[LWV] League of Women Voters®
of La Plata County

Environment Archive

Environment_archive

The following contains LWV-LPC environmental activities in 2007-2009

Legislative Alerts 2009.  LWVUS Positions.  La Plata County Actions 2009.  Environment and Energy Leg_09.  US_CO Positions_09.  LWVUS Positions 2009.  US-CO News 2009.  Global News 2009.  US-CO News 2008.  Letters.  Past Events 2009.  Past Events.  References.

LWVUS Legislative Alerts 2009

*9/4/09 from LWVUS Action Alert: The Senate is due to pass a climate/energy piece of legislation as early as September 28th. Please act as individuals to curb global warming and transition America to a clean energy economy, creating jobs along the way.
If you wish to do so, go to 'Climate Change: Contact your Senators on climate change' on the LWV website by clicking ACTION ALERT: Climate Change Battle Moves on to the Senate! and entering your zip code. Confirm your zip code or change it if needed and click GO. The letter you can send as is, or customize, will appear with your Senators' names and addresses ready to be sent. Anything you do to personalize this message will make it more effective.
It's vital that we urge our senators now to support strong climate change legislation. A bill should include a cap on greenhouse gases that declines over time to meet pollution-reduction goals based on the best scientific information. Enforceable interim and long-term goals are needed to compel early and effective action and guard against irreversible damage. We also need complementary policies such as a strong renewable energy standard and tough new energy conservation requirements.
Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health, and economy of our nation and our world. We the people can sway the vote. Learn more at global climate change
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LWVUS Positions

*August 7, 2008: Washington, D.C. The League of Women Voters US issues the following statement concerning Coal-Fired power plants in the US
LEAGUE OPPOSES COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
Waiting for Congressional Action on Climate Change Would be Too Late, League Says
The League of Women Voters today called for a moratorium on new construction of coal-fired electric power plants. "Global warming is happening now," said national League President Mary G. Wilson. "If we wait for federal action from our congressional leaders, it will be too late. We must take immediate and aggressive action to halt climate change," she said.
To read the complete LWVUS statement, click coal
To read the LWVUS Fact Sheet on coal, click fact sheet
To read Frequently asked Questions concerning coal, click FAQ
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La Plata County Actions 2009

*12/21/09 Durango Herald:Green projects promising for LPEACooperative examines costs, savings of its energy-efficiency programs by Dale Rodebaugh Herald Staff Writer
Although La Plata Electric Association isn't getting a dollar-to-dollar return on its 2009 investments in energy-efficiency projects, that's not the way the program was designed, association representatives say. Actually, the outlook is encouraging and holds promise for the future. Almost $2.25 million, or 2.38 percent, of the cooperative's 2009 budget of $94.5 million was spent on persuading customers to do such things as turning down the thermostat, switching to low-energy lighting or installing solar panels on the roof or in the backyard - and, in some cases, rewarding those who did. The 2009 report shows potential energy savings to consumers of $1.5 million...


*11/19/09 Click La Plata County Sustainability Activities to read the list of La Plata County sustainable activities as of November 2009. Note that this list was compiled by the Environment, Energy & Sustainability (EE&S) Committee of the LWV of La Plata County.


* 8/30/09 Durango Herald "Preventing blackout: Dwindling fossil fuels require strong focus on local resources by Richard E.White
On July 25, La Plata County kicked off the visioning process for the update of its Comprehensive Plan with an all-day meeting, in which about 50 residents shared views about the past and present and devised story lines for the La Plata County of 2030.
One of the ideas that emerged was using local resources to become self-sufficient in energy. The importance of this concept is underscored in Richard Heinberg's new book, Blackout. Heinberg's earlier books include The Party's Over and Peak Everything, which document the impending occurrence of "peak oil" and its consequences for modern society. In Blackout, he extends his analysis to coal, the most abundant fossil fuel...


* 8/13/09 Durango Herald; Volunteers seek help reducing greenhouse gases by Dale Rodebaugh
A plan to reduce greenhouse gases in La Plata County devised by more than 200 volunteers in just short of a year is ready for its first public viewing and critique. The first phase of the Climate and Energy Action Plan (the acronym is pronounced CEAP as in "keep") that will guide climate and energy policies and programs in the city of Durango, the town of Ignacio and in unincorporated La Plata County started last fall after the three entities signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. Under the agreement, participants pledge to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their communities...
Documents may be found at CEAP.
Comments may be submitted to 4CORE by calling 259-1916, mailing to 10 Town Plaza 190, Durango or e-mailing to info@fourcore.org with the subject line CEAP.

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Environment and Energy Legislation_09

*12/20/09 NY Times: Negotiating to 60 Votes, Compromise by Compromise by Robert Pear
WASHINGTON -- Thirty million people without health insurance stand to gain coverage under a deal announced on Saturday by Senate Democrats. To get the 60 votes needed to pass their bill, Democrats scrapped the idea of a government-run public insurance plan, cherished by liberals, and replaced it with a proposal for nationwide health plans, which would be offered by private insurers under contract with the government...


*10/2/09 Associated Press: Obama adviser says no climate change law this year
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's top energy adviser said Friday there is no way Congress will be able to pass a bill on climate change this year. Senate Democrats unveiled a bill Wednesday that aims to cut greenhouse gasses by 20 percent by 2020. The House passed a bill in June that calls for a 17 percent emission cut by 2020...


*6/27/09 Wall Street Journal: House passes historic 'cap-and-trade' energy bill By Robert Schroeder, MarketWatch
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Handing President Barack Obama a victory on one of his top priorities, lawmakers in the House of Representatives narrowly approved on Friday a sweeping bill to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and boost use of renewable energy in the United States, overcoming the objections of critics who said the bill would wreak severe damage on the American economy.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 219 to 212 after a day of intense debate that began shortly after 9 a.m. Eastern time. Eight Republicans voted for it and 44 Democrats voted against it.

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US-CO Positions_09

* 11/7/09 We have received a link to the excellent presentation given by Mike Silverstein, CO Air Pollution Control Division, on October 8, 2009 as part of the FLC Life Learning Lecture entitled Four Corners Air Quality and Our Health. This 3.5MB file may be downloaded by clicking Toxins in our air, where they come from and how they are monitored


*7/9/07 Voice of America News" Global Warming Agreement Reached at G8 Summit By Sonja Pace L'Aquila, Italy
U.S. President Barack Obama said the G8 and its partners have reached a historic consensus on climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Thursday's announcement came at the end of two days of discussions at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy.
Meeting here in L'Aquila, all parties agreed that global temperatures should not rise by more than an average of two degrees above pre-industrial levels. G8 members also agreed to work toward an 80 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. While developing nations have committed themselves to negotiating cuts, they have not yet agreed on specifics.


*6/30/09 Durango Herald: Fed works to speed solar development By Ken Ritter Associated Press Writer
LAS VEGAS + The federal government's top land steward said Monday that the United States will fast- track efforts to build solar power-generating fa¬cilities on public space in six Western states.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he has signed an order set¬ting aside more than 1,000 square miles of public land for two years of study and environmental re¬views to determine where solar power stations should be built.


*6/16/09 Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States Executive Summary issued by the United States Global Change Research Program June 16, 2009

  • Key Findings:
    1. Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced.
    2. Climate changes are underway in the United States and are projected to grow.
    3. Widespread climate-related impacts are occurring now and are expected to increase.
    4. Climate change will stress water resources.
    5. Crop and livestock production will be increasingly challenged.
    6. Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge.
    7. Threats to human health will increase.
    8. Climate change will interact with many social and environmental stresses.
    9. Thresholds will be crossed, leading to large changes in climate and ecosystems
    10. Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today. Click key findings to read more.
  • Click full report to download the full report

    *5/18/09 NY Times:Obama to Toughen Rules on Emissions and Mileage by John M. Broder WASHINGTON -- President Obama will announce tough new nationwide rules for automobile emissions and mileage standards on Tuesday, embracing standards that California has sought to enact for years over the objections of the auto industry and the Bush administration. The rules, which will begin to take effect in 2012, will put in place a federal standard for fuel efficiency that is as tough as the California program, while imposing the first-ever limits on climate-altering gases from cars and trucks. The effect will be a single new national standard that will create a car and light truck fleet in the United States that is almost 40 percent cleaner and more fuel-efficient by 2016 than it is today, with an average of 35.5 miles per gallon. *4/9/09 Durango Herald" Obama tackles climate change/ Looking at technology to quell warming by Seth Borenstein AP Science Writer WASHINGTON - Tinkering with Earth's climate to chill runaway global warming - a radical idea once dismissed out of hand - is being discussed by the White House as a potential emergency option, the president's new science adviser said Wednesday. That's because global warming is happening so rapidly, John Holdren told The Associated Press in his first interview since being confirmed last month. Click DH4/9env to read the story.

    *ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT - The Obama-Biden comprehensive New Energy for America Plan, Click US energy plan to read the official US Government Energy Plan for 2009.

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LWVUS Positions 2009

* 11/2/09 News from LWVUS: League to Observe UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
The League recently secured its official Observer status for the United Nations Framework Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen this December. Eight League members who are active on climate change issues were selected to serve as delegates to the conference.We are excited to have a delegation on the ground keeping us informed! Stay tuned for news as the conference approaches.


*On June 17, 1009 the League of Women Voters along with other organizations sent a letter to Members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to convey that they were unable to support the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 in its present form. We support the bill's appliance efficiency and building code provisions but urge strengthening the bill in several important areas. To view the letter, click energy leadership act


*The LWV-US has issued the following position on global climate change:
The State of Climate Change The League of Women Voters believes that now is the time to act on global climate change. We can reduce global warming pollution by using existing technologies to make power plants and factories more efficient, make cars go farther on a gallon of gasoline, and shift to cleaner technologies. Cities, states and individuals are already adopting many of these solutions, which also reduce our dependence on oil, reduce air pollution, and protect pristine places from oil drilling and mining. State and local initiatives are proving that answers exist. In August 2008, the League called for a moratorium on new construction of coal-fired electric power plants.

Click lwv-us global climate change to read more.


*The LWV-US has issued the following position on Natural Resources:

  • NATURAL RESOURCES Promote an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise management of natural resources in the public interest.
  • Natural Resources- Promote the management of natural resources as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems.
  • Resource Management- Promote resource conservation, stewardship and long-range planning, with the responsibility for managing natural resources shared by all levels of government.
  • Environmental Protection and Pollution Control- Preserve the physical, chemical and biological integ-rity of the ecosystem, with maximum protection of public health and the environment.
  • Air Quality- Promote measures to reduce pollution from mobile and stationary sources.
  • Energy- Support environmentally sound policies that reduce energy growth rates, emphasize energy con-servation and encourage the use of renewable resources.
  • Land Use- Promote policies that manage land as a fi-nite resource and that incorporate principles of stewardship.
  • Water Resources- Support measures to reduce pollu-tion in order to protect surface water, groundwater and drinking water.
  • Waste Management- Promote policies to reduce the generation and promote the reuse and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes.
  • Nuclear Issues- Promote the maximum protection of public health and safety and the environment.
  • Public Participation- Promote public understanding and participation in decision making as essential elements of responsible and responsive management of our natural resources.
  • Agriculture Policy- Promote adequate supplies of food and fiber at rea-sonable prices to consumers and support economi-cally viable farms, environmentally sound farm practices and increased reliance on the free market.
    Click lwv-us natural resources to read more.

*10/29/09 NY Times: Do Green Jobs Create Greener Americans? By Liz Galst
Most "green job" training programs aim to teach low-income workers the job skills necessary to join the nascent clean-tech economy: energy-efficiency retrofitting, wind turbine maintenance, brownfield remediation and so forth. But do these programs train low-income people to become environmentalists, too?..


*6/23/09 LWVUS Climate Change:GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: IMPACTS IN THE MIDWEST by Eleanor Revelle
The climate of the Midwestern states is already changing. Annual average temperatures have risen in recent decades, with the largest increases in the winter months. Extreme heat events are occurring more frequently, and heavy downpours are becoming much more common as well. The duration of lake ice, including on the Great Lakes, is decreasing, and the growing season is starting earlier and lasting longer. These trends are expected to continue, although the extent of the changes that do occur will depend on whether emissions of heat-trapping gases are cut substantially or continue to rise at close to their current pace.
By the end of the century, under a business-as-usual emissions scenario, an Illinois summer could feel like one in east Texas today. And a Michigan summer may feel like an Arkansas summer does now.


*LWVUS continues to publish a series of white papers on the subject of Climate Change.
To reference these papers, please click LWV-US-climate change

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US-CO News 2009

*11/22/09 Washington Post: "In the trenches on climate change, hostility among foes><+http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/21/AR2009112102186.html?sub=AR> Stolen e-mails reveal venomous feelings toward skeptics By Juliet Eilperin
Electronic files that were stolen from a prominent climate research center and made public last week provide a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes battle to shape the public perception of global warming. While few U.S. politicians bother to question whether humans are changing the world's climate -- nearly three years ago the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded the evidence was unequivocal -- public debate persists. And the newly disclosed private exchanges among climate scientists at Britain's Climate Research Unit of the University of East Anglia reveal an intellectual circle that appears to feel very much under attack, and eager to punish its enemies...


*10/30/09 Durango Herald:U.S. Sen. Mark Udall calling for nuclear plants Acknowledges cost for plants may be hig by Joe Hanel Herald Denver Bureau
U.S. Sen. Mark Udall called for the construction of more nuclear plants Thursday in a speech that marked a conversion for the longtime environmentalist and nuclear-power critic. 'Nuclear power's energy security and environmental benefits have earned this industry an important place at the table. It is my hope that we can build some new nuclear plants over the next decade to create jobs and build a cleaner, more secure tomorrow,' said Udall, D-Colo., in a speech on the Senate floor...


*9/22/09 Wall Street Journal: U.S. Determined to Act on Climate, Despite 'Doubts and Difficulties'By HENRY J. PULIZZI
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama acknowledged the "doubts and difficulties" clouding progress on climate change in Congress, but said the U.S. is determined to tackle global warming at a year-end summit in Copenhagen.'We understand the gravity of the climate threat. We are determined to act', Mr. Obama told a United Nations meeting on climate change in New York. 'And we will meet our responsibility to future generations'...


* 9/15/09 Environment News Network:U.S., Canada, and Mexico Submit Proposal to Reduce Super Greenhouse Gases Under Ozone Treaty
Today, on the eve of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, and for the first time in the history of the Montreal Protocol ozone treaty, the North American leaders submitted a joint proposal today to amend the treaty explicitly for climate protection. The proposal would phase down hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, chemicals used as substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs in refrigeration and foam blowing...


*9/16/09 Cortez Journal:$1 million goes to Four Corners home energy efficiency projects by Joe Hanel, Journal Denver Bureau
DENVER - The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency has received nearly $1 million to help low-income people make their homes energy efficient. The Governor's Energy Office announced that it chose 4CORE as its weatherization contractor for the region that includes Montezuma, Dolores, La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties...


*7/28/09 Durango Herald: Durango looks to go greener Applying for grant to build incubator for startup firms by Jason Gonzales
The city of Durango has plans to submit an application to the Economic Development Administration for a grant that would pay to build a regional green-business incubator...


* 6/29/09 Durango Herald: Expert questions gas-drilling chemicals - Analyst says endocrine glands at risk by Dale Rodebaugh Herald Staff Writer
The toxic chemicals used to extract natural gas from deep underground and process it are among substances creating a dizzying list of embryonic - and subsequent - developmental aberrations in animals, including humans, an environmental health analyst is set to say tonight.


*6/17/09 Durango Herald: Desert Rock protests refusal of air permit - Gov. Ritter argues against power plant by Joe Hanel Herald Denver Bureau
DENVER - Backers of the proposed Desert Rock power plant have asked a federal appeals board to reinstate the plant's air-pollution permit, which the Environmental Protection Agency took back in April. Meanwhile, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter pressed his argument against the New Mexico power plant to the White House's senior environmental official this week at a meeting in Park City, Utah.


* 6/10/09 AG Week: Tri-State to buy power from new Colorado wind farm Colleen Slevin,Agweek
DENVER -- A company that supplies power to rural electric cooperatives in four Western states says it will buy electricity from a new wind farm on Colorado's Eastern Plains.It's the first large wind power deal for Tri-State, based in suburban Denver, which supplies power to 44 electric cooperatives in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. The co-ops provide power to about one million people who live on farms and ranches as well as towns and suburban neighborhoods.


*5/24/09 NY Times: With Billions at Stake, Trying to Expand the Meaning of Renewable Energy By FELICITY BARRINGER
The definition of renewable energy seems clear cut: The sun continues to shine, so solar energy is renewable. The wind continues to blow, so wind turbines churn out renewable power. But industries are now pushing to have a growing number of other technologies categorized as renewable -- or at least as environmentally advantageous. They include nuclear power plants and the burning of garbage and even the waste from coal mines.


*5/22/09 Denver Daily News: Does solar make sense? Not economically, but rebates, tax credits provide motivation by Joshua Wolpe, DDN Staff Writer
With the recent launch of large solar power systems in some prominent buildings in Denver, more local attention is being paid to renewable sources of energy than ever before.
The financial numbers call into question the viability of solar power, but rebates from Xcel Energy, tax credits from the federal government and rising costs of traditional sources of power help provide the impetus for change.


*5/21/09 Durango Herald: Visible sustainability New city department's goal is to heighten awareness, focus by Dale Rodebaugh Herald Staff Writer
An environmental program here, another one there, still others over yonder and pretty soon you need someone to manage them. The city of Durango came to that conclusion in January when it created a Department of Sustainable Services and assigned Assistant City Manager Greg Caton to oversee it. Caton's charge: Bring existing city programs related to environmental protection and sustainability under one roof, plan ways to consolidate and/or expand the same, look afield for new ideas, make energy efficiency and financial economy integral parts of decisions and put applicable information at the fingertips of the public.
*4/28/09 Durango Herald: EPA remands Desert Rock permit Navajo president blasts decision; foes say it puts project in limbo by Chuck Slothower Herald Staff Writer
The proposed Desert Rock power plant was dealt a major setback Monday as the Environmental Protection Agency decided to reconsider the plant's air permit. The EPA filed for a "complete remand" of its earlier issuance of an air permit.


*3/26/09 Durango Herald: Tri-State to purchase solar-power project by daler@durangoherald.com
The wholesale electricity supplier for La Plata County has signed a contract to purchase the output from the largest-ever photovoltaic project by an electric cooperative. It is scheduled to be built near Cimarron, N.M., in 2010.
Click dh3/26/09env to read the story.


*3/23/09 NY Times: E.P.A. Moves Toward Regulating Greenhouse Gases By FELICITY BARRINGER
The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to declare that greenhouse gases are pollutants that pose a danger to the public's health and welfare. That determination, once made final, will pave the way for federal regulation of carbon dioxide, methane and other heat-trapping gases linked to global warming.
Click nyt3/23/09env to read the story.


*2/26/09 Washington Post: Bush Oil-Shale Leases Canceled by Salazar
SALT LAKE CITY -- In his second reversal of a Bush administration decision, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Wednesday that he is scrapping leases for oil-shale development on federal land in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Click WP2-26 to read the article.


*2/17/09 New York Times: Obama Signs Stimulus Packed With Clean Energy Provisions By Kate Galbraith
President Barack Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus package today, and the clean energy industry -- among the biggest winners -- is celebrating. Click 2-17NYTgreen to read the details.


*1/27/09 Durango Herald: Researchers issue report saying climate damage already is irreversible By Randolph E. Schmid AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON + Many damaging effects of climate change are already basically irreversible, researchers declared Monday, warning that even if carbon emissions can somehow be halted, temperatures around the globe will remain high until at least the year 3000.click envDH1-27-09 to read the article.


*1/24/09 Durango Herald: Air permit to get review EPA will rule on challenge to Desert Rock by Chuck Slothower Herald Staff Writer
The Environmental Protection Agency's appeals board has agreed to consider environmentalists' objections to the Desert Rock Energy Project's air permit, dealing a blow to the proposed 1,500-megawatt coal-burning power plant. Click DH1/24/09ev to read the story.


*1/15/09 Durango Herald: Local agencies outline a green future Sustainability is the goal, homebuilders association hears by Dale Rodebaugh Herald Staff Writer
Green building/green energy, the catchy theme song of environmentalists for so long, is being hummed increasingly by government at various levels. The extent to which public agencies are picking up the melody was outlined Tuesday at one of the 14 seminar/workshops sponsored by the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado. The gatherings and 24 brown-bag lunches to be held throughout the year are the way incoming association President Greg Mantell-Hecathorn wants to bring homebuyers and remodelers, business owners and maybe some foot-dragging members of his own association aboard the "green future" bandwagon.
Click DH1/15/09 to read the full story.

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Global News 2009

*12/20/09 NY Times:Climate Summit Recognizes U.S. Accord
COPENHAGEN -- The United Nations-sponsored climate summit ended after a lengthy debate early Saturday with a tepid acknowledgement for a nonbinding agreement negotiated among the U.S., China and other large nations. The U.N. climate conference agreed to "take note" of the Copenhagen accord, as the agreement is known, instead of formally approving it, meaning countries are left the choice of associating with the agreement or not...


*11/26/09 NY Times Green Blog China Joins U.S. in Pledge of Hard Targets on EmissionsBy EDWARD WONG and KEITH BRADSHER
BEIJING -- The Chinese government announced Thursday that it had set a target to slow the growth of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, a day after the Obama administration set a provisional target for reducing United States emissions...

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US-CO News 2008

*8/14/08: Panel grills Tri-State over coal plants Utility: Not having carbon-based plant would prove difficult, By Joe Hanel | Herald Denver Bureau,
The company that supplies electricity to Southwest Colorado defended its reliance on coal in an unusual meeting with state regulators Wednesday. To read the article, click coal


*8/1/08: Durango Herald By Chuck Slothower | Herald Staff Writer, EPA approves Desert Rock air permit Desert Rock took a major step forward Thursday as the Environmental Protection Agency approved an air permit for the proposed $3 billion coal-fired power plant in northern New Mexico. To read the article, click Desert Rock

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Letters from our members

*5/4/09 Durango Herald: The rising costs of energy by Marilyn Brown, LWV-LPC
Members of La Plata Electric Association received a letter last week concerning probable increases in electric rates over time with the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act of 2009, draft federal legislation promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency and establishing a `cap and trade' process to regulate and reduce carbon emissions.
There is no doubt that electricity, no matter how it is produced, is going to cost more. And for good reason: among other things, our electric grid must be upgraded to 21st Century scope and technology. This will benefit all of us and eventually, enable technology to help us minimize our own individual consumption of electricity.
So, given that costs will go up, what can you do?

Letter to Senator Ken Salazar August 16 regarding the Desert Rock Energy Project, 2007
Letter to La Plata Board of County Commissioners August 23 regarding the land Use Code, 2007
Letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs September 12 regarding the Desert Rock Energy Project, 2007

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Past Events 2009

*12/7/09: United Nations Climate Change Conference Dec 7 - Dec 18 in Copenhagen


*10/8/09 As part of the Fort Lewis Professional Association Life Long Learning Lecture Series, you are invited to attend Four Corners Air Quality and Our Health co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Colorado, the Mountain Studies Institute and the San Juan Citizens Alliance.
The event will be held on Thursday, October 8, 7pm to 8:30pm, Fort Lewis College, 130 Noble Hall, Durango, CO. Click Four Corners Air Quality and Our Health flier to view the flier


*September 23, 2009 Informational meeting for volunteers to participate in the LWVCO Sustainability Study
What are La Plata County governmental entities: city, county, special districts (especially schools and water), etc. already doing for sustainability? Are there local industries, hospitals, office buildings, etc doing sustainable activities?
If you are interested in assisting in gathering information about local sustainability activities and organizations/businesses for the LWVCO Sustainability Study, plan to spend 30 minutes after the September 23 Membership Meeting to volunteer.
If you have any questions, contact Deanna Collins at dcdurango@msn.com.


*You are invited to the 2009 San Juan Air Quality Forum to be held on Wednesday, August 26 from 8:30am to 4:30pm in the Durango Public Library. You may pre-register and read more at the Mountain Studies Institute. Also, check out the forum flier.


*8/15/09 You are invited to the Four Corners Energy Efficiency Exchange from 8:30am to 4:30pm at the SW Colorado Community College (previously San Juan Technical COllege) near Cortez, CO.
Note that the morning and afternoon sessions are identical. Also, plan to take advantage of Verde-fest in Cortez on this same date!


*6/19/09 from LWV-Colorado: Action Alert: NOW IS THE TIME: Urge your Representative to support House action against global warming
The House of Representatives is poised for a critical vote on vital climate change legislation. America's Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) is slated to hit the House floor the week of June 22.
Please contact your Representative immediately and ask him or her to strengthen and support the ACES legislation.


* 5/26/09 from LWV-US: ACTION ALERT: Support Strong Global Warming Change Legislation
Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world. In order to maintain global stability, Congress must enact a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and provide assistance for the poor around the world in adapting to the changes caused by global warming.
Congress must take action immediately to enact a cap on greenhouse gas emissions for the year 2020 that is at least 25 percent below 1990 levels and a cap for the year 2050 that is 80-95 percent below 1990 emissions. The best available science indicates these reductions will be needed to stop the damage from getting worse. Read more.


*You are invited to an Earth Day Community Conversation on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 sponsored by Fourcore.org. in Durango Colorado.
The Durango event, taking place from 12:30pm to 8pm in Program Rooms 1 & 2 of the Durango Public Library, will feature exhibits and educational activities, giveaways, a film series and presentations covering the accomplishments of the Climate and Energy Action Plan, Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, La Plata Electric Association, Durango Discovery Museum, governmental entities, our area's youth and more. A veritable one-stop shop to learn what is underway, and how you can be a part.
Click earth day 2009 to read more.


* 3/4/09 SASCO - the Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado invites you to join the La Plata Sustainability Dialog to be held on Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 5:30 - 7:30pm in the Durango City Council Chambers.
Click sustainability dialog to get more information.


*2/18/09 The San Juan Citizens Alliance has issued an Action Alert as follows:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested public comments by February 23 on the Desert Rock coal-fired power plant Prevention of Significant Deterioration (Air Quality) Permit specifically on EPA's decision not to include limitations on emissions of carbon dioxide in the permit.
Click action alert to read the Desert Rock action alert.
Click sample letter to read and print a sample letter, as suggested by the San Juan Citizens Alliance, to be used to register your public comment to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Click LWV-LPC letter to EPA to read a letter from the LWV-LPC to the EPA regarding Desert Rock.


*10/23/08: LWV-LPC has joined with the Fort Lewis College Life Long Learning Series to present Dr. Kristen Averyt, Research Scientist, Western Water Assessment, Cooperative Institute for research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado/NOAA. In addition to her evening talk, she will assist 4CORE in kicking off their process for developing a climate action plan for our region.
To access a flier on this event, click Averyt
To access detailed info presented by Dr. Averyt, click Averyt 10/23

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Past Events

*The San Juan Mountains Association, a non-profit education support partner for the San Juan National Forest and BLM, will be sponsoring an Ecology Field Seminar Series on Saturdays June 14, August 2 and August 14. For more info, click SJMA


Desert Rock Energy Project - proposed 9/11/2007


If you would like to comment on this subject directly to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, write to Harrilene Yazzie, Regional NEPA Coordinator, Navajo Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, P.O. Box 1060, Gallup, New Mexico 87305. Comments must be received by 4 p.m. October 9. In addition, we may send comments by e-mail to the project Web site, http://www.desertrockenergy.com, or to the BIA contractor's e-mail account for this project, desertrockEIS@urscorp.com. The BIA asks that comment writers please include the caption, `'Desert Rock Energy Project DEIS Comments," at the top of your letter or in the subject line of your e-mail message.


*LWV of La Plata members attended an informative tour of the Animas/La Plata Water Project on April 16. Click ALP to view some of our "hardhat crew"


*to read the remarks of Jack Rogers, Public Works Director for the City of Durango, from the Water Forum held March 19, click Rogers


*3/19/2008: Are you confused by water issues in Durango and La Plata County?
The League of Women Voters of La Plata County invites you to meet with local water experts on Wednesday, March 19 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Christ the King Church, 495 Florida Road. Hear Jack Rogers, Public Works Director for the City of Durango and Peter Butler, Chairman of the La Plata County Water Advisory Board and past member of the State Water Quality Control Commission speak on topics from proposed water districts to river basin sharing to potential impacts of climate change.
Remember to bring your questions!
for a copy of the flier, click 3-19-08

The following links are provided as references for the Water Forum
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References

*UN University, CARE International, Columbia University, theUN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and World Bank May 2009:In Search of Shelter Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration and Displacement by Koko Warner
The impacts of climate change are already causing migration and displacement. Although the exact number of people that will be on the move by mid-century is uncertain, the scope and scale could vastly exceed anything that has occurred before. People in the least developed countries and island states will be affected first and worst.
The consequences for almost all aspects of development and human security could be devastating. There may also be substantial implications for political stability.


*Global Humanitarian Forum - Geneva 2009:The Anatomy of a Silent Crisis
Today, millions of people are already suffering because of climate change. The deathly silence of this crisis is a major impediment for international action to end it. This report tries to document the impact of climate change on human life globally. Science is only beginning to address the human impact of climate change. However, dozens of research organizations and experts contributing to this report can agree on the widespread damage it causes. We feel it is the most plausible account of the current impact of climate change today.


*7/24/09 Alternative Energy: What factors affect the output of wind turbines?
Wind energy is undoubtedly one of the cleanest forms of producing power from a renewable source. There is no pollution, there is no burning of fossil fuels, and unless something very drastic happens, you don't run out of wind. But it's not like you can erect a wind turbine anywhere and it will start generating power for you. There are lots of factors that can make an impact on the amount of energy you can generate out of wind.


*published May 2009, Earth Institute of Columbia University In Search of Shelter Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration and Displacement (Note: 255mb download)
The impacts of climate change are already causing migration and displacement. Although the exact number of people that will be on the move by mid-century is uncertain, the scope and scale could vastly exceed anything that has occurred before. People in the least developed countries and island states will be affected first and worst.


*July- August 2009 the Atlantic magazine: The Elusive Green Economy by Joshua Green
It feels like 1977 all over again: economy in the doldrums, crisis in the Middle East, and a charismatic new Democrat in the White House preaching the gospel of clean energy. Can Obama succeed where Carter did not? Yes--but only if we've learned the lessons of three decades of failure.


*6/6/08 Dow Jones Newswires, US Climate-Change Bill Suffers Defeat In US Senate Record-high gasoline prices played into the hands of climate-change bill opponents on Friday, helping to defeat a sweeping U.S. Senate plan to drastically cut U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions and limit the effects of climate change.
The 48-36 vote in the U.S. Senate was 12 short of the number needed to bring debate to a close and vote on the bill. Democrats from oil and manufacturing states joined 32 Republicans to oppose going forward with the legislation by Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., and John Warner, R-Va. To view the entire article, click climate change


*USDA: Climate change affects crops, livestock, water `Impacts are pervasive right now', Denver Post, 5/28/08 By Judith Kohler Associated Press Writer, for the complete article, click USDA5-28-08, Click U.S.Climate Change Science report for the complete report.

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