October 2003
Welcome to e-Sierra
The email newsletter of the Sierra Club North Star ChapterOctober 2003 / Issue 19
STOP THE ENERGY BILL - TAKE ACTION TODAY
Congress plans to vote this month on the Bush Administration's energy bill that will put more pollution in our skies, more mercury in our lakes, and more of our children on inhalers. The current energy bill, developed in secret by big energy executives, gives billions of dollars of taxpayer money to these dirty power companies, allows drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, promotes a new coal plant that is exempted from basic environmental protections, and increases the potential for blackouts. Congress should vote against this bill and demand an energy bill that promotes solutions to pollution: renewable sources of electricity, and efficiency in our homes, offices, and vehicles. Tell your Congressperson that we know better; Minnesotans want a clean energy future: http://northstar.sierraclubaction.org/showalert.asp?aaid=416. If you are interested in energy or air pollution policy, please contact Matt Little, 612-659-9124 or .
US SENATE VOTING ON BUSH ADMINISTRATION LOGGING BILL
Under this plan the Forest Service could log old-growth forests just by asserting that it is necessary for fuels reduction or to combat beetles. And the bill restricts our right to comment on any environmental consequences of the project. Let Senator Coleman and Senator Dayton know how you feel about the great forest giveaway. http://www.northstar.sierraclub.org/forestry/legislation/index.html.
MEMBERSHIP
Are you a member of Sierra Club yet? Find out the benefits by dropping a note to and join the Club.
ASK THE SIERRA CLUB: WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH WINDSOURCE?
Xcel Energy is offering a voluntary green pricing program for ratepayers to pay more to support wind energy development. Are you wondering if this is a good investment? Check out the most recent Ask Sierra Club article. If you have a question you'd like to ask the Sierra Club on air toxics issues, please email or call Michelle, at 612-659-9124.
GOING, GOING, SAVED
The Endangered Greenspace Guide is back! Our new guide is currently under construction. Would you like us to include an open space, park, nature area or special place in this year's Guide? Do you want to profile a local endangered Greenspace and help spread the word on how to save it? Maybe you have a story or experience with a local Greenspace you want to share with fellow Minnesotans? Why not contact Trevor Russell at Sierra Club and give it a try. (612) 659-9124 or .
A MATTER OF DAYS... RUNNING OUT OF TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE CHAPTER 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Sign up today! The North Star Chapter turns 35 this year! To celebrate, we're throwing a 35th Anniversary Gala on October 26th, 2003. Join us for an evening of great music, excellent conversation, wonderful food, and dare we say good company.
POLITICS - DOES PRESIDENT BUSH HAVE IT IN HIM TO DO ANYTHING GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Environmental giveaways got your blood boiling. Contact Ginny Yingling at or Heather Cusick at to get involved in Sierra Club's political organizing network.
DRIP, DRIP, DRIP?
Are you curious about storm water runoff; locks and dams; wetlands; and other Minnesota water issues? Join other activists at the Water Committee meeting on Wed, October 22 at 5:30. For more information contact Water Committee Chair, Karen Harder at .
PRESIDENT BUSH AND CONGRESS WATCH
Keep tabs on President Bush and Congress. http://www.sierraclub.org/politics/
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 18: EPEC Fall Outreach - Duluth
Oct. 21: Sierra Club Political Action Network Meeting
Oct. 21: International Committee
Oct. 22: Excom
Oct. 22: Water Committee
Oct. 23: Air Toxics Committee
Oct. 24: MPHA: Public Health Matters: The Air We Breathe 7:30am-9:00am at Minnesota Humanities Education Center, 987 E. Ivy Av, St. Paul
Oct. 26: 35th Anniversary
Oct. 30: Forest Watch
Nov. 5: Forestry Committee
Nov. 12: Joint Legislative/Conservation Meeting
Nov. 12: Communications Committee
Nov. 13: Angler Summit at Gander Mountain Lodge
Nov. 13: Land Use Committee
Nov. 19: Learn about how the city is planning to use tax-forfeit land, Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave., Duluth. 6:30 pm.
Nov. 20: Air Toxics Committee
Dec. 6: Hunt for lynx tracks, Isabella, MN. Call Joshua Davis at 612-659-9124 for details.
Dec. 10: Duluth presentation on forest diversity, featuring Duane Lula, US Forest Service Forest Planner. Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave., Duluth. 6:30 pm.
Jan. 14: Presentation on Great Lakes restoration by Sierra Club's Jennifer Feyerherm. Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave., Duluth. 6:30 pm.
For More Calendar Information Contact:
For Interesting Submissions:
To no longer receive the e-Sierra, just reply to this email and write "Remove" in the subject line.
For SC email list T-and-C, send: GET TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS.CURRENT to
Heather Cusick
Conservation Director
Sierra Club - North Star
2327 East Franklin Ave. Suite 1
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
phone: 612.659.9124
fax: 612.659.9129