Footnotes Issue #92: February 2nd, 2015
Solar Freedom Is FINALLY Here!
Legislation aimed at making solar energy more accessible and affordable to all Georgians passed a significant hurdle in the Georgia Legislature this week, and it is on its way to the house floor! House Bill 57, The Solar Free-Market Financing Act, will allow Georgia homeowners, businesses, and schools who want to install solar panels on their property to finance those projects instead coming with the tens of thousands out of pocket. Georgia is currently one of the few states that disallows financing for solar projects. Solar is a cost-competitive, clean energy source that cleans up our energy-mix, protecting our health, our environment, and creating good paying jobs for Georgia workers. Allowing private investment for solar on homes and businesses is good for all Georgians.
Email your Georgia House of Representatives today to tell them that Free-Market Solar Energy is good for All Georgians, and to vote YES on HB 57!
Private investment in rooftop solar that gives Georgia homeowners and businesses energy options will help reduce the need for Georgia Power to build expensive dirty power plants and transmission infrastructure, thereby helping keep our air and water clean and electricity costs low for all Georgians. Georgians deserve access to affordable clean energy-options to save money on power bills. Email your Georgia House of Representatives today to tell them that Free-Market Solar Energy is good for All Georgians, and to vote YES on HB 57!
Georgia is already one of the fastest growing solar markets in the United States. With the Solar Free-Market Financing Act, regular Georgia home and business owners can finally reap the benefits of having solar energy on their rooftops!
Electric Vehicles Under Attack in Georgia
A switch to electric vehicles is an important part of our economic future, and an important solution to climate disruption. When drivers switch from gas guzzlers to vehicles that rely on little to no oil at all, we will reduce air and climate pollution, slash fueling costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create new domestic jobs in the electrical, auto, components, and battery manufacturing sectors. In recent years, the growth in the number of EVs on the roads in Georgia has been astonishing, and has led to us being named the top market in the U.S. for EV sales. However, Georgia’s $5,000 tax incentive, which has been a key factor to our state’s EV growth, is under attack this legislative session. EV owners could also face punitive, unfair user fees of $200-$300 per year that could further pull steam from Georgia's EV market. Do you own an EV? Will you join us in taking action to protect EVs?
Please take a moment to fill out our EV Supporter Form!
Sierra Club Meetings
Smart Energy Committee Meeting, Monday, February 2, 7:00 p.m. Wildlands Committee Meeting, Monday, February 9, 7:00 p.m. RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday, February 23, 7:00 p.m. |
Don't live in Atlanta? Check out our Local Groups.
Other Events
February 12th - A Popcorn and Movie Night, "Who Owns Water"- The Cherokee Garden Club invites you to a screening of "Who Owns Water" at 7:00 PM at The Atlanta History Center, McElreath Hall. Enjoy a fun, hour-long canoe trip down the Chattahoochee River with David and Michael Hanson, two Pace Academy graduates. Meet colorful river friends along the way, and witness the competing interests of agriculture, industry, and development for the River’s precious water. Admission is free. Reservations are required. Please email robincroft4@gmail.com.
February 18th - Capitol Conservation Day - Come down to the Gold Dome and make your voice heard by joining the Georgia Water Coalition for its annual Conservation Day. The day kicks off with an issue briefing and tips on how to lobby, followed by a seasoned lobbyist showing you "the ropes" on the third floor of the Capitol. We'll get our picture taken and our strong presence will remind our lawmakers that their constituents care about environmental protection. Click here to register.
February 21st - Outings Leader Training 101 - Become a Sierra Club Outings Leader! Join us for this opportunity to learn how to lead groups in the outdoors and train to become an Outings Leader for the Sierra Club. While this training will allow you to lead Sierra Club Local Outings, you will not be required to lead Outings. This day is designed as an opportunity to learn more about the Sierra Club and meet other local members. Register here.
February 27th - Next South Conference - Next South was created to support emerging leaders who are passionate and committed to furthering sustainability in their future workplaces and communities. This is the largest conference in the Southeast dedicated to inspiring and empowering future leaders. The conference will feature keynotes from industry luminaries, expert panels and a career fair with top organizations seeking full-time employees and interns. Click here to learn more.
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