The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Senate Appropriations Committee are attempting to loosen regulatory protections and funding for responsible cleanup in Oak Ridge. Their actions would undermine healthy EPA radioactivity safeguards and shut down the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Oak Ridge office, which oversees and expedites the Superfund cleanup. Preserving EPA protections and funding TDEC’s higher standards are essential to protecting our health, jobs, and property values.
It’s vital that we resist the kind of dangerous DOE cleanup and toxic waste landfill shortcuts we and TDEC took a stand against in opposing DOE’s frighteningly sloppy 2018 Environmental Management Disposal Facility (EMDF) radioactive and hazardous waste landfill proposal.
Our representatives need to hear from their constituents, not just from the Trump Administration, DOE, and DOE’s profit maximizing contractor UCOR.
Environmental Scientist Virginia Dale and retired TDEC Groundwater Contamination Expert Sid Jones spoke out at a hearing on the EMDF, a planned new Oak Ridge landfill similar to the one shown above flooded and leaking radionuclides.
EPA proposal lets toxins flow at struggling coal plants
By Ariel Wittenberg & Benjamin Sorrow - E&E News - Nov. 22, 2019
The Tennessee Valley Authority has long argued it shouldn't be required to limit the toxic metals that its coal-fired power plant dumps into the Cumberland River.
The Cumberland Fossil Plant's unusually large wastewater discharges, the federally owned utility maintained, merits a Clean Water Act exemption. Without one, TVA said, the plant would be stuck — unfairly — with hefty compliance costs.
That argument failed to sway the Obama-led EPA, but it scored with Trump administration regulators who wrote an exemption for "high flows" into regulations proposed this month for water used to clean coal plants' air filters.
Only the Cumberland plant qualifies for that exemption, which allows the discharge of nearly 10 times more mercury than would be allowed at other power stations. Downstream from the TVA plant are popular Cumberland River fishing spots, including the Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge.
A newly unearthed journal from 1966 shows the coal industry, like the oil industry, was long aware of the threat of climate change.
By Élan Young - Huffington Post - Nov. 22, 2019
A 1966 issue of the Mining Congress Journal suggested that rising levels of greenhouse gases could lead to “vast changes in the climates of the earth.” Courtesy of Chris Cherry.
“Exxon knew.” Thanks to the work of activists and journalists, those two words have rocked the politics of climate change in recent years, as investigations revealed the extent to which giants like Exxon Mobil and Shell were aware of the danger of rising greenhouse gas emissions even as they undermined the work of scientists.
But the coal industry knew, too — as early as 1966, a newly unearthed journal shows.
In August, Chris Cherry, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, salvaged a large volume from a stack of vintage journals that a fellow faculty member was about to toss out. He was drawn to a 1966 copy of the industry publicationMining Congress Journal;his father-in-law had been in the industry and he thought it might be an interesting memento.
Cherry flipped it open to a passage from James R. Garvey, who was the president of Bituminous Coal Research Inc., a now-defunct coal mining and processing research organization.
Clarksville 'hasn't intentionally dumped raw sewage into the Cumberland,' despite group's claims
By Jimmy Settle - Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle - Nov. 21, 2019
Officials at Clarksville City Hall say they are prepared to mount a "vigorous defense" against a watchdog group that is reportedly threatening to sue the city over alleged sewage dumping in the Cumberland River since 2014.
The environmental watchdog group is claiming that the city of Clarksville has dumped 82 million gallons of sewage into the Cumberland over the past six years, allegedly violating the Clean Water Act and the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act.
The Leaf-Chronicle has reached out to the group, Tennessee Riverkeeper, to seek an explanation of its findings and how they were gathered, but no one responded as of late Wednesday. The group is reportedly planning a federal lawsuit sometime within the next two months. ....
Speaking on behalf of the city, Communications Director Richard Stevens said late Wednesday, "We haven't been intentionally dumping raw sewage into the river."
Opinion: TVA locking Southeast communities into dirty-energy deals
By Daniel Tait & Greer Ryan - Knoxville News Sentinel - Nov. 19, 2019
TVA expects to build only 2 to 3 gigawatts of solar capacity in the next 10 years – an absurdly low amount given the region’s untapped solar potential.
Energy burdens in the Southeast are the worst in the nation, especially for low-income residents and people of color. Low-income residents of Memphis, for example, spend on average more than 13 percent of their household income on their energy bills.
Despite knowing that the climate crisis will only make this burden worse, monopoly utilities in the region are blocking some of the most effective and affordable solutions – local clean energy and efficiency.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is no exception. While it’s a federal power provider, it operates like a private company. Unfortunately, TVA is tightening its grip on local utilities in the region to protect its bottom line and prop up its uneconomical, dirty fossil fuel power plants.
The Tennessee River is one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the world. It is also one of the most polluted.
By Margaret Renkl - New York Times - Oct. 28, 2019
From a distance, a river looks less like a feature of the terrain than like a massive, mysterious animal. A river is a sleek, writhing being, and even the verbs we use to describe it evoke animation. A river runs through it. A river climbs its banks. A river empties itself into the sea.
Rivers and creeks run through the American South as bountifully as veins and arteries run through the human body, and are just as necessary for life. For the peoples native to this part of the world, these rivers were a source of food, water and transport, and almost all the early white settlements in the South were founded next to rivers, too, and for the same reasons. The rich soil of a river floodplain is ideal for planting, and in times of drought, the river is the farmer’s savior. For enslaved people, and later for the tenant farmers who were effectively enslaved, access to a river could mean the difference between living and starving: Anyone who could catch a fish would not go hungry.
The great river of my own life is the Tennessee, which separates the place where I live from the place where I grew up. The river is more than 650 miles long, and its watershed is the fifth-largest in the nation, encompassing parts of six bordering states as well as Tennessee. Crossing the Tennessee River in northern Alabama means I am heading home, no matter which direction I’m driving.
The Nolichucky River, a tributary of the French Broad River, runs through East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The TN Chapter of the Sierra Club endorses the American Whitewater Association effort to protect the Nolichucky River by designating a 7.2-mile section between the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests as a National Wild and Scenic River.
This designation would ensure the river is never dammed or diverted, and that its unique scenic and recreational value will be protected for future generations. Designation requires an act of US Congress, starting with the introduction of a bill. We encourage you to ask your congressional delegation to make this a priority. Take a moment and sign onto the proposal today at Noliwildandscenic.org.
My name is Jaime Watkins, and I am a Species Guardian for the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC) for Knox County, TN. The ESC is a wonderful non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of threatened and endangered wildlife and the wild places they call home.
On Oct. 30, 2019, we had a conference call with Randall Gibson, a legislative aide at TN Senator Lamar Alexander’s D.C office, to discuss the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act.
The bill would designate federal public lands as wildlife corridors, increasing biodiversity by connecting critical wildlife habitat areas to one another. It would also make our highways safer by establishing wildlife crossings where vehicle collisions occur. During the months of October through December, deer are in their prime mating season causing them to be less aware, resulting in more accidents.
Additionally, this year's IPBES Global Assessment report predicted one in five species are at risk of extinction. Any steps we can take to improve wildlife protections and conservation efforts should be considered an obligation to our future generations.
The Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act has already gained 13 co-sponsors on its path to success. Sen. Lamar Alexander has not yet signed on, but is intrigued by this bill. With his interest in wildlife conservation and highway safety, he needs to hear encouragement from constituents. Contact Sen. Alexander and ask him to co-sponsorthe Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2019. Call his office at (202) 224-4944, contact your local office, and reach him on Twitter: @SenAlexander.
Senator Alexander sticks up for the Mercury Rule. "As former governors, we know that cleaner air means better health, a better economy and better jobs for the residents of our states. Today, thanks to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, children and families are breathing cleaner air and our waters and streams are less polluted." Read EPA must keep fighting mercury in The Tennessean from Nov. 12, 2019.
Senator Alexander pushes for Restore Our Parks Act. "As his conservation swan song, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has staunchly pushed for legislation to address the more than $12 billion in deferred maintenance at national parks in what will likely be his final major piece of legislation to protect the outdoors before he retires from public office in 2020. The issue is personal for Alexander. The Restore Our Parks Act would address the $235 million in needed maintenance projects at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where he grew up visiting as a child living in nearby Maryville, TN." Read more in the Times Free Press article by Mark Pace on Nov. 16, 2019.
Rep. Jim Cooper announces introduction of 100% Clean Energy Economy Act. From Jim Cooper: "Yesterday [Nov. 21], Jim announced the introduction of the H.R. 5221, the 100% Clean Economy Act , with more than 150 of his Democratic colleagues. This bill would set a net-zero global emissions goal by 2050, directing all federal agencies to use existing authorities to develop and implement plans to accomplish the goal. Agency actions can include regulations, incentives, research and development, and steps to reduce agency-specific emissions. The bill is supported by major environmental groups including the Sierra Club."
Gore optimistic about future despite climate change issues. "Set to deliver a presentation in Nashville about climate change as part of a global effort, former Vice President Al Gore is optimistic about the future. 'I think there’s an advocate out there way more persuasive than me,' said Gore, who has spent the better part of the last two decades since leaving public office working on the issue. 'That’s mother nature.'" Read The Tennessean article by Joel Ebert from Nov. 20, 2019.
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, left, walks with chief ranger Todd Roeder during a visit to Point Park on Tues., April 3, 2018, in Lookout Mountain, TN. Sen. Alexander visited the park to push for a bill that he says will help address maintenance backlogs at federal parks like Point Park. Times Free Press staff file photo.
It's time again for you to VOTE for the next at-large members of the TN Chapter Executive Committee. Those elected will start their 2 year term in January 2020. You will also cast votes for your Group’s executive committee elections.
Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots environmental organization, is proudly democratic and member-driven. The at-large delegates you elect, along with the Group delegates, direct the work of our Tennessee Chapter.
This year, 7 individuals have been nominated to run for 4 open at-large seats. Each candidate's statement includes information on how to reach them with questions. Read the candidates' statements here and then cast your ballot by following the link in your email with subject: "2020 TN Sierra Club Chapter Election Ballot. Please Vote" sent on Nov. 23rd.Please only cast a ballot for your Group.
Your member number can be found to the left of your name on our printed newsletter or Sierra magazine or by contacting Member Care at member.care@sierraclub.org or (415) 557-1100. Your membership number is required so it can be verified by the Election Committee.
If you hold a joint membership, each individual under the group membership should submit their own ballot using the same membership number. Visit the emailed ballot link and change the name that auto-populates in the field to one member's name, vote, then click on the link again and change the name in the field to the other member's name to cast the second vote.
Ballots must be RECEIVED by Dec. 11, 2019
If you are voting via paper ballot in the Nov/Dec. Tennes-Sierran, please note these CORRECTIONS:
“Please vote for the election of four (4) members of the Chickasaw Group.” “Please vote for the election of four (4) members of the Middle Tennessee Group.” “Please vote for the election of six (6) members of the Harvey Broome Group.”
By Logan Hysen, Sunrise Knoxville Hub Coordinator [edited]
On October 22nd, environmental groups from around Knoxville teamed up with UTK’s Office of Sustainability for a day of tabling to raise environmental awareness on the campus of the University of Tennessee. Free, sustainable food was given away and students had the chance to talk to different groups to learn about their work in Knoxville.
That evening, a Town Hall on climate change was held to discuss solutions and strategies. In partnership with the Office of Sustainability, the event was hosted by Sunrise Movement Knoxville (a climate change advocacy group), Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville (the longest-running student-led environmental organization on campus), and the Sierra Club.
Five presenters spoke about the components involved in fighting climate change. Speakers included a National Park Services employee, a student studying environmental studies, an environmental sciences professor, a political science professor, and a sociology professor. They then participated in a panel discussion in which questions were taken from the audience.
The goal of this Town Hall was to erase stigma regarding climate action and the Green New Deal, a policy proposal that would completely decarbonize the economy and create millions of good-paying jobs. Participants were asked to encourage friends and family to vote and also spread the word about climate action so that more East Tennesseans understand its necessity.
Chapter retreat at Pickett State Park a huge success
By Mac Post
The recent TN Chapter Fall Fun Retreat attracted over 70 Sierra Club members to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. Many retreat newcomers came and made new friends and established contacts with other Chapter activists. This relationship building deepens involvement in the Sierra Club and helps advance our movement to explore, enjoy and protect the environment.
Despite the weather forecast, we were able to get all three of the planned hikes in without getting wet. The geology and scenery was only highlighted by the spectacular fall colors. In addition, we trained 12 new outings leaders from all over the state. We also certified 15 people in basic first aid and CPR. The silent auction raised over $300 to support our State legislative activities. Live acoustic music by the indoor “campfire” by Denny Hawk was a great end for Saturday. He managed to get others involved in singing and story telling.
Special thanks go to Randy Hedgepath, our TN State Naturalist, for leading an informative hike on Saturday morning, and for his presentation on Tennessee wildflowers. Ron Shrieves, Chapter Outings Chair, conducted the Outdoor Leader Training 101, and Rocky Milburn from the Tampa Bay ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors), led the Sierra Club specific first aid/CPR trainings. A huge thanks goes to the CareNet Conservation Committee team for their work in the kitchen and providing us with great food. The Clarksville Conservation Committee led the planning for this retreat and provided on-site logistics to make everything run smoothly.
LOST AND FOUND: If you attended and are missing a Pickett State Park jacket or an IDEAS journal, contact Mac Post at mpost3116@gmail.com.
Want to add your support to Sierra Club Campaigns around the USA? AddUp is an online platform debuted by the Sierra Club in 2015 that informs readers of campaigns and events locally, regionally, and nationally. It creates easy opportunities to share and grow those campaigns through social media.
You can find information about our campaigns on our AddUp website. Read about each of them and add your signature to show support. Your signature will be added to messages to your representatives and you can easily share the campaign to your social media accounts.
You can also find interesting Sierra Club activities and adventures. The AddUp map displays events locally such as meetings, programs, hikes and social gatherings. It also lets you find events across Tennessee and surrounding states. And if you are really adventurous you can find hikes and trips from Maine to Montana to California – and even Hawaii! Check out AddUp here.
With the holidays coming up, I feel pressure to participate in gift-giving, but I don’t want to support the commodification of the holidays. It feels icky and wasteful, but I still want to show my family and friends that I care. What are some alternatives to shopping that are thoughtful and environmentally responsible?
—Conscious Consumer
Icky is right! Materialism and commercialism saturate the holidays. When I reminisce about my favorite holidays, I don’t recall what presents I got, but I do remember sharing time with loved ones- Christmas Eve pizza at Grandma’s, my mother’s fragrant monkey bread, and jumping on the trampoline with cousins with our bellies completely stuffed.
You have many options, Conscious, to extend generosity to your loved ones! You’re just going to need some creativity, time, and (if you choose) money.
You can never go wrong with food! Nice coffee, tea, spiced nuts, or homemade desserts and breads are all delicious options. Other edible ideas: seasoning blends (Italian, Mexican), hot sauce, cocoa mix, granola, or snack mix—yum! These all look lovely when packaged in a reusable jar topped with ribbon.
Not a cook? Consider what you could create with your talents by sewing, drawing, knitting, writing, and so on. Every year, my great grandmother made small beaded ornaments and funny little decorations made out of household objects. Practical? No. But we now cherish them and the energy she put into each one.
A great way to reduce consumption is by buying used or thrifted items. It’s a good option for books, clothes, music, and unique or vintage items. Plus, the price is right! You can also gift everyday household items like soaps, plants, or yard & pet supplies.
Aside from physical things, you can give an experience or service. Cater a meal, give a manicure, get concert tickets or try something new together (Cat Café, anyone?). An avid cook might love having their knives professionally sharpened. A musician may love to have their piano tuned.
Encourage your family to evolve their traditions. You could draw names so that each person gives to only one person. Or, utilize a theme or categories, such as: one educational thing, one fun thing, & one edible thing. Here’s another variation: something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.
Lastly, donations made to a worthy cause is a wonderful way to honor the spirit of the holidays! Perhaps a Sierra Club gift membership? Whatever you choose, Conscious, may your holiday be merry above all else. Warm wishes to you and yours!
Your jolly eco-guru, Eartha
Got an environmental query for Eartha? Submit your question to "Dear Eartha" via Enews.SierraTN@gmail.com
"Paperbark maple is a star in the winter landscape in the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville. Photo by Andrew Pulte, courtesy of UT Institute of Agriculture"
Paperbark maple hails from central China, brought to the US in 1907. The 2 original imported plants are still alive at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
The tree's bark peels off in thin sheets like paper, but remains on the tree. It is the only species of maple with peeling bark.
Paperbark maple is deciduous, with humble yellow or green flowers in spring, and showy fall foliage. It can grow 20-30 ft tall with a moderate spread.
Paperbark maple doesn't prefer extreme heat, but can still thrive in the right spot.
Many families and friends try not to discuss politics at the holiday dinner table. But sometimes hot button issues come up anyway...
The Sierra Club’s Holiday Discussion Guide is here to help. Included are some topics that may come up during your holiday get-togethers. This list isn’t exhaustive, but we hope it’s at least a good start. Above all, we encourage you to stay patient, listen, and to continue to educate yourself (and your family and friends) on these important issues.
We are the Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club, the world’s oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization. With over 3.5 million members and supporters, the Sierra Club has the resources to empower people and to influence public policy through community activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation.
Our mission is to Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet.
