Loo Wit Group November 2024 Newsletter

Loo Wit Rumblings

November 2024 Newsletter

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News

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2025 Challenges
By Mark Leed, Loo Wit Chair

Prospects for the environment look grim with an incoming Trump administration poised to promote more oil and gas drilling, oppose expansion of clean energy, and pull America out of the Paris Climate Accords. At precisely the time we need to go full-bore on expanding renewable energy, Trump has pledged to go in the opposite direction.

However, this is no time to give up hope and throw up our hands in despair. There's a lot we can do at the local and state levels to fight climate change and biodiversity loss and keep our air and water clean. Voters here in Washington have soundly rejected an initiative that would have overturned our Climate Commitment Act, and environmental initiatives did well even in some red states -- Louisiana voters approved a constitutional amendment (state) requiring their state to deposit revenues from renewable energy into a fund for coastal protection and restoration. And, with Dave Upthegrove's election as Washington's public lands commissioner, our legacy forests have a brighter future.

On the local level, there's still much we can do to move the needle in a better direction. The city of Vancouver and Clark County are both updating their comprehensive plans and soliciting citizen input on issues like land use, climate resilience, and transportation. Our Loo Wit/Sierra Club Beyond Fossil Fuels Task Force continues monitoring the city's efforts to implement its climate action framework and advocating for Clark Public Utilities to undertake more community solar projects. There are many ways you can get involved, either with Sierra Club or our many allies. We may have lost a battle, but we haven't lost the fight. We need your help now more than ever.

Loo Wit Endorsement Results
By Richard Kolber, Political Chair

ExCom Candidates - Please Vote!

Loo Wit's annual Executive Committee (ExCom) election opens on Nov. 15 and runs to Dec. 31, 2024. Terms are two years and all voting is by email. Vote for one or both candidates and email your vote to: tripsguy@aol.com (Lehman Holder).

Mark Leed statement:

I'm running for another term on ExCom to protect SW Washington's farm and forest lands and to advocate for smart climate policies, clean air and clean water. I love our public lands and want to support efforts to enhance their biodiversity. I want everyone in our communities, regardless of background, to enjoy equal access to nature.

Betty Jo Brewer statement:

I began working on conservation issues when I was just 10 years old, living in Indiana. I'm now a longtime resident of Longview and would like to raise the profile of Sierra Club in Cowlitz County. I've been involved in several political campaigns in Longview and am acquainted with many key players here. I ask for your vote.

Washington Keeps Climate Policy

Although it faced a strong challenge, 62% of Washington voters supported the Climate Commitment Act. Outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee campaigned hard for the Act and noted that Washington is positioned to act as a beacon of climate policy, not just in the U.S. but around the world. The Climate Commitment Act requires the state's top polluters to purchase allowances for every metric ton of greenhouse gases they emit. During the coming decades, the state will decrease the number of allowances sold, thereby reducing emissions.

Beloved Bear Killed
By Steve Foster, Loo Wit ExCom

Grizzly 399, well known in the Teton Range of Wyoming, was struck by a vehicle on Oct. 22 in western Wyoming and killed.

The 28-year-old bear, known as the "Queen of the Tetons," was a mama bear 8 times over, and an ambassador for her species. She was named for the tag affixed to her ear and was the oldest-known reproducing grizzly in the Yellowstone ecosystem. A candlelight vigil was held for her in Jackson, WY, and her ashes were spread in an area where she spent much of her life in Grand Teton National Park.

Beautiful Sierra Club 2025 Calendars Available
By Steve Foster, Loo Wit ExCom

All proceeds support local Loo Wit Group – great gifts
 

Wilderness Wall $18 - same price as last year, Chapter in Seattle covers sales tax, discounted from book store price $18.95 plus sales tax.
 

Contact Steve siberman88@aol.com - email preferred 360-892-4289 or 360-607-8076. Please leave message if no answer.
 

Check payable to Sierra Club or cash

Loo Wit 2024 Outings
By Helen Ost, Outings Leader

Loo Wit outings have been very active in 2024. We've hiked Catherine Creek, Steward Glen, Burnt Bridge Creek Trail, CASEE forest and gardens, Steigerwald Trail, Lewis River Park, Battle Ground Lake State Park, Whipple Creek Trails, Wahchella Falls, Round Lake, Cougar Creek and Salmon Creek Trail.

Kayak and bike outings are concluded for 2024 but will return in 2025.

To join our hikes and read more, go to: https://www.meetup.com/portland-vancouver-sierra-club-outings-events

Do you have a favorite hike? We're always looking for more places -- join us! Questions? Email outings chair Lehman Holder, tripsguy@aol.com, (360) 901-0861, or Helen Ost, hiking coordinator, Helen.Madsen.Ost@gmail.com, (503) 367-5672.

Executive Committee Roster for 2024

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