COVID-19 Update: Sierra Club has decided to extend the Sierra Club’s current Covid response plans through May 31, 2022.The plan allows for limited in-person gatherings. Groups may hold events such as ExComm meetings and tabling with the approval of the Chapter chair. Certain larger gatherings may occur with approval by Sierra Club safety staff.Read full statement here on Campfire.
Sierra Club Board of Directors Voting Underway!
The Tennessee Chapter recommends a vote for Cheyenne Skye Branscum (OK) [Board nominated candidate] and Kathryn Bartholomew (NY), Michael Dorsey (MI), Maya Khosla (CA) and Aaron Mair (NY) [petition nominated candidates] in the upcoming election for the Sierra Club’s Board of Directors.
The national Sierra Club Board of Directors consists of 15 members, with five Board members being elected each year for three year terms. This election is held each spring. A committee created by the Board nominates some candidates, and other candidates can be nominated by a petition process. Each candidate provides a statement about themselves and their views on the issues on the official election ballot. You can visit the Sierra Club Election site to read about the candidates.
It's too late to e-vote, but you can still mail in your ballot! Ballots must be received no later than noon EST on April 27, 2022. You should have received your ballot in the mail by March 14. If you did not receive your ballot by March 14th, please contact Sierra Club’s Member Care team at 415-977-5500 or member.care@sierraclub.org.
In a typical year less than 10% of eligible members vote in the Board elections. Sierra Club rules require a 5% participation for a valid Board election, so please participate! Our grassroots structure is strengthened when our participation is high. The Chapter encourages you to vote!
Tennessee News
Sun Block: Memphis’ Hard Road to More Solar Power. Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation is planning to build a new automotive assembly plant called Blue Oval City. Ford says that they aspire the campus to be "100 percent renewable energy, zero waste to landfill, and reusing every drop of water, to ensure our planet is in it for the long haul." But Blue Oval City is entirely within the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) service area, and TVA says it "won’t be carbon-neutral until 2050, about 25 years after the Ford plant is expected to open." Currently, only 14 percent of TVA’s power-generation portfolio is renewable. Read more by Toby Sells - Memphis Flyer - Mar. 16, 2022.
Tritium is critical to US nuclear weapons production, and only East Tennessee can make it. "Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin's escalation of nuclear threats, the United States began the process to increase its supply of an essential nuclear warhead ingredient. That ingredient is produced only in East Tennessee. The Tennessee Valley Authority's Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, located in Spring City, is slated to increase its irradiation of tritium-producing rods by 39%, pending regulatory approvals. Tritium, produced at the civilian Watts Bar Reactor 1 since 2002, is essentially the hydrogen in the hydrogen bomb." Read more by Vincent Gabrielle - Knoxville News Sentinel - March 3, 2022.
Bill to override local control of pipelines spurs statewide backlash. “On March 2, a seemingly innocuous bill in the Tennessee General Assembly proposed a study on energy infrastructure, but an amendment to remove local government’s ability to regulate fossil fuel infrastructure threw up red flags with legislators, local government officials and environmental groups... Several others also spoke out against the bill, including George Nolan from the Southern Environmental Law Center, Sarah Houston from Protect Our Aquifer and Scott Banbury from the Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club, all arguing that there is already little state oversight to protect ground water and drinking water.” Read more by Dulche Torres Guzman - Tennessee Lookout - March 21, 2022. Take Action!: Tell Representatives to vote NO on SB2077/HB2246. Don't let fossil fuel companies run roughshod over Tennessee communities!
Solar panels reflecting colors of a sunlit cloudy sky. Public domain photo from US DOE / edited by Todd Waterman.
Environmental Updates
The first garbage-fueled power plant in the US sparked debate in Nashville for decades. "Burning garbage sent plumes of smoke over the heart of downtown Nashville every single day just 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then...Smoke from that plant fueled debate for nearly 30 years until the plant met a fiery demise in 2002." Read more by Molly Davis - The Tennessean - March 14, 2022.
The Boring Bill in Tennessee That Everyone Should Be Watching. "That boring energy infrastructure bill, which passed the Tennessee Senate last Thursday, would let the state override local laws blocking fossil-fuel projects in their communities. In other words, if this bill becomes law, the state could allow an oil company to run a pipeline through a city over the objections of the city itself." Read more - Guest Essay by Margaret Renkl - The New York Times - March 28, 2022.
Sierra Club Comments to Guide the National Atlas for the America the Beautiful 30x30 Conservation Initiative. "We commend the Administration for establishing a national goal to protect at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 and agree with the solid science that this is the beginning of what's needed to meet our climate goals and to address the ongoing extinction crisis. We also strongly support the efforts of the Administration to address the nature equity crisis to ensure that all people have equitable access to nature and its benefits."Read the PDF for full comments - Sierra Club - March 7, 2022.
An Appalachian town was told a bitcoin mine would bring an economic boom. "It got noise pollution and an eyesore. Supporters of the crypto plant promised an expanded tax base and job creation. What residents say they got was the constant din from massive computers and equally massive cooling fans." Read more by Kevin Williams - Washington Post - March 18, 2022. And if you missed it, volunteer writer extraordinaire Aaron Butler wrote an article on the same topic ("Bitcoin: A Double-Edged Sword") for the Tennes-Sierran back in July/Aug 2021, available here on page 5.
Kathy Breen and Roger Drake, residents of Jonesborough, Tennessee, pose in front of a cryptocurrency mining operation in nearby Limestone, Tenn. Both are working to prevent a similar facility in Jonesborough. Photo by Cary Ellingburg.
Health & Justice
On World Water Day, Sierra Club Launches New Clean Water, Toxics, and Resilience Campaign. "For years, the Sierra Club has pushed for stronger water and toxics safeguards at both the state and federal level, and now the Club is redoubling its efforts with this new campaign to bring the national organization's resources to amplify and expand local efforts." Read more from Sierra Club - March 22, 2022.
Why a Black Woman Deserves a Seat on the Next Supreme Court. "Of the 113 people who have served on the Supreme Court, only three of them have been people of color and only five women. None have been Black women. Those are staggering figures when you consider that people of color and women have played an integral role in shaping this country since before its official founding." By Dru Spiller, Associate Attorney, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign. Sign petition here!
Springfield Race Massacre Site Deserves Recognition, Protection. If Congress won’t act, President Biden should declare it a national monument. "August 14, 1908 is a date that left a stain on the history of Springfield, Illinois. This city, known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln, was also the location of one of the most violent race riots in America’s history—one that many people today are unaware of. But that must change." Read more by Teresa Haley and Chris Hill - Sierra Magazine - Feb. 26, 2022.
Redlining means 45 million Americans are breathing dirtier air today, researchers find, 50 years after it ended. "Decades of federal housing discrimination continues to disproportionately affect Americans of color, according to an analysis of more than 200 cities published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters. The study found that, compared to White people, Black and Latino Americans live with more smog and fine particulate matter from cars, trucks, buses, coal plants and other nearby industrial sources in areas that were deemed undesirable by federal mortgage officers between the late 1930s and late 1960s." Read more by Darryl Fears - Washington Post - March 9, 2022.
This Earth Day, read your way to a leaner, greener lifestyle with this curated list of resources covering everything from eco-fashion, plastic-free living, "bikenomics," and much more! Photo by VanderWolf Images/iStock.
Celebrating 52 Years of Earth Day!
April 22nd is Earth Day! Since 1970, Earth Day has been a clarion call for clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet. This Earth Day, the Sierra Club -- alongside our partners in the broader movement -- will be rallying in the streets in cities and towns across the country. It’s time to make sure our leaders know we are calling on them to deliver bold systems-level change, and to deliver it now.
The next few months will be a critical window to push President Biden and Congress to pass bold climate, care, jobs, and justice legislation and executive actions before the midterm campaign season consumes all attention. That’s why this Earth Day, we’re calling for a nationwide mobilization to turn up the heat. Together with partners across the broader progressive movement like the Green New Deal Network, SEIU, Sunrise Movement, and many others, we will rally in the streets in cities and towns across the country. We will once again call on our government leaders to invest in us for the solutions we know are possible and necessary. Join us for our "Earth Day Training Series" so that you're prepared to take action with us this Earth Day!
Fundraising Corner
By Mac Post, Chapter Fundraising Chair
Support the ongoing work of your local Tennessee Chapter by becoming a Monthly Donor! The Tennessee Chapter is effective because we have the flexibility to fight any environmental battle at any time—including legislative fights in Nashville. Monthly donors are the backbone of that power and flexibility. Your steady giving, regardless of size, sustains long-term campaigns that are improving Tennessee’s environment. Get started here!
Events
Statewide environmental events listed in order of occurrence:
Webinar: Equitable Brownfields Redevelopment. "Join EPA and the National Brownfields Coalition for an engaging, free virtual event addressing how practitioners can center equity in their work and develop strategies for inclusive brownfields redevelopment. Learn tools and strategies for community wealth-building and preventing displacement at the Equitable Brownfields Redevelopment event, part of continued programming of Smart Growth America’s Equity Summit." Virtual event on April 5, 2022 at 11:30am – 2:30pm ET. Register here.
HBG Program: Hidden Rivers documentary, hosted by Patrick Rakes, Conservation Fisheries. Join us for a special virtual screening of the documentary film Hidden Rivers. Ten years in the making, Hidden Rivers is Freshwaters Illustrated’s feature film that explores the rivers and streams of the Southern Appalachian region, North America’s most biologically rich waters. The film follows the work of conservation biologists and explorers throughout the region, and reveals both the beauty and vulnerability of these ecosystems. Event Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 7:00-8:30 PM ET. RSVP through this Campfire Event Link. You can learn more here about Hidden Rivers.
Chattanooga Eco-Field Day 2022 on April 22. Come by and see the Cherokee Group Sierra Club at our table at the green|spaces 4th Annual Eco-Field Day! Back in person and bigger and better than ever for 2022, join the Chattanooga area community in celebrating Earth Day at Miller Park downtown. Find out more on the event website.
Clean Catoosa Day on April 23. Help benefit the surrounding community and celebrate Earth Day by participating in Clean Catoosa Day 2022! Contact Tina Pinkston for information on joining a team. Find out more on the event website.
May Chapter ExCom meeting date had been changed to Saturday May 7th at 10 am CT / 11 am ET.
Volunteer Opportunity
Grow your digital communications skills! Cherokee Group (Chattanooga area) Sierra Club is looking for a volunteer to help with our monthly newsletter and website! If you are interested in getting more involved and would like more information, please reach out to Alyssa Matas.
Job Opening: Sierra Club Military Outdoors
The Sierra Club Military Outdoors is hiring the following position:
Job Title: Senior Campaign Representative, Military Outdoors Location: Washington, DC preferred Reports To: Military Outdoors Campaign Manager
The Military Outdoors campaign works to improve the lives of veterans and military families through connections with the outdoors and inspire and empower new champions for public lands and environmental justice. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression values. Top candidates will have experience with project management, policy advocacy and thrive on building and maintaining transformational partnerships. While this position is listed as Washington, DC, preferred, we’re accepting applications from across the U.S. and seek to hire the best fit for the role. Job description and application instructions here.
Special Features
Dear Eartha: Advice from an Eco-Guru
Dear Reader, I am taking a short break this month, so while I don't have a column for you, you are still encouraged to submit your environmental queries, or your answer to "What matters now?" (send your brief thoughts in about 100 words to the Sierra E-News Editor [Enews.sierratn@gmail.com]. Here's a thoughtful submission from our very own Chapter E-news Editor:
"What Matters Now?" by Allie Stafford: What matters now is humility and bravery. The wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen, and to use whatever privileges we have for good and not evil. It's time to put away childish things, like selfish egos, white fragility, & patriarchal power. Remember that guilt and shame are unhelpful, except in small, strategic doses. What matters now is truth and resilience. It's easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed sometimes, when there is something to be angry or sad about at every turn. Compassion fatigue and burnout is real. Give yourself grace to rest sometimes, so you can be ready for that next fight. There is still truth—it takes patience and perseverance to share it.
Happy spring! Until next month, Eartha
Dear Eartha is penned by Rita Bullinger. Got an environmental query for Eartha? Submit your question to "Dear Eartha" via Enews.SierraTN@gmail.com
Species Spotlight
Species Spotlight? More like Species STOPlight! Don't let this plant make a (April) fool out of you! Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Toxicodendron radicans is photographed at Fall Creek Falls State Park.
A silly submission by Todd Waterman:
On April 1, 2021 the rare and endangered Toxicodendron Radicans was officially designated the Tennessee State Flower.
It is illegal to touch, sit on, wallow in, burn, hunt, eat, or otherwise harm this protected species. Should you inadvertently do so, immediately scrub the exposed area with soap and water, lest telltale bumps appear which might be spotted by the authorities.
The lovely Toxicodendron Radicans is sometimes insultingly dismissed as "poison ivy."
As such it was notoriously featured in the hit song "Poison Ivy," recorded by The Coasters in 1959. It went to #1 on the R&B chart and #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
BONUS CONTENT! Species Spotlight
This featured species won't attack you:
Showy Orchis (Galearisspectabilis)
Pale purple orchis blooms awaken. Photo credit: Will Kuhn, Director of Science at Discover Life in America.
Native to eastern Canada and the US, the showy orchis or orchid is a spring wildflower that has a "hooded" bloom shape. The name galearis derives from galea, which is Latin for "helmet."
There are 36 species of orchids just in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's estimated that there are 25,000-30,000 species of orchids worldwide. This makes Orchidaceae the second largest plant family in the world (after Asteraceae - daisies)!
Orchids have a symbiotic relationship with their fungus neighbors in the forest. Fungii pass nutrients to the orchid's seeds, while the roots of the orchid help protect the fungii.
The showy orchis has two long basal leaves, with a center flowering stalk that has no leaves. Its hood is pink or lilac, with a white lip underneath.
Learn more: The North American Orchid Conservation Center is a "coalition of organizations dedicated to conserving the diverse orchid heritage of the US and Canada."
Paperless Delivery
Are you a Sierra member who has been receiving our bi-monthly print publication, the Tennes-Sierran? You can now opt out of getting a paper copy of the newspaper and instead receive it digitally as an email attachment. To request paperless delivery, open this form to make your request.
Contact Us
Do you have a program or speaker idea for your Group? An issue you're particularly passionate about? Do you have a story idea for the Tennes-Sierran or the e-newsletter? Let us know! Look through our past programs for inspiration. Submit your suggestion here!
The views expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sierra Club.
Who We Are
We are the Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club, the world’s oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization. With over 3.8 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.
