News and Action

February 6, 2006

- NC Attorney General Roy Cooper Sues TVA

- "Kilowatt Ours" coming to western North Carolina in February

- Resolution to stop licensing of new coal and nuclear plants

- Membership Renewal Reminder

Chad Kister to Speak in Asheville This Wednesday

Chad Kister returns to Asheville on Wednesday, February 8, 5:30pm, at Lord Auditorium, to give a slide presentation and speak about his second trip to the Alaskan Arctic Wildlife Preserve and his new book Arctic Melting.  Kister will display stunning photographic evidence of the devastation being caused by global warming.

Lord Auditorium is in the basement of Pack Library on Haywood Street. Admission is Free. Sponsored by the Canary Coalition.

NC Attorney General Roy Cooper Sues TVA

On January 30, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper brought suit against the Tennessee Valley Authority for endangering the health, environment and economy of North Carolina by not sufficiently curbing emissions from their coal burning power plants.

Chalk up another victory for the grassroots clean air movement. Public officials, including the Attorney General, are now taking strong action to improve our air quality because of your effort in generating a new political atmosphere in North Carolina.  Elected officials now realize that if they want to get elected or re-elected they have to speak to air quality issues and take real action. Keep up the pressure! We are making a real difference.

Raleigh News and Observer story

"Kilowatt Ours" coming to western North Carolina in February

Film-maker Jeff Barrie sweeps through western North Carolina with his remarkable documentary, "Kilowatt Ours", in February.  This film shows the viewer how our electricity is produced and how the process devastates the environment. Included is some dramatic split-screen footage of someone turning on the light switch in his home as a majestic, scenic mountain explodes and collapses in real time during a mountaintop removal coal-mining project in West Virginia.  The film also explores the promise of renewable energy technologies and conservation strategies that can be pursued. 

“I hope this film sparks an energy conservation movement across America, while boosting demand for clean renewable power sources. Many people are unaware that we’re still burning coal to generate most of our electricity in America, creating serious consequences to the environment and human health. The need for conservation is urgent" ~ Jeff Barrie

Interactive discussions led by Jeff will address such critical issues as mountaintop removal, air pollution, global warming, childhood asthma and mercury contamination. 

The Canary Coalition is co-sponsoring film screenings on the following dates:

February 19, 2pm, 1st Baptist Church, Asheville

February 21, 7pm,  WCU University Center Theatre

February 23, 7pm, Asheville Community Theatre, Market Street, Asheville

February 24, 7pm, Bo Thomas Auditorium, Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock

More information about "Kilowatt Ours"

Resolution to stop licensing of new coal and nuclear plants

Public utilities have been applying for permits to pursue the construction of new coal-fired and nuclear power plants throughout the southeast. In response, the Canary Coalition has been collaborating with other organizations to draught a resolution that can be used as a model for offering to state legislatures. This resolution demands that no new coal or nuclear plants will be licensed until all efforts have been exhausted to promote conservation and energy efficiency and to utilize safe, renewable energy technologies. Here is the resolution in the form being considered for adoption by the Canary Coalition:

Whereas North Carolina is at a critical energy crossroads,

And whereas applications are currently being submitted for the
construction of new nuclear, coal and other fossil fueling burning power
plants,

And whereas comprehensive energy conservation and efficiency policies
can replace the need for new power generating sources,

And whereas renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biogas are
becoming economically competitive with conventional, more polluting
electrical generating technologies,

Whereas the current and future costs to the environment, public health,
safety, and security are escalating and becoming incalculable from the
burning of coal and the production of nuclear waste,

Therefore be it resolved that no licenses will be issued for new
nuclear, coal or fossil fuel generating sources in North Carolina until
a legislative study commission determines that all efforts to reduce
energy demand through conservation and energy efficiency methods have
been exhausted and until all efforts to use economically
competitive, safe, and non-polluting  renewable generating sources have
been exhausted.

This resolution will be the central theme of the Energy Crossroads Tour throughout the southeast being planned by Nuclear Information Resource Service (NIRS) and the Canary Coalition.   

Membership Renewal Reminder

If you have not already done so, please renew your annual membership with the CanaryCoalition and help keep the database updated with your most recent contact information. There is no annual membership fee, although all donations are gratefully accepted (and very much needed). All new and renewing members receive the interactive membership computer CD. The membership CD is a powerful tool that aids its owner in being a clean-air activist. It contains a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation about air quality issues and the Canary Coalition that can be shown to friends, groups, classrooms, etc. Also on the membership CD is a library of documents containing information about important air quality issues. There are also graphics for iron-on applications, printable membership forms and a link to the Canary Coalition website. For donations of $35 or more tee-shirts are available upon request.

Send contact information and donations to:

The Canary Coalition

PO Box 653

Sylva, NC 28779

or you can donate online