Just an FYI, while doing an interview with a reporter about solar in WV, I looked up the Tri-State Solar case before the PSC. Tri-State had proposed a 5.3 MW solar farm in Greenbriar County (Sam Black Church exit of I-64) on 26 acres. I had been approached by some staffers in January because the developer had represented that Sierra Club supported the project, although we had never heard of it. Based on discussions with people in the area, I had considered whether to file comments, but never …
[View More]did. The word I got was that the developer was more talk than action, and that was one of the kinder things I heard.
The PSC did issue a final order approving the project in August. It appears that the developer had an incomplete application, never did file the remaining required reports, and did not even file reply briefs after the hearing, but agreed to a "settlement" whereby he would file those reports before construction started. The full document is at:
http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…'WebDocket'
Jim Kotcon
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"Renewable energy reached an important turning point last year with record
new installations of emissions-free power surpassing sources that burn
fossil fuel, according the International Energy Agency.
"New installations of renewable energy overtook conventional power for the
first time in 2015, the Paris-based agency said Tuesday in its Medium-Term
Renewable Energy Market Report. Global green power rose by a record 153
gigawatts, equivalent to 55 percent of newly installed capacity last year.
…
[View More]Total installed capacity exceeded coal for the first time, the IEA said."
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-25/record-green-power-install
ations-beat-fossil-fuel-for-first-time
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One concern that National brought up was to be careful that this money
does not end up going to frackers to mitigate the noxious effects of the
diesel engines they use. They are hoping this money goes to projects
that realize true ZEV impacts for the longterm.
-Jonathan
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Follow up info from VW Settlement & States webinar
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2016 10:59:59 -0700
From: Mary Lunetta <mary.lunetta(a)sierraclub.org>
To: undisclosed-…
[View More]recipients:;
Dear Colleague,
Thank you so much for attending Sierra Club's recent webinar "VW
Settlement and the States". *We really look forward to working with you
on this great opportunity to influence how your state expands it's clean
transportation projects. *
As we mentioned during the webinar, below is a link to access our Google
Drive Toolkit, a great resource for you to learn more about the VW
settlement. It's also a centralized place to find all the tools your
chapter will need to both /work on /and to /track/ your progress on this
campaign.
*::ACCESS VW SETTLEMENT CHAPTER RESOURCES KIT HERE
<%20https://docs.google.com/a/sierraclub.org/document/d/16c_Pl_yOiODi-9uUoU_H2eoPzk2yyX-zDKG6Czz1Uas/edit?usp=sharing>::
*
/Here's what you'll find in the Toolkit:/
* Webinar recording & Power Point slides
* VW Settlement Guide & 2 page Overview doc
* Frequently Asked Questions doc (FAQ)
* 225 page VW Settlement decree
* Timeline of state allocation process and deadlines
* Template letters to Governors and Organizations
* Facts Sheets on the areas the settlement covers
* The *State Chapter Tracker*:
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tDs3HdZLxqIHWQAaHsitr27SSFHwxJmbYoh…>
where the name and email
for /one designated person/ from your chapter who is assigned
with heading up these efforts will go, along updates on the
progress your chapter is making.
Lastly, *please let us know if there are allies in your state who would
be interested in attending our next webinar on Friday, Nov 4.
*
You can share this information with us by completing our *webinar
feedback form
<https://docs.google.com/a/sierraclub.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedpQMB5ZMPohjBPo…>*.
It takes just two minutes to complete. Please fill it out today so we
can incorporate your feedback into the next webinar and so we can send
invitations ASAP to allies in your network.
Thanks again for all that you are doing to promote clean transportation.
If you have any questions at any time, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Mary
*Mary Lunetta *
Campaign Representative
Electric Vehicles Initiative | Sierra Club
e | mary.lunetta(a)sierraclub.org <mailto:mary.lunetta@sierraclub.org>
c | 520.252.2335 <tel:520.252.2335>
www.sierraclub.org/evguide <http://www.sierraclub.org/evguide>
/We think of ourselves as separated from one another, yet we are
connected and what we do affects the whole world. / ~ Desmond Tutu
[View Less]
I received a phone call from National asking me to listen in on this
phone call tomorrow (I am chair of WVSC's transportation committee). I
want to invite others to listen in on this call because we may be able
to do something with these monies.
Please register.
-Jonathan
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Call for Sierra Club Chapter Leaders to help expand clean
transportation - please RSVP today
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:02:46 -0700
From: Mary Lunetta <mary.lunetta(a)…
[View More]sierraclub.org>
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Dear Colleague,
You heard about the Volkswagen scandal
<http://content.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2016/06/sierra-club-statement-…>.
Now find out how Sierra Club can turn this tragedy into a victory for
clean transportation. Join us for an overview of the settlement, how
much in allocated funds each state will be receiving (P.S. it's a lot),
and how Sierra Club chapters can influence the use of state funds to
promote clean transportation initiatives. *WEBINAR: VW SETTLEMENT FUNDS
FOR STATES*
WHEN:Tuesday, October 18th
TIME: 5:00 PM PST / 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM EST
RSVP: To RSVP, please click here
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN1bGOZadXISlvBsTIGOp4AhJ9l0HVKlc…>
(After you RSVP, we will follow up with a link to access the webinar)
Attached is a doc that gives a helpful overview of the settlement, how
much money each state will be receiving to fund clean transportation,
and what the timeline is for states to decide how the money is spent.
/Background:/
Volkswagen has reached a settlement involving VW and Audi diesel
vehicles with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
Federal Trade Commission, the California Attorney General and the
California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Through the settlement, Volkswagen has agreed to:
*
Buy-back, terminate leases or provide approved emissions
modifications for nearly 475,000 2.0-liter TDI diesel cars in the U.S.
*
Provide cash payments to owners / lessees
*
*Pay $2.7 billion to the states to fully remediate the excess NOx
emissions from the affected 2.0 liter vehicles*
*
Invest $2 billion in zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and ZEV technology
Eligible mitigation actions could include replacing older city transit
buses with new electric-powered transit city buses or installing
charging infrastructure for light duty zero emission passenger vehicles.
Every state has the flexibility to choose which projects on the list of
eligible mitigation actions are the best options for their citizens, and
Sierra Club wants to provide its chapters with the information and the
tools to ensure that the cleanest, most effective options are selected
in your state.
*To register for this webinar, please click here
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN1bGOZadXISlvBsTIGOp4AhJ9l0HVKlc…>**.
* We look forward to speaking with you on October 18th!
Sincerely,
Mary Lunetta, Campaign Coordinator, Electric Vehicles Initiative, Sierra
Club
Gina Coplon-Newfield, Director, Electric Vehicles Initiative, Sierra Club
Josh Stebbins, Managing Attorney, Sierra Club
Jen Hensley, State Lobbying and Advocacy Director
*Mary Lunetta *
Campaign Representative
Electric Vehicles Initiative | Sierra Club
e | mary.lunetta(a)sierraclub.org <mailto:mary.lunetta@sierraclub.org>
c | 520.252.2335 <tel:520.252.2335>
www.sierraclub.org/evguide <http://www.sierraclub.org/evguide>
/We think of ourselves as separated from one another, yet we are
connected and what we do affects the whole world. / ~ Desmond Tutu
[View Less]
The West Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club seeks applications for an
organizer to assist with campaign development to promote energy efficiency
and a transition to clean energy. It is anticipated that this position
will be for the period of Nov. 2016 to March 31, 2017.
Anticipated effort of approximately 20 hours per week. Continuation in
2017 dependent on funding and campaign progress.
The ideal applicant for this position would qualify as an
Independent Contractor, and would …
[View More]have past or concurrent experience with
volunteer organizing, media relations, and campaign coordination, as well
as familiarity with environmental and energy issues. Willingness to travel
and meet with and recruit volunteers in West Virginia is essential.
Position reports to the Chapter Energy Efficiency Campaign team and Chapter
Conservation Chair. Stipend and expenses commensurate with experience and
abilities.
See attached Description for full details and instructions to apply.
Jim Kotcon
304-293-8822 (office)
304-594-3322 (home)
[View Less]
There is WV code that seems to make such transport through our state
illegal:
§16-27-2. Storage or disposal of radioactive waste material within
the state prohibited; exceptions.
(a) No person shall store or dispose of any radioactive waste
material within the state: Provided, That the provisions of this
section do not prohibit (1) the storage or disposal of such material
produced within the state as a result of medical, educational,
research or industrial …
[View More]activities and so stored or disposed of in
compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, or (2) the
transportation of such material out of or through the state when
done in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws:
Provided, however, That such waste from industrial activities does
not include, for the purpose of this article, such material produced
from the operation of any nuclear power generation facility, nuclear
processing facility, or nuclear reprocessing facility.
There is a better article, with a map, showing the transports going
through WV, at:
http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/consumers-powersource/2016/…
-Jonathan
On 10/11/2016 10:40 PM, Duane Nichols wrote:
> Environmentalists Trying To Stop Hauling Of Nuclear Waste Along Rt. 79
> « CBS Pittsburgh
>
> http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2016/08/29/environmentalists-rushing-to-stop…
>
>
> Environmentalists Rushing To Stop Hauling Of Weapons-Grade Nuclear
> Waste Along Rt. 79
>
> August 29, 2016 7:33 PM
>
> By Andy Sheehan
>
> PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Trucks rumble down Route 79 everyday, right past
> the orchards and country store at Soergel’s Farm.
>
> Not one to pay them any heed, Randy Soergel now has reason for
> concern. Soon, some of them may be hauling weapons-grade nuclear waste.
>
> “If there was an accident or anything like,” says Soergel.
> “Environmentally, it just makes you nervous.”
>
> But the U.S. Department of Energy has approved the transport of spent
> uranium and other waste from a research laboratory in Canada to a
> disposal and reprocessing facility in South Carolina.
>
> An estimated 150 truckloads of the liquid waste, contained in steel
> canisters, will be traversing 200 miles along Route 79 over the next
> two years.
>
> This is an unprecedented shipment of liquid, high-level radioactive
> waste. That’s never happened in North American history,” said Kevin
> Kamps, the director of Beyond Nuclear.
>
> The Beyond Nuclear organization and the Sierra Club have filed suit
> and are seeking for an immediate injunction to stop the shipments.
>
> KDKA’s Andy Sheehan spoke with Kamps via Skype, who says the liquid
> waste is more highly volatile than waste in solid form.
>
> “That means, it’s that much closer to getting out into the environment
> in a crash, or a fire, or a deliberate attack in these truck
> shipments,” said Kamps. “That’s a big concern.”
>
> Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
> <http://www.facebook.com/CBSPittsburgh>
> Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
> <https://twitter.com/CBSPittsburgh>
>
> In approving the shipments, the Department of Energy determined the
> waste to be safe, even in the event of an accident, but the feds have
> sponsored training sessions for first responders throughout the region.
>
> But the environmentalists want the waste to be solidified and stored
> or disposed of in Canada. That has the full support of the shoppers
> KDKA spoke with at Soergel’s, who don’t want it coming through their
> hometowns.
>
> “I see so many accidents on 79, every morning, coming home at night,
> so that would be a very dangerous situation indeed,” said Jen Blanker,
> of Mars.
>
> “I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of effects we’d be exposing
> our growing children and people to. Of course, I’m not for it. Can’t
> they go somewhere else, where there’s less population?” added Maureen
> Pavlik, another local resident.
>
> But if that injunction is not granted, trucks hauling nuclear waste
> could come barreling down 79 within a week, making those who live
> nearby uneasy.
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
[View Less]
I had seen a news item about that petition last month (Deleware argues that the Harrison Power plant contributes to their air quality violations) but had trouble understanding why Deleware could be so specific about one plant that already has low-NOx boilers and SCR. This news article indicates that Harrison frequently operates without using the SCR, which would dramatically increase NOx emissions and down-wind ozone.
This could exacerbate the costs of operating Harrison, at a time when it …
[View More]is already under fire for costing more to operate than FE had projected.
Anybody know if this has a bearing on Pleasants?
JBK
________________________________
From: Nachy Kanfer <nachy.kanfer(a)sierraclub.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 7:34:27 AM
To: Bill Price; Bridget Lee; James Kotcon
Subject: how did i miss this??
Was it reported in the news?
http://news.delaware.gov/2016/08/09/dnrec-files-another-clean-air-act-petit…
--
Nachy Kanfer
Deputy Director, East
Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign
(614) 625-3894
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I also saw that article already. I think Danny Chiotos forwarded it.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: James Kotcon via EC <ec(a)osenergy.org> Date: 9/28/16 8:30 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Nachy Kanfer <nachy.kanfer(a)sierraclub.org>, Bill Price <bill.price(a)sierraclub.org>, Bridget Lee <bridget.lee(a)sierraclub.org> Cc: ec(a)osenergy.org Subject: Re: [EC] how did i miss this??
<!-- P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;} …
[View More]-->
I had seen a news item about that petition last month (Deleware argues that the Harrison Power plant contributes to their air quality violations) but had trouble understanding why Deleware could be so specific about one plant that already has low-NOx boilers
and SCR. This news article indicates that Harrison frequently operates without using the SCR, which would dramatically increase NOx emissions and down-wind ozone.
This could exacerbate the costs of operating Harrison, at a time when it is already under fire for costing more to operate than FE had projected.
Anybody know if this has a bearing on Pleasants?
JBK
From: Nachy Kanfer <nachy.kanfer(a)sierraclub.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 7:34:27 AM
To: Bill Price; Bridget Lee; James Kotcon
Subject: how did i miss this??
Was it reported in the news?
http://news.delaware.gov/2016/08/09/dnrec-files-another-clean-air-act-petit…
--
Nachy Kanfer
Deputy Director, East
Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign
(614) 625-3894
[View Less]
Here is a great opportunity to submit a comment letter. I did.
Jim Kotcon
________________________________
From: MVCAC <mvcac-bounces(a)osenergy.org> on behalf of Duane Nichols via MVCAC <mvcac(a)osenergy.org>
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 11:17 AM
To: MVCAC(a)OSENERGY.ORG
Subject: [MVCAC] Fwd: Our health and climate are on the line!
From: Clean Air Council <members(a)cleanair.org<mailto:members@cleanair.org>>
Date: September 26, 2016 at 11:14:59 AM EDT
To: …
[View More]duane330(a)aol.com<mailto:duane330@aol.com>
Subject: Our health and climate are on the line!
Reply-To: eroben(a)cleanair.org<mailto:eroben@cleanair.org>
[https://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51176/images/CAC%20Color%20Single%20Line%20W…]
Dear MonValley Clean Air Coalition,
In 2014, the U.S. oil and gas industry leaked 9.8 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas methane into our air. That's the climate equivalent of running almost 225 coal-fired power plants for a year. What's more, everywhere methane leaks it is accompanied by other toxic air pollutants that threaten the health of those who live nearby.
Last May, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized standards that will reduce air pollution leaks from new oil and gas facilities. But the air pollution leaks from the 1,193,118 existing oil and gas facilities continue unchecked.<http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=lx918EVrbXJrUzZQue1E4wbEshT…>
As the oil and gas industry has expanded across our country, regulations have lagged. And while industry is making a profit, our health and climate are suffering the impacts of a severely under-regulated industry.
When our health and climate are on the line, we have to demand bold action from our nation's leaders. Write to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and tell her we need to stop these dangerous leaks now!<http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=DRr00PVfjZvY18%2FinotQ6QbEs…>
Sincerely,
[http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51176/images/JoeSignatureThick.jpg]
Joseph Otis Minott, Esq.
Executive Director
Philadelphia
135 S. 19th Street
Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19103
P: (215) 567-4004
F: (215) 567-5791
Harrisburg
107 N. Front Street
Suite 113
Harrisburg, PA 17101
P: (717) 230-8806
F: (717) 230-8808
Wilmington
100 W. 10th Street
Suite 607
Wilmington, DE 19801
P: (302) 691-0112
Unsubscribe<http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=aPql%2BEAnRq2I40PnLDRkM8J9%…>
[empowered by Salsa]<http://www.salsalabs.com/?email>
[View Less]