Footnotes Issue #93: February 14th, 2015
Still Time to Fix Transportation Funding Bill
The Georgia Chapter of the Sierra Club called on the Georgia General Assembly Wednesday to make substantial, ongoing funding for transit a centerpiece of the proposed Transportation Funding Act of 2015. Although sponsors have made some changes to the bill, it currently does not include a significant funding stream for mass transit or other alternatives to sitting in traffic.
For the Sierra Club to support HB 170 the following changes would need to be made:
- Open the state gasoline tax, currently dedicated to roads and bridges, to all transportation purposes, following the model of states like Colorado.
- Establish criteria for road spending that prioritizes system preservation and maintenance over expansion, giving Georgians some assurance that the spending would go toward the greatest need.
- Treat alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) fairly. Address the phase-out of the EV tax credit elsewhere and bring any annual AFV fee in line with what the average motorist pays in gas taxes (currently estimated at $85, not $200 or $300).
Click here to read more about the transportation bill on our brand new legislative blog! Visit the blog regularly to learn about our work in the Georgia legislature, find out the latest information on key environmental bills like HB 170, and opportunities to take action.
Tweet your Georgia House of Representatives today and tell them, "We want more transit! We need funding for biking, walking, and mass transit in HB 170! Not sure who your legislators are? Use our "Find Your Legislator" tool at the bottom of the page to locate your legislators and view their contact information.
Tell Georgia Power to Protect the Coosa River!
Plant Hammond has been disrupting the aquatic life of the Coosa for more than 50 years. Its outdated cooling technology requires the plant to use a huge amount of water to produce electricity. When it pulls water out of the river, it also pulls out tens of thousands of fish that are shoved into filter screens. The good news is that Georgia Power can easily protect the Coosa by updating its cooling technology. Last week, nearly 1,000 people sent messages to Georgia Power urging them to install a cooling tower to protect the health of the Coosa River -- let's keep the momentum going!
Please send Georgia Power a Valentine's message saying you love the Coosa and want them to install cooling towers to protect the Coosa's wildlife. Then help us by spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter!
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Sierra Club Meetings
RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday, February 23, 7:00 p.m. Smart Energy Committee Meeting, Monday, March 2, 7:00 p.m. Wildlands Committee Meeting, Monday, March 16, 7:00 p.m. |
Don't live in Atlanta? Check out our Local Groups.
Other Events
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 24th - Stop Fast Track Town Hall - The last thing America’s workers need is another bad trade deal. Fast Track authority would let corporate lobbyists shape trade provisions that will send jobs overseas, reduce workers’ bargaining power, jeopardize health and safety regulations, threaten our climate and give corporations more control over the global economy. Join Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Union Leaders and Community Allies for a Town Hall Meeting to help stop Fast Track in its tracks. 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.
March 6th - Planning for a Sustainable Atlanta - The biggest new development boom we’ve seen since the 1996 Olympics is currently underway in the City of Atlanta. What does this mean for Atlanta’s future? Will we expand our city’s walkable urban spaces or will we compound suburban sprawl and highway congestion? Join the City of Atlanta's current and former Planning Commissioners, as they convene to discuss Atlanta’s new development and what we need to position Atlanta as a forward-thinking sustainable city of the future. Click here to register.
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