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

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.

Read the full EQI report [pdf]
Read the executive summary [pdf]
View the slideshow that we presented to the Henderson County Commissioners. [pdf]

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

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

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 Andy Ferrell at Appalachian Mountain Brewery

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

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

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

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.

N.C. Utilities Commission Decision on Duke Energy’s Proposed Asheville Gas Plant Mixed, Conservation Groups Say

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.–Conservation groups expressed some reservations about today’s mixed decision by the North Carolina Utilities Commission on Duke Energy’s proposal to build a new gas-fired power plant in Western North Carolina. In a brief Notice of Decision, the Commission announced its decision to issue a “certificate of public convenience and necessity” to Duke for two 280 megawatt natural gas combined cycle units to replace the 379 MW coal plant when it retires in 2020. At the same time, the commission respected the recommendation of its Public Staff and calls from the public by denying Duke’s request for early approval of a third, 186 MW combustion turbine unit that Duke claimed it might need in 2023, if at all. Under a special law passed in 2015, the Commission had only 45 days to make a decision on Duke’s proposal. The commission will issue a more detailed decision at a later date.

Comments from the conservation groups follow:

“We’re pleased that the Commission has denied permission to build the third, 186 MW ‘peaking unit,’” said Joan Walker, campaign director at MountainTrue. “This decision is another step toward the retirement of the Lake Julian coal plant and one that gives Duke Energy further incentive to partner with our communities, build more renewable infrastructure, and expand access to energy efficiency programs which would reduce energy use and utility bills for families and businesses across the WNC region. We regret the Utilities Commission’s approval of the two 280 megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units that expert analysis determined were unjustified and oversized and not the best use of ratepayer dollars. Natural gas prices may be low now but we fear that over-investment in such a large plant will saddle our region’s families and businesses with higher electricity bills in the future.”

“We’re disappointed in the North Carolina Utilities Commission’s decision to approve Duke Energy’s plans for a huge new gas-fired power plant near Asheville,” said Gudrun Thompson, the senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center who represented MountainTrue and Sierra Club in the proceedings. “We welcome Duke’s long-overdue commitments to retire the Asheville coal plant in 2020 and clean up the leaking coal ash basins at the site. And we agree with the commission’s decision to deny Duke’s premature application for the third unit. But replacing the coal plant with an oversized, billion-dollar gas plant will lock the region into dependence on dirty fossil-fueled power for decades when the rest of the nation is transitioning to cleaner, cheaper energy resources.”

“It’s time to transition off of dirty, outdated fossil fuels in Western North Carolina,” said Emma Greenbaum, North Carolina organizing representative for Sierra Club. “Though we are pleased that the NCUC has decided to deny Duke Energy’s request for a third natural gas unit, we are disheartened that the approved plan allows for this oversized natural gas project to go forward. It is unfortunate that we’re being forced to continue on a climate-polluting path when energy efficiency and renewables continue to be the best, least cost solution for consumers and the environment. We will continue to advocate for the expansion of clean energy in our region and across the state as a transition to clean energy is the only responsible long-term solution to our energy needs.”

###

The Southern Environmental Law Center is a regional nonprofit using the power of the law to protect the health and environment of the Southeast (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama). Founded in 1986, SELC’s team of almost 60 legal and policy experts represent more than 100 partner groups on issues of climate change and energy, air and water quality, forests, the coast and wetlands, transportation, and land use.

www.SouthernEnvironment.org

Volunteer Water Information Network Coordinator

MountainTrue is seeking 1-2 volunteers to coordinate and administer our Volunteer Water Information Network (VWIN) program in coordination with MountainTrue’s staff Water Quality Administrator.

The VWIN program consists of 35 sites throughout Henderson County that are sampled monthly to measure pollutants such as sediment and nutrients. Sampling is done by a team of volunteers, each assigned their own site, on the third Saturday of every month. Samples are dropped off at one of two refrigerated holding locations on the Saturday sampling occurs.

On the following Monday, preferably Monday morning, samples are picked up and brought to the lab at EQI in Asheville. The VWIN coordinator oversees the process of gathering and delivering samples, and the position could be split between two people so they’d only need to do this every other month.

MountainTrue VWIN Coordinator/Co-Coordinator Responsibilities:

Deliver and stack empty sampling bottles/ boxes at designated site in Hendersonville monthly.
Gather all collected samples from their holding (refrigerated) locations following the sample time (usually a Monday morning) and take them to the lab at EQI in Asheville for testing; also pick them up from lab and return to Hendersonville. Takes approximately 2.5-3 hours.
Assist Water Quality Administrator with maintaining all sampling supplies and replacing them if broken or lost.
Coordinate with volunteers to remind them of determined sampling date.
Assist Water Quality Administrator with training new volunteers on sampling procedures and assign to new places.
Possibly substitute for water sampling when other volunteers are unable to sample their sites.

VWIN Coordinator/Co-Coordinator Requirements:

Must be dependable and committed–we ask that you make at least a 6 month initial commitment.
Ability to work independently and be flexible.
Previous experience with water sampling and/or MountainTrue’s VWIN program a plus but not required, we will train qualified candidates and they will be supported by the Water Quality Administrator.

To apply please send a resume’ with references and a cover letter by March 31 to Evan Parker, Water Quality Administrator at wqa@mountaintrue.org.

Want to get involved with MountainTrue’s water quality programs but the VWIN coordinator position isn’t right for you? We’d love to have you! Let Evan know you want to get involved and he’ll let you know of other opportunities.

MountainTrue Raleigh Report, Issue #19

MountainTrue Raleigh Report

Issue 19: Tuesday, February 22, 2016

Welcome back to MountainTrue’s Raleigh Report. We are just one month away from North Carolina’s primary and just about two months away from the state legislature’s 2016 session, so it’s time to get back to it. In this edition, we’ll catch you up on recent happenings in Raleigh, take a look at WNC primary races and look forward to session.

But first-

It’s the MountainTrue 2016 Political Season Webinar – Free Lunch Edition

Wednesday, February 24, 12-12:45 pm.
From WNC legislative races all the way to the Governor’s Mansion, with a stop at the General Assembly along the way, MountainTrue’s legislative guru Rob Lamme gets you caught up on what’s happening in Raleigh, what to look for during the March primary season and what the legislature has in store for us during the upcoming legislative session. And of course we’ll also discuss MountainTrue’s strategies for protecting the places we share. RSVP today and you’ll be entered to win one of four free lunches at a restaurant in Asheville, as thanks for spending this lunchtime with us.

March 15 Primaries

There’s a big election coming up – with the White House, the Governor’s Mansion and a Senate seat on the line. WNC also has some of the hottest legislative races in the state. State Sen. Tom Apodaca (Henderson, Buncombe, Translyvania counties), Sen. Dan Soucek (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga) and Rep. Roger West (Cherokee, Clay,Graham,Macon) are not running for re-election, prompting serious races for these open seats. Rep. John Ager (Buncombe) could face a very competitive race in November, as could Rep. Joe Sam Queen (Haywood, Jackson, Swain). Make sure you vote in the primaries and ask the candidates about their positions on important environmental issues.

Redistricting Craziness

You’ve probably heard that the U.S. Supreme Court threw out North Carolina’s congressional maps, ruling that two districts – the 1st Congressional District and the 12th Congressional District – were gerrymandered along racial lines. The ruling has thrown our elections into uncertainty, and the recent passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has added to the chaos. The ultimate resolution of the Court case remains to be seen, but the Joint Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting is holding public hearings and accepting written comments.

Environmental Quick Hits

Cleaning Up Cliffside: DEQ finally released the long-awaited draft priority classifications for state’s 14 coal ash dumpsites, but the coal ash dumps at Cliffside in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties were not recommended for complete cleanup. That decision leaves the surrounding communities and all those downstream at risk from toxic pollution. Call on DEQ to rank the Cliffside coal ash dumps based on the real risk they pose to public health, safety and the environment and attend the March 14th hearings in Rutherford and Cleveland counties.

DEQ Secretary Makes Waves: Secretary of Environmental Quality Donald van der Vaart raised eyebrows when he suggested at the Energy Policy Committee that state permits should be required for solar farms and that nuclear energy should be included as part of the state’s clean energy standard.

Coal Ash Drama Continues: State environmental regulators have fined Duke Energy more than $6.6 million for a coal ash spill that fouled 70 miles of the Dan River two years ago. The closing of the state’s coal ash ponds has been thrown into disarray by a N.C. Supreme Court ruling that the legislature exceeded its powers in creating the Coal Ash Management Commission.

More Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court recently voted to delay implementation of the Clean Power Plan. The McCrory administration and DEQ were in favor of this delay. A lower court will hear objections to the law in June.

Coming Soon… The 2016 Legislature!

The General Assembly’s short session begins April 25th, and it will be here before you know it. All indications are that legislative leaders want this session to actually be short, but we will believe it when we see it. Here’s a good preview from Rep. Chuck McGrady.

The legislature’s biggest job will be approval of a revised 2016-2017 state budget. Look for conservation groups to protectincreased funding won last year, anti-tax groups to push for expanding sales taxes and eliminate the capital stock tax and education advocates to ask for increased teacher pay.

Again this session, MountainTrue will be taking the mountain to Raleigh to meet with our legislators about important WNC issues. We usually leave the day before and start meetings bright and early the next morning. Sign up today and join us to make your voice heard!

Get to Know Your Legislators
Keep your eye on our WNC Legislator Profiles. We continue to update them so you can get to know our legislators better.

Legislator Profiles

Get to know your legislators! Check out our updated legislator profiles; we just added Sen. Terry Van Duyn.