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A Letter From Our Co-Directors On Our Legislative Agenda

A Letter From Our Co-Directors On Our Legislative Agenda

The following is an email from MountainTrue Co-Directors Julie Mayfield and Bob Wagner on our legislative agenda for the 2016 session.

Dear MountainTrue Supporter:

People who live in our part of the state know all too well that North Carolina’s legislature can have an enormous impact – good and bad – on the preservation and protection of our natural resources.

That’s why MountainTrue tracks legislation and engages legislators in Raleigh in addition to all of our local advocacy and on-the-ground work in WNC.

Our legislative work starts again soon this year, as the General Assembly prepares to open its 2016 session on April 25. We are writing to update you about our legislative efforts, which focus on several important policy areas this year, and to invite you to help us speak up for a clean environment and a sustainable economy.

As lawmakers head back to Raleigh, here’s a list of the issues we’ll be talking to them about:

  • Clean Energy – State energy policies, like North Carolina’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, and tax policies that incentivize the use of solar, wind and other renewable energy have made our state a national leader in clean-tech jobs and the evolution away from fossil fuels. Unfortunately, lawmakers in Raleigh continue to attack these policies, and MountainTrue will again be a strong voice this session for maintaining our state’s reputation as a leader on clean energy.
  • Clean Water – In WNC, the growth of the brewing industry is just one example of how a strong economy depends on clean water. Before the Great Recession, North Carolina was a leader in clean water investments such as the Clean Water Management Trust fund and other funding sources. Since then, lawmakers have made slow but steady progress in restoring this funding. This year, MountainTrue will work to see that these investments continue to grow. We’ll also advocate for expanded funding help farmers and other property owners manage their land in ways that protect water quality for downstream neighbors.
  • Coal Ash – Effective clean up and disposal of the state’s coal ash will be a long-term effort that requires accountability and transparency among all stakeholders. Unfortunately, legal maneuverings and political posturing have been a poor replacement for good policy on coal ash.  This session, MountainTrue will oppose efforts to water down coal ash laws or reduce public accountability and transparency in the clean up effort.
  • Local Control – Local communities must be able to find sustainable solutions to important challenges, including transportation, planning and development. Unfortunately, recent legislatures have too often reduced this authority. MountainTrue opposes any further reduction in local governments’ ability to shape sustainable futures for their citizens.
  • Fair and Open Government – Our government works best when all citizens have an equal voice, regardless of their background, political affiliation, income – or where they live. That’s why MountainTrue supports a nonpartisan redistrictingprocess, so that all North Carolinians are equally represented at all levels of government.

In addition to engaging lawmakers on these issues, we will also be taking groups of MountainTrue supporters to Raleigh this session to meet with their lawmakers. We invite you to join us. The first of these trips is scheduled for early May. If you are interested in participating, please contact our campaign director Joan Walker.

To help keep you update on important environmental issues in Raleigh during the session, MountainTrue also publishes the MTRaleigh Report. To subscribe, please visithttps://mountaintrue.org/ncga/ and click on the link at the top of the page.

We also have information about your legislators on our website.  If you would like to learn more about your legislator, their voting records, their fundraising and their contact information, visit the MountainTrue website at https://mountaintrue.org/ncga.

Finally – thank you! Your support of MountainTrue makes it possible for us to protect – both locally and in Raleigh – the places we share and love in Western North Carolina.

Sincerely,

Julie Mayfield and Bob Wagner
Co-Directors, MountainTrue

Katharine Hayhoe at First Baptist Church in Asheville

Katharine Hayhoe at First Baptist Church in Asheville

Katharine Hayhoe Discusses Faith and Climate Science at First Baptist Church in Asheville

On April 5, 300 people gathered at First Baptist Church in downtown Asheville for a presentation by climate scientist and evangelical Christian Katharine Hayhoe.

Hayhoe Event (1 of 1)

Scott Hardin-Nieri, director of the Creation Care Alliance of WNC begins the night by acknowledging our partners.

Katharine was uniquely able to make the clear connection between science and faith on the subject of climate change. She explained climate change in simple language and well-understood metaphors and made a strong case for why Christians should care about and act on climate change.

You can now listen to the full lecture online here: http://www.fbca.net/worship-a-music/worship-this-week-6361

Katharine argued that faith and science are not in direct competition and are not two alternate systems of beliefs. Climate change is an observable scientific fact, and “whether you believe in climate change or not, or whether you believe in gravity or not, if you step off the cliff, you’re going down.” In her speech, she reviewed the substantial evidence and scientific observations that show that climate change is real and happening now.

Hayhoe Event (1 of 1)-2

Katharine Hayhoe reviewing the conclusive data supporting climate change.

A charge often levelled against climate scientists is that they are “alarmist”. Refuting that characterization, Hayhow showed that when you compare the past 20 years of climate projections against the past 20 years of climate data, that the projections have been too low. Rather than being alarmist, scientists have been too cautious, too conservative. Scientist “suffer from ESLD, we error on the side of least drama,” she explained to chuckles from the crowd.

Despite this, polling has shown that the public opinion is turning against the scientific consensus, and that opinion is divided less by religion but by political and cultural/social identification. These divisions must be bridged because “climate change doesn’t just affect all of us, it takes all of us to fix it.”

Katharine reinforced Pope Francis’ understanding that slowing climate change is about loving our global and local neighbors more fully. Those who attended left the event with a better understanding of the science, a sense of renewed hope, and tips on how to talk to others about the challenges ahead.

This event was organized by the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina, a program of MountainTrue. We’d like to thank our generous sponsor, Krull & Company, socially and environmentally responsible investment management and financial planning – and our other partners: Green Sage Cafe, Climate Listening Project, Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Asheville Chapter, and the Wild Goose Festival.  

Katharine Hayhoe with Pete Krull of Krull & Company - socially and environmentally responsible investment management and financial planning - the lead sponsor of the event.

Katharine Hayhoe with Pete Krull of Krull & Company – socially and environmentally responsible investment management and financial planning – the lead sponsor of the event.

If we’re going to act in time to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need to bridge political and ideological divides. This event is an example of the role that the Creation Care Alliance can play in our community as a convener of people of faith and a facilitator of that necessary dialogue.

If you’re not yet a member of the Creation Care Alliance or MountainTrue, I hope you will consider getting more involved.

To become a member of MountainTrue, click here: https://mountaintrue.org/get-involved/mountaintrue/

To find out how you can volunteer with the Creation Care Alliance of WNC, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at: scott@creationcarealliance.org

 

MountainTrue Welcomes Two New Hires

MountainTrue Welcomes Two New Hires

MountainTrue Welcomes Two New Hires

Holly Demuth joins as Development Director;
Susan Bean hired as Community Engagement Manager

Asheville, N.C. — Western North Carolina-based conservation organization MountainTrue is proud to announce two new hires. Holly Demuth will join as the organization’s Development Director and Susan Bean takes the newly-created role of Community Engagement Manager.

Holly Demuth

Holly Demuth

Holly Demuth comes to the organization from Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where she served as North Carolina regional director. Previously she was executive director of WaysSouth, development director of the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and development and program associate for the Community Foundation of Henderson County. Prior to that, Holly was a park ranger for the National Park Service leading interpretive programs at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site and Muir Woods.

Holly has long been acquainted with the work of MountainTrue through its predecessors. She was a water quality volunteer with Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO), and chair of the Buncombe County Chapter of Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA).

“When the WNCA joined forces with ECO in Henderson County and the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, it was clear that MountainTrue was going to be a strong advocate for all of Western North Carolina,” explains Holly, “As a region, we need an organization that stands for our values and works to maintain our ecological heritage.”

Susan Bean

Susan Bean

Susan Bean has taken on the role of community engagement manager with MountainTrue where she will expand volunteer and member programming. For the last four years, Susan has been the program director of Leadership Asheville, a community leadership development program designed to develop, connect and mobilize citizens from across the community, including business, nonprofit, education and government.

“MountainTrue does so much for the region and our environment,” Susan Bean explains. “I was really inspired by their recent victories – helping to secure the retirement of Asheville’s coal-fired power plant and defeating the proposed transmission lines that would have cut through Henderson, Buncombe and Polk counties. I’m thrilled to join such an effective team.”

Previously, Susan worked for the National Outdoor Leadership School leading whitewater paddling trips in Utah, Colorado and Idaho. She returned to the Southeast to earn her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she continued training wilderness trip leaders as a graduate assistant for the University’s outdoor program. She is actively involved in the community serving as a Co-Chair of the Building Bridges Board and a regular volunteer for the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP).

Download full-size photo of Holly Demuth.

Download full-size photo of Susan Bean.

Striving for a More Diverse, Inclusive Western North Carolina

Striving for a More Diverse, Inclusive Western North Carolina

Striving for a More Diverse, Inclusive Western North Carolina

At MountainTrue we understand that Western North Carolina’s diversity is just as important to our heritage as our mountains.

In fact, we recently adopted a set of principles of Equity, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination that recognizes and honors diversity in our membership, volunteer base, staff and board. These principles establish that we will not discriminate against individuals, communities or organizations based on race, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or physical/mental disability.

These principles go further and also commit us to a proactive and strategic approach to equity at an institutional and societal level. We continue our decades-long work to engage diverse voices in decision making at the local and state levels. We connect community voices with their lawmakers through direct communications, in-district and lobby day visits and by keeping the public informed about what’s happening in the NC legislature pertaining to environmental issues via our MT Raleigh Report.

It’s also important that new leaders step up to serve in local government and the general assembly. To that end, we are cultivating new leaders at the local level by encouraging and empowering them to serve on local government boards and commissions so they can effect positive change on the local level and possibly beyond one day.

It’s amazing what you can get done on a non-expert citizen advisory board to make incremental steps in the right direction. For example, I serve on the Buncombe County Planning Board and we just sent to our County Commissioners sweeping changes in our zoning ordinance to improve affordable housing and environmental impacts of development. If you’ve never served on a local government board or commission you’d be surprised at how rewarding this work can be and how you will easily find the time to make your community a better place.

At MountainTrue, we are striving for a better, more equitable and inclusive future. It’s very much a work in progress and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. We welcome your partnership and involvement in this work  if you have other ideas of how we can be doing a better job, we are listening.

Thank you,
Joan Walker, Campaign Director

 

MountainTrue Presents Water Quality Report to Henderson County

MountainTrue Presents Water Quality Report to Henderson County

MountainTrue Presents Water Quality Report to Henderson County

 

On April 4, MountainTrue presented an update on our Volunteer Water Information Network (VWIN) program to the Henderson County Commissioners.  This program has been collecting data for 20 years, and last year we engaged over 40 volunteers to test 35 sites throughout Henderson County.

EQI, the Environmental Quality Institute, has published the full report for years 2013-2014, and we’ve created an executive summary. The results show that efforts to protect the Mills and Green River have paid off with water quality improving in those and other watersheds. Others, like Mud Creek, are not doing so well, so we’ll be focusing in those areas with more tree plantings, clean-up days and other efforts to improve water quality.

This program depends on the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. We can’t do it without you! Contact Evan Parker, Water Quality Administrator at wqa@mountaintrue.org to get involved.

Show your support for the Energy Innovation Task Force

Show your support for the Energy Innovation Task Force

This Tuesday, March 22, Asheville City Council will vote on a resolution to establish the Energy Innovation Task Force. Then on April 5, Buncombe County Commission will meet to vote on the same joint resolution. Once established, his task force will bring together representatives from the City, County, Duke Energy and community partners to work toward to a cleaner, affordable and smarter energy future.

The work of the Energy Innovation Task Force will be to strategize and implement a plan that will meet the region’s future energy demand through more energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy infrastructure so that we can avoid the construction of a third natural-gas-powered “peaking” unit at Lake Julian.

Asheville City Council Meeting
March 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Asheville City Hall
70 Court Plaza, 2nd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Buncombe County Commissioners Meeting
April 5 at 4:30 p.m.
Buncombe County Building
200 College Street, 3rd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Public comment will be accepted. Come to both the Asheville City Council meeting and the County Commission meeting and show your support for the creation of the Energy Innovation Task Force!

Text of the Resolution

RESOLUTION NO. __________

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A JOINT CITY, COUNTY AND UTILITY ENERGY INNOVATION TASK FORCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF RESEARCHING, PRIORITIZING, RECOMMENDING AND IMPLEMENTING  RECOMMENDATIONS TO CREATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE ENERGY USE     IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY_________________

WHEREAS, Buncombe County adopted a resolution regarding Buncombe County Energy Independence on December 3, 2013; and

WHEREAS, the City of Asheville adopted a resolution Supporting a Clean Energy Economy on October 22, 2013; and

WHEREAS, the region’s beauty, clean air, and clean water are vital to the residents of Buncombe County and the region’s economy; and

WHEREAS, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy Progress are committed to working to delay or avoid the construction of an additional fossil fuel-powered combustion turbine electricity generating facility at the Asheville Plant site in 2023; and

WHEREAS, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy Progress desire a transition to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future in Western North Carolina, rooted in community engagement and collaboration, that is mutually beneficial to the community, customers and Duke Energy Progress; and

WHEREAS, Duke Energy Progress has agreed to co-convene with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County a joint Energy Innovation Task Force to transition to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future through active community engagement, deliberate investment in distributed energy resources and greater promotion of and access to energy efficiency and demand-side management programs, subject to appropriate North Carolina Utilities Commission approval; and

WHEREAS, supporting a clean energy future will foster protection of natural resources, help mitigate climate change, and facilitate the growth of the clean energy industry in our region; and

WHEREAS, the task force will engage with our community to provide cost-effective services, programs and new products they value and expect through investment in clean and innovative ways to power Western North Carolina, while keeping rates competitive; and

WHEREAS, Buncombe County residents and businesses have the ability to seize this opportunity to use renewable energy and participate in energy efficiency and demand-side management programs to increase the region’s climate resiliency and to become a model to other communities in the state and country.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMMISSION AND ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL THAT:

Buncombe County, the City of Asheville and Duke Energy Progress have established a joint task force known as the “Energy Innovation Task Force” that will appoint members from local government, environmental and clean energy advocates, large and small businesses, local institutions and Duke Energy Progress to research, recommend and implement energy efficiency and demand-side management programs and projects and distributed energy technology in Buncombe County, subject to appropriate North Carolina Utilities Commission approval.  This Task Force will seek input from and engagement with the public as an integral part of its work.

Read, approved and adopted this __ day of March 2016.

Buncombe County Commission Chair Mayor, City of Asheville

County Clerk City Clerk
Approved as to form:

County Attorney City Attorney

MountainTrue Comes to the High Country with a Kick-off Event in Boone

MountainTrue Comes to the High Country with a Kick-off Event in Boone

MountainTrue Comes to the High Country with a Kick-off Event in Boone

On March 3, the High Country welcomed MountainTrue with a kick-off event at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone. Attendees enjoyed great beer, music by Andy Ferrell, and free samples of Appalachia Cookie Company’s Spring Seasonal Lemon Lavender cookie, proceeds from the sale of which benefit our work. Graphic design services were provided by Open Door Design Studio.

 

Check out the full photo gallery on Facebook.

Click here!

High Country Regional Director Andy Hayslip addressed the crowd to talk about MountainTrue’s unique WNC region-wide focus and Co-Director Bob Wagner and Communications Director Karim Olaechea were on hand to discuss the organization’s history, mission and upcoming programs for 2016. These include a volunteer-led water quality monitoring program as well as stream restoration and clean-up events.

Andy was interviewed by both the High Country Press and the Watauga Democrat in the days leading up to the kick-off event. You can also check out our press release here.

 

Danny Wilcox, Director of Retail Operations at Appalachian Mountain Brewery with MountainTrue High Country Regional Director Andy Hayslip. March 3, 2016. Photo credit: katrinaohstrom.com

MountainTrue Communications Director Karim Olaechea with David J. Holloman, Owner of Appalachia Cookie Company with and MountainTrue High Country Regional Director Andy Hayslip. March 3, 2016. Photo credit: katrinaohstrom.com

Boone native Andy Ferrell playing at Appalachian Mountain Brewery. March 3, 2016. Photo credit: katrinaohstrom.com

French Broad Ranks 11th in Outside’s Best Trips of 2016

French Broad Ranks 11th in Outside’s Best Trips of 2016

French Broad Ranks 11th in Outside’s Best Trips of 2016

 

Outside magazine has released its annual list of the Best Trips of 2016 and the French Broad River is ranked #11 … in the world. The magazine states that these vanguard destinations are the favorites of its editors and writers. Western North Carolina’s French Broad River gets accolades for its access to some of the world’s best craft breweries and access to the amazing camping available along the French Broad Paddle Trail — a collaborative project of MountainTrue and Riverlink.

“The beauty of traveling by canoe is that you can carry a lot of beer. There’s probably no better place in the country to test out this theory than the mild 45-mile stretch of the French Broad that flows past the Southern outposts of three of America’s most cherished craft breweries.”

2016 French Broad Riverkeeper Paddle Trip – Reservations Now Open!

July 12-15, join us for a four-day float.

Now is the time to start planning your French Broad River adventure! Every year, MountainTrue and our French Broad Riverkeeper take participants on a guided trip down the French Broad River, camping out along the French Broad River Paddle Trail℠ — a recreational watercraft trail created and operated by MountainTrue and Riverlink (proudly sponsored by Oskar Blues Brewery). Leave the shuttle and logistics to us and enjoy the river’s beauty from the water!

We take care of all the logistics and camp sites so you can enjoy this beautiful river with some of the top craft breweries in the entire world along the way. We’ll put in at Hap Simpson River Park and take out in time to hit Oskar Blues.  We’ll float down to Sierra Nevada from there, and then hit New Belgium once we get into Asheville.  It’s our very own Brew Paddle. We’ll also highlight the work of the Riverkeeper program and take water samples, but we’ll be sure to leave enough time for cornhole and s’mores at the campsites.  For reservations and more info, click here.

2016 French Broad Riverkeeper Paddle

Get your paddle on and enjoy some of the best beer in the world.

Reserve Now!

March 10: Hendersonville Green Drinks: Stop Working So Hard – Let The Chickens Do It

March 10: Hendersonville Green Drinks: Stop Working So Hard – Let The Chickens Do It

The chicken that did it.

March 10: Hendersonville Green Drinks: Stop Working So Hard – Let The Chickens Do It

Hendersonville, N.C. — On Thursday March 10, Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes featured guest Justin Rhodes who will speak about raising permaculture chickens. Rhodes, is an author and film producer who has taught thousands of folks how to live more sustainable (freedom filled) lives. Learn more about his work at: abundantpermaculture.com.

What: Hendersonville Green Drinks: Stop Working So Hard – Let The Chickens Do It.
Who: Justin Rhodes, author, film producer and creator of abundantpermaculture.com
Where: Black Bear Coffee Co. 318 N. Main St. Hendersonville, NC
When: Thursday, March 10, 2016 networking at 5:30p, presentation at 6:00p.

About Hendersonville Green Drinks
Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Black Bear Coffee offers beer, wine, coffee drinks and sodas. A limited food menu will be available. For more information about Hendersonville’s Green Drinks, contact Joan Walker, campaigns director and interim souther regional director for MountainTrue at 828.258.8737 x 205, or joan@mountaintrue.org.

N.C. Utilities Commission Denies Duke Energy’s Application for Third Unit

N.C. Utilities Commission Denies Duke Energy’s Application for Third Unit

N.C. Utilities Commission Denies Duke Energy’s Application for Third Unit

 

Asheville Beyond Coal activists protesting the coal-fired power plant during a float on Lake Julian. The power plant produces CO2, SO2 and coal ash which pollutes the French Broad River. 

On February 29, the North Carolina Utilities Commission handed down its decision on Duke Energy’s “Western Carolinas Modernization Project” giving Duke the go-ahead to construct two 280 megawatt natural gas combined cycle units, but rejecting a controversial third 186 MW “peaking” unit.

The two new natural gas units will replace the existing 379 MW coal plant when it retires in 2020. Duke had also sought approval of a third “peaking unit” despite having publicly stated that the unit would not be needed until 2023 and that company would work to avoid having to construct it by partnering with local communities, investing in more renewable infrastructure and expanding access to energy efficiency programs. By denying this part of the application, the Commission was respecting the recommendation of its Public Staff and calls from the public.

MountainTrue and the Sierra Club, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, were intervenors in the proceedings before the Utilities Commission. We provided the commission with expert analysis conducted by Dick Hahn, a senior executive in the energy industry with over 40 years of technical experience, who determined that Duke’s plan was too big, too expensive and unjustified. We asked the commission to reject the application and to call on Duke to come up with a better plan, one that would save ratepayers money, be less reliant on fossil fuels and help create new green energy jobs. Short of that, we called for the rejection of the third “peaking” unit.

The Commission’s decision falls short of a complete rejection. The full decision is expected to be released in the coming weeks, and, at that time, MountainTrue and the Sierra Club will review our options with our legal counsel and take the appropriate action.

This outcome is not perfect; we can’t ignore the destructive effects of methane and natural gas on our global climate. However, the denial of Duke Energy’s application for the third “peaking” unit by the Utilities Commission should still be seen as a victory for Western North Carolina. Duke Energy’s “Western Carolinas Modernization Project” was a direct result of a years-long campaign to shut down the coal-fired power plant on Lake Julian and to clean up its coal ash ponds. Thousands of MountainTrue and Sierra Club members made their voices heard, took action and won. Then when Duke put forth the first version of their modernization plan, our members took action again and helped defeat the new massive transmission line that Duke proposed to build by clear-cutting a path through the farms, forests and communities of Henderson, Polk and Transylvania Counties.

 

Face painting at the Protect Our Land Picnic in Hendersonville. Residents rallied in opposition to a transmission line that would have cut through the forests, farms and communities of Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties and a new substation proposed for Campobello, S.C..

We’ve also secured from Duke, a promise to build 15 megawatts of new solar power infrastructure and 5 megawatts of cutting-edge industrial battery storage. The company has committed to working with the City of Asheville through the city’s Clean Energy Framework to help meet future demand through greater investment in renewables and expanded energy efficiency programs – with the express intent of avoiding the need for a third natural-gas fired peaking unit in the future.

Time and again, our communities have come together to oppose dirty coal, toxic waste, destruction of our natural heritage and beautiful mountain vistas. Because of that hard work, we’ve won a future where coal ash no longer pollutes the French Broad River, where smokestacks no longer spew sulfur dioxide into the air that we breathe, and where Duke has to respond to the concerns of our residents.

For that, MountainTrue thanks you for your ongoing support and dedication to protecting the places we share.