Good job.  The one problem I notice is the wording "Turn the air-conditioning down."  This can mean different things to different people, see http://tinyurl.com/32b7c7 .  Wording it to say "adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature" would be more obvious - and let's not forget programmable thermostats.  I'm recommending the next time there are energy related op-eds to distribute them to the EC so that we can provide peer review on these trivial or not so trivial wordings.

Off the subject, at some point we need to provide the public with suitable recycling solutions when the CFL's we are pushing so avidly burn out.  I'm providing this statement from http://www.lamprecycling.com/ to explain why this is so important.

When mercury-containing lamps or tubes are placed in the trash and collected for disposal, the lamps or tubes are broken and mercury is released to the environment. Mercury vapors from broken lamps or tubes can be absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. People who are particularly close to the breakage are especially at risk. Mercury from broken lamps and tubes can also be washed by rain water into waterways.

Jonathan


James Kotcon wrote: 
Jim and Karen, 

Glen, et al.

Thanks for the assistance.  

JBK

  
Below is the link to the op ed in today's Gazette.

Thanks. 

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Opinion/Op-Ed+Commentaries/200707028 

 
Bill Price
Sierra Club 
Central Appalachia Environmental Justice Program 
922 Quarrier Street, Suite 304
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone 304-342-3182
Fax     304-342-3183
Cell     304-389-8822
 


  
"Glen Besa" <glen.besa@sierraclub.org> 6/30/2007 5:35 PM >>>
        
Folks,

With the 4th of July Holiday approaching, consider submitting a letter to
the editor about energy independence. Better yet call the editor of your
local paper about submitting the OpEd below that you will need to localize.
Thanks, Glen Besa

 

 

From: Odette.Mucha@sierraclub.org [mailto:Odette.Mucha@sierraclub.org] 
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 5:58 PM
To: glen.besa@sierraclub.org; chris.carney@sierraclub.org;
jessica.hodge@sierraclub.org; bob.bingaman@sierraclub.org;
leigh.fifelski@sierraclub.org; joshua.low@sierraclub.org;
allison.forbes@sierraclub.org; dave.hamilton@sierraclub.org 
Cc: chris.wilhite@sierraclub.org 
Subject: Energy Independence Day op-ed

 

see below and attached. To be localized. 

 

thanks,

odette

i'll be in DC through July 6th. please email or call me on my cell
607-279-6338. :)

 

 


Two Percent for Energy Independence

As the Fourth of July approaches and we gather to watch fireworks and
celebrate our country?s political independence, it is time to struggle for a
new kind of independence: energy independence from what has become a tyranny
of fossil fuels. 

World scientists agree that global warming is here and that it is happening
at an alarming rate, largely due to the world?s reliance on the carbon
emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels Fortunately, however,
scientists also tell us that we can curb global warming if we take bold,
comprehensive steps to cut global warming pollution by 80% by the year 2050.
Though this may seem daunting, it equates to a doable two percent every year
for the next forty years! 

Change needs to start now. America is an energy importer, relying on foreign
fuels both for the gasoline we use in our cars and for much of the coal and
natural gas that we burn for our electricity. Not only do these dirty energy
sources contribute to global warming and asthma-causing smog, they also cost
American citizens billions of dollars every year in money sent overseas and
intrinsically link our economy and way of life to foreign powers. There is,
however, a better way.

[Insert state] has already started along a new, cleaner path. For [insert
state] energy Independence means investing in renewable energy, like [insert
best renewable energy practice] as well as in money saving solutions that
reduce the amount of energy we use and therefore the need to import. 

By becoming more energy efficient, like using the super-efficient LED lights
in buildings and for traffic lighting, [insert state citizen name] can
significantly cut their energy use. As solutions that use less dirty,
imported energy sources keep more and more [insert state] dollars at home,
we can begin investing more and more of that money in creating our own clean
energy alternatives right here at home. 

[Insert paragraph about effort?s already taken by your state]. Efforts like
these are to be applauded, but they must continue to grow and expand. 

Government can do a lot to protect the environment. The fight against global
warming, however, can start right at home. To reach our goal, to build a
cleaner, smarter and safer energy future and stronger economy, to meet and
overcome the most urgent problem facing us, to protect our children and
theirs, we must all  be part of the 2 percent solution. Change a light-bulb.
Turn the air-conditioning down. Carpool. Write to your elected officials
asking them to fight for our energy independence. Citizens, businesses and
governments all have a role to play and we must begin to act now. That?s
why, this Fourth of July, before I watch the fireworks from [insert
location], I?ll honor the legacy of American independence and replace a few
light-bulbs with energy-saving fluorescents!  




Odette Mucha
Field Media Coordinator
Sierra Club
San Francisco, CA
415-977-5761
cell: 607-279-6338


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