folks are in danger," says Jimmy.

Join us and tell the EPA and President Obama that all Americans deserve clean water, and it's time to end mountaintop removal coal mining.

-- Mary Anne Hitt, Beyond Coal Director. Photos courtesy of the Delaware Sierra Club.

"Maybe even nothing!" - How We Got Los Angeles Off Coal

Fri, 05/10/2013 - 06:19 AM

Maybe there has never been and will never be a more important energy decision in my city, Los Angeles, than the one made last week by our city council representatives.

In fact, just recently I was having pizza next to Ronni Solomon, a local high voltage organizer for environmental justice and fellow advocate for the L.A. Beyond Coal campaign. She was wondering if there was anything that the L.A. City Council could ever vote on energy issues that would be more important than their vote to secure L.A.'s transition off of coal fired power. Andy Shrader, the dark knight of the plastic bag ban in our city and one-man clearing house for L.A.'s environmental initiatives, stepped up and said, "maybe even nothing!"

The L.A. city council's unanimous vote to move beyond coal power was the culmination of three-and-a-half years of on-the-ground organizing work with highly diverse constituents all over the city. Residents from black, white, Asian and Latino neighborhoods, along with labor, business and environmental advocacy groups came together to make the city council an offer it couldn't refuse. This victory belongs to all of these communities that raised their voice on this issue.

Back when I started this work in January of 2010, the accepted wisdom was that conservative neighborhood councils (NCs) in the San Fernando Valley would squawk so loud at the prospect of having their utility rates raised to bring more renewables online, that no city council member would dare to go against them. But we volunteer advocates, spearheaded by Chrissy Scarborough and Evan Gillespie, engaged these neighborhoods to spread the truth about how clean energy creates jobs and will not harm our health, our air, or in the long run, our wallets.

Through these meetings, we secured endorsement after endorsement from the most conservative of the Valley NCs, frequently going up against the most reactionary pro-coal voices in the city and defeating their arguments. Even more important, many members of those NCs became strong allies in the fight and showed up at L.A. Department of Water and Power Commission meetings and city council meetings to voice support for a coal-free future.

For me it was a big lesson in the power of getting out and participating in public debate about something important. Oftentimes I hear a lot of cynical comment about how it's all hopeless and the powers that be will never allow any real change. But this change is very real, because now the clean energy business contracts that will sever L.A. from two giant polluting coal plants in Arizona and Utah have been signed and their implementation is a matter of settled law.

The fight goes on, of course. Beyond Coal advocates in the southwest will work to create a cleaner alternative for those customers and continuing employment for Navajo Indians currently employed there in coal-fired generation.

A victory this fast and this complete would have been hard to foresee back in 2010. We knew it would be winnable, but having several city council members sporting Beyond Coal buttons and brandishing pieces of coal as they gave their speeches - well, that was just off the charts.

Our work now will center on helping our fellow citizens take advantage of a smorgasbord of energy efficiency rebates and credits, and helping streamline the rooftop solar program so as to minimize the utility's dependence on natural gas and maximize the percentage of clean energy in its portfolio.  (And did you see the latest report - L.A. could get 20% of its power from rooftop solar by 2020?)

However you stack it, we get to be citizens of the fastest-moving city in the country in getting to a clean and sustainable energy system.  What could be cooler than that?

-- Kent Minault, L.A. Beyond Coal volunteer

Detroit Residents Demand Action in Wake of Marathon Explosion

Wed, 05/8/2013 - 11:26 AM

 

Detroit resident and Sierra Club volunteer Dr. Delores Leonard speaks at a community press conference last week about the April 27 Marathon oil refinery explosion.

More than 60 Southwest Detroit residents and community leaders gathered last week to call on local, state and federal officials to design an evacuation plan in wake of the April 27 explosion at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in the 48217 neighborhood.

State Representative Rashida Talib, Detroit City Council Member Brenda Jones and members of the Community Advisory Panel (CAP): Theresa Landrum, Dr. Delores Leonard, Jackie Smith and Tyrone Carter held a press conference last Friday at the Kemeny Recreation Center to announce the community's demands.

"If Melvindale residents understood that they needed to be evacuated, why didn't a predominantly African-American community in the city of Detroit need to be evacuated?" Rep. Talib said. "You have to be honest. For the local residents to be completely ignored by their local officials downtown is unacceptable."

The multi-billion dollar refinery, which processes tar sands imported from Alberta, Canada, into crude oil, is located in Southwest Detroit bordering the neighboring communities of River Rouge, and Melvindale. City and Homeland Security officials deemed the response to the fire and resulting explosion to be adequate while defending the decision not to evacuate Detroit residents because the wind was blowing in the direction of Melvindale.

"They said that they didn't come out because the wind wasn't blowing in our direction, but that wind can shift at any moment just like your mind and your opinion," CAP member Theresa Landrum said. "That smoke went up and it mushroomed all around. It went up and it's got to come down."

Here is footage of Theresa Landrum speaking at last week's press event.

 

Landrum drafted a letter to federal, state and local officials outlining the community's concerns. The letter made three specific demands and requested a response within 30 days. The primary demand was for the design and implementation of an emergency evacuation plan involving cooperation between Detroit and the surrounding communities of River Rouge, Ecorse, Melvindale, Lincoln Park and Dearborn for the over 9,000 residents of 48217.

Marathon sits between the community and the rest of Detroit with the 1-75 bridge connecting the two.  Residents are concerned that first responders from downtown Detroit will be unable to reach residents and residents will be unable to evacuate across I-75 in the event of an explosion like the one at a fertilizer plant in West Texas that killed 17 people and injured 200 more on April 17.

"You look and see a fire over there and you know that there is gas over there," CAP member Dr. Deloreas Leonard said. "You know they have that hydrogen plant over there with tar sands. (The city) does not have a plan. Homeland security tells us to stay in place. Well how many of the firefighters and policemen live in Detroit? We need an escape plan and we have been asking and asking."

Although no one was hurt at the Marathon explosion, residents feel now is the time to take the necessary precautions.

"I honestly think the city of Detroit was very lucky," Dr. Leonard added. "If that air quality testing that was taken right away came back and said that the air was poisonous with things that it would impact the public health, which I do believe was the case in Melvindale, they were lucky. This could have been West Texas and they were not prepared to evacuate 9,000 in this neighborhood. Our Detroit residents were not evacuated and were not communicated with or anything."

Also called for in the letter was the immediate repair of emergency sirens and air quality monitors testing for industry specific pollution in residential areas.

"When I go to the CAP meetings once a month, they tell us how much they expel into the air," CAP member Jackie Smith said. "They say that we are not the only ones.  I know we have BP, DTE and all the rest, but Marathon is the biggest culprit out here with this pollution. This is taking us out as a community. The injustice is that they are bringing in more with the hydrogen plant in Oakwood Heights. The ones that live the closest to Marathon will get the most pollution. That's just common sense. It's a sin and a shame what they are doing to this community. They are just killing people."

Residents also took issue with the confusion around the classification of the incident by local officials. Publicly residents were told the incident was a level three hazard, which calls for evacuation of the area. However, Detroit City Council Member Brenda Jones, who has been the only official to respond to the letter so far indicated that city officials were told residents were not evacuated because the incident was classified as level two.

"Level three is combustible materials, heavy thick smoke, and odor. Level four is theses three and fire. There were all four, so we know that anytime anything happens they are going to down play it," Landrum said.

"We have the 'fox watching the hen house mentality,' where industry is allowed to tell our regulatory agency what happens. They said it was a sour water tank that exploded. Number one: water doesn't burn. Two: water doesn't blow up. So, tell me how can you classify it as a level three? There is a disconnect with local residents and elected officials because they work with big business on big business' behalf.  They are working to protect big businesses."

-- Patrick Geans, Sierra Club Detroit Organizer. See more of Patrick's videos of the community press conference right here.