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We have a Meetup page where we list our events and other events that catch our eye.
You can also stay updated by checking our blog.
Orange-Chatham Group (and Selected Other) Events
| Date | Event | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 07/04/2015 | Independence Day Weekend Wakeup Walk | 8:00 AM Orange-Chatham GroupBolin Forest, Chapel Hill |
| Thu, 07/16/2015 | Executive Committee Meeting | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Orange-Chatham GroupCarolina Meadows (contact leader for exact location) |
Volunteer Opportunity: Political Team
The elected leaders in our towns make important decisions about what it's like to live in this region, and you can work to make sure we have the best ones possible. In November of this year, local towns are holding elections for many of their offices.
If you're interested in making sure Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Pittsboro* have good environmental leadership, contact Max Felsher to find out more. All experience levels welcome!
*If you'd like to help out with any other towns in our area, get in touch and we'll talk with you about how to approach that.
Clean Power Plan: Ambitious and Engaging Conservation Priority for 2015
Published June 27, 2015; written by Judith Ferster, OCG Conservation Chair
In 2014, President Obama directed the EPA to lead the states in a program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below what they were in 2005 by 2030. Looking at energy production in each state, the EPA had suggestions about how to do this but each state will come up with its own plan, using these methods:
- Reducing emissions at existing coal plants
- Retiring old plants
- Running inefficient plants less
- Increasing sources of renewable energy such as solar and wind
- Increasing energy efficiency
Follow Bolin Creek Trail Construction Progress
An interactive online tool is available allowing you to view Bolin Creek Trail construction progess. Construction involves a tunnel under Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, two bridges over Bolin Creek, many retaining walls, about one half mile of concrete trail, sidewalks and a pedestrian crossing. This work will enable safer pedestrian/bicycle travel from the Community Center (near University Mall) to Umstead Park without having to leave the trail.
Learning about the future: Light rail and green jobs
Published June 27, 2015; written by Judith Ferster, OCG Conservation Chair
On May 20, the Orange-Chatham Group heard speakers on two topics: first, a proposed light rail system, and then green jobs.
Read the whole thing (and see a virtual tour of the proposed light rail line).
New Danger to Solar Power in NC
Published May 25, 2015; written by Olga Grlic, OCG Co-Chair
Just as some real progress has been made in solar energy development in North Carolina, a bill that could reverse this advance has been introduced by the legislature.
H 760, Regulatory Reform Act of 2015 and H 332, Energy Policy Amendments, freeze our Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS) to the current 6% instead of allowing it to grow to 12.5% by 2021 (an easily achievable goal). Together with other provisions introduced in the bill will almost certainly slow down the installation of new solar projects in the state.