In troubled times, our mission, passion remain unchanged
Times like these remind us of what’s most important.
To me, that means personal connections and getting outdoors. When a friend crosses my mind, I don’t hesitate to stop what I’m doing and call or text. Even as we've been forced apart, some of us have grown closer than ever with our neighbors, even with strangers on the street. How are you doing? and Are you ok? we ask.
And, though my favorite public parks are closed, it’s made me appreciate more than ever how fortunate I am to have a back yard I can retreat to and a safe neighborhood where I can walk.
As we navigate this unprecedented time in modern history, we remain optimistic at the N.C. Sierra Club. Though we won't hold in-person meetings or outings until mid-June, our staff and volunteers, working remotely, are still focused on the issues that matter most to you.
You can read about our current work in the April edition of our e-newsletter, Footnotes, which is below. You'll see that, with your help, we will remain a strong advocate for North Carolina’s air, water, and public lands.
Last week, Dustin Chicurel-Bayard ended his six-month term as interim state director. As I assume the role until a permanent state director is chosen, I thank him for his good stewardship and you for welcoming me into this role.
The opportunity to lead our N.C. Chapter leaves me humbled and exhilarated. I pledge to do my utmost to ensure that our volunteers are supported and that we aggressively pursue - on all fronts - our environmental agenda. We ask that you join us in standing together for the environment, even as we must remain physically apart. With your support, we can remain strong and vigilant for as long as the current crisis demands, and long afterward.
Until we meet again,
Cynthia Satterfield
Deputy Director / Acting State Director
N.C Sierra Club
Staying home? You can still speak out for NC environment
While you stay at home to protect yourself from the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still speak up to help protect our environment from a variety of threats.
State regulators have extended a comment period on proposed regulations for the use of toxic methyl bromide in North Carolina. The tough new rules for the fumigant were drafted after eastern North Carolina communities rallied against its use near their homes and schools. The deadline is now May 8, you can attend an online public hearing on May 5.
You can also push back against plans for another wood pellet plant, this one in Lumberton. Wood pellets are touted as a "renewable" fuel for producing electricity, but wood pellet production is carbon-intensive, leads to energy production that is carbon-intensive, and removes forests that store and sequester carbon. Join us in protesting this permit request for a new wood pellet-making plant.
The N.C. Utilities Commission is still considering Duke Energy's request for a rate hike. If you haven't already, send a letter to the commissioners, urging them to reject the request. Duke Energy shouldn't be allowed to raise rates to pay for dirty energy and coal ash mismanagement.
And be sure to speak up now to protect the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. The U.S. Forest Service is finalizing a to establish how these forests will be managed for years to come. To get details on the plan and how you can help encourage the Forest Service to emphasize environmental protection, watch our recent webinar.
NC Sierra Club at 50: No, nay, never to offshore drilling
Next Monday marks 10 years since one of the world's worst offshore drilling catastrophes - the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists have found oil from the deadly explosion and spill is still found in fish and the ocean floor in the region.
The danger of that kind of disaster is one reason why the Sierra Club has long fought against drilling off the North Carolina coastline. And we'll keep fighting as long as the threat against our ocean environment and coastal communities remains.
Penny Hooper (pictured), a longtime leader in our Croatan Group, explains in this video interview why and how the N.C. Sierra Club is part of this fight. Her story is one of many we'll share about the Chapter's work this year, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as part of the nation's oldest environmental advocacy organization.
We work with other North Carolina organizations in the Don't Drill NC coalition to fight offshore drilling and seismic testing. You can keep up with the coalition's work on its website.
Pandemic or not, Earth Day celebrations will go on … line
The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is one week from today, with celebrations that promised to be inspiring, engaging and memorable. Then, COVID-19 said "no" to the party.
But we're not giving up. And instead of one day of celebrating our planet and environment, one day of dedicating ourselves to the protection of Earth and all who live on it, we'll spend THREE days coming together online to renew our commitment.
Sierrans are encouraged to join the Earth Day Live livestream, which will include performances, community-building, climate finance activism, voter education and much more! Participants will include former NC NAACP leader William Barber, environmental activists Mustafa Santiago Ali and Bill McKibben, as well as actors, musical performers and more! Local livestreams will allow you to participate in activities that target North Carolina-specific issues.
The Sierra Club's Resist Campaign will launch a new national mobilization to advocate for a just and equitable response to COVID-19.
One week left to vote for your national Sierra Club board!
Sierra Club members: You've got a week left to vote for members of the national Club's board!
Eligible voters should have received a ballot in early March by mail or an email with information on the candidates. You can also visit the Sierra Club’s election website for more information.
Vote now! Mailed ballots must be received no later than April 22, or you can save time and postage by voting online.
Upcoming Outings and Events
Please note that most in-person outings and events have been cancelled for the immediate future. Other events are being switched to online. For current information, visit our Outings calendar.