Periodically, Gainesville Regional Utility (GRU) is required to prepare an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This is an assessment of future electrical needs and a plan of how to meet those needs. It is “integrated” since it looks at both traditional supply-side resources such as power plants as well as conservation and energy efficiency to meet future electric energy needs. The IRP is the long-range plan for supplying reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy.
We want to support GRU to rely more on conservation and energy efficiency to supply our energy demands, and not waste money on fossil gas powered energy plants that will likely be outdated in the near future and become a stranded asset as clean energy, battery storage, and conservation become even more viable.
GRU last went through the IRP process in 2019 and is in the process of preparing a new plan. GRU is reaching out to the community for public input and comment. There is a public meeting this Wednesday, July 26th 6:00-7:30 pm at the GRU Administration Building, 301 SE 4th Ave., Gainesville. Please show up, listen, and provide input. GRU needs to hear that clean energy and conservation are still important in spite of the challenges that GRU is facing!
If you want more information about the IRP process and how to most effectively engage in the process, please contact David Hastings at dwhastings@gmail.com.
Community Workshop on Draft Comprehensive Plan Amendments on Equity and Environmental Justice Definitions and Land Use Policies
Monday July 31, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Alachua County Administration Building at 12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville.
The public may also participate in the workshop online at: https://tinyurl.com/alachuacountyequity
Energy and Climate Action Team
July 31, 2023 5 - 6:30 PM
Alachua County Library, Headquarters Branch, Foundation Room 401 E University Ave, Gainesville
Come work with us on: Clean Energy, Energy Justice, and Climate Justice
The Energy and Climate Action Team is currently working on next steps following passage of the GRU Takeover Bill, including legal approaches as well as IRA/IIJA funding for clean energy in N. Central Florida communities.
Calling all Putnam County Environmental Activists!
Putnam County: There is a rapidly growing group of Putnam County residents, environmentalists, and Community organizers who are pulling together and organizing Putnam County communities around environmental and social issues. About 20 people just like you have already signed up to organize Putnam County. If you're a Putnam County resident who cares, call or text Jyoti Parmar at 352-641-0095, or email her at jyoti.parmar@sierraclub.org this week for more information.
Learn how to beat the heat
Summertime is expected to be hot but temperatures this year have been extreme and not just here in Florida. While the return of El Niño, a cyclical pattern that globally affects the weather and is partially to blame for this summer’s extreme heat. The record setting temperatures are due to the continued emissions of heat-trapping gases, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels.
The Earth has warmed roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century and will continue to grow hotter until humans essentially stop burning oil, gas and coal, and halt deforestation. The warmer temperatures help make periods of extreme heat more frequent and more intense and exacerbate other extreme weather events like persistent drought, wildfires and torrential rain and flooding.
"Excessive heat is the leading weather related killer in the United States," the National Weather Service warns. Some hospitals are already seeing a rise in heat-related illnesses.
Here's what you need to know about how heat affects your body and how to spot the signs to protect your health.
Election Schedule for SSJ Executive Committee
SSJ Executive Committee (ExCom) consists of seven members, of which four of these seats are up for election this year. The members of 2023 Nomination Committee (NomCom) are Michelle Rutledge, Tim Martin, and Kristin Rubin.
Oct 2nd- Nominations Due
Oct 23rd- Petition Candidate deadline (additional candidates can petition to be on the ballot by providing signatures of at least 25 members)
Nov 13th- Voting begins
Dec 18th- Voting ends
Jan 2024 - Newly elected SSJ Executive Committee members term begins
If you or someone you know would like to serve on the SSJ Executive Committee, please contact the NomCom members at ftimothymartin@yahoo.com.
Homophobia
By Callum Daley, Grade 8
He is sinful for being gay
Orientations: told they are wrong
My friends’ rights stripped away
Outing by teachers made required
Pronouns forced to change
Homosexuality perceived as bad
Openly gay becoming “wrong”
Bisexuals told to choose only one
I hope that one day there will be
A world without hate
You can now direct donations through Cash App to support the Sierra Club Suwannee-St. Johns Group by using our CashTag$:
$SSJSierra
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