Summer 2013 Echo (2.4 MB pdf) - Arizona Sierra Club

10 Sierra Club Grand Canyon ChapterSky Island EncountersThe 2013 Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference: A Brief ReviewBy Ronald RoedelOnce there was a turkey struttingdown the path, and oncea golden snakestretching long to soak up warmth;once a deerstopped suddenly in timewhen we were in that moment;and once a bearpassed along the far edgeof a streamon his way to the saddle where fernsmake lace of the light.Once a lizardturned to amethyst before usand once the groundswelled with toads that bubbledthrough the dust.A fox onceleapt out of the moonand sat on the road.We saw them all. They did not stay,but turned for whereverthey needed to go,as the ocelot didwho lived hereonce.–David ChorltonSalt River continued from pg. 6.The 2013 Good JobsGreen Jobs Conference(GJGJ) was held in Washington,D.C., from April16–18. I am very grateful tothe Grand Canyon Chapterfor the nomination to attendand to National Sierra Clubfor a scholarship to cover myfees.The conference, heldannually since 2008, is sponsoredby the Blue Green Alliance(BGA), a partnershipbetween the Sierra Cluband the United Steelworkersof America (USW) thathopes to build a robust greeneconomy that “preserves oureconomic and environmentalsecurity.” Although thesetwo outcomes have oftenbeen regarded as inherentlycontradictory, the SierraClub and the USW have recognizedthat they can worktogether through this strategic partnership.Approximately 2,500 people attendedthis convivial and lively conference. Thefirst two days featured a variety of interactiveworkshop sessions; I concentrated onthose related to solar energy and discoveredthe following key points: Solar power effortshave yielded concrete progress withalternatives and thoroughly examine the impactsto the land, river, and area’s plants andanimals. Unfortunately, the Forest Serviceinstead presented a document that promoteslivestock grazing to the detriment of nativespecies.A major wildlife concern is the impactthe cattle will have on the critical habitatfor the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.Critical habitat for this species extendsfrom river mile 8.1 (SR 288 bridge)upstream to river mile 24.2 (Cherry Creek).In addition to the need to ensure this habitatis protected, the Forest Service must formallyconsult with the U.S. Fish & WildlifeService under Section 7 of the EndangeredSpecies Act to determine impacts to the flycatcher.One of the main reasons cattle shouldnot be allowed to graze this area is the welldocumenteddamage they do to the riparianvegetation and to the wildlife it supports, notto mention the degradation of water quality.A key question is this: Do we want the “desiredfuture condition” of our public landsdevoted to intensive cattle grazing to theexclusion of all other public land uses andnative wildlife? Is cattle grazing the highestand best use of public land? We think not.Jim is Chapter Outings Chair.Ron Roedel in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Ron Roedel.Classified Adsapproximately seven gigawatts of generationcapacity installed by the end of 2012 and ananticipated doubling by the end of 2013.Silicon modules may now be manufacturedat a cost of $0.65 per watt, and system assembly/installationexpenses are anticipatedto decline following the trend already observedin Germany. Coupled with increasingshipping costs, this situation may promotethe development of regional manufacturingcenters. Despite the impressive results,the solar power industry remains fragile anddependent on net metering allowances andtax credits. Because the federal governmentseems unlikely to enhance or to maintain incentives,ensuring action at the state level isnow a priority. Renewable energy standardsin 39 states have boosted alternative energyproduction; however, moves to weaken oreliminate the rules are active. The AmericanLegislative Exchange Council (ALEC)has drafted “energy freedom” legislationexpressly designed to undo these standards,meaning alternative power advocates have tobecome even more vigilant.On the third day, attendees headed toCapitol Hill to practice their citizen-lobbyistskills. Teamed with a local advocate withlobbying experience, we visited the officesof several Arizona congressmen to promotelegislation advancing the BGA agenda. Staffwith Reps. Pastor and Barber – both strongsupporters of the Green Jobs effort – werepleased to meet with us and pledged to relayour thoughts. In contrast, Senator Flake’sstaffer, who wondered why the Senator hasbeen “pegged as anti-solar,” bluntly statedthat the Senator opposes extending the SolarInvestment Tax Credit because the federalgovernment “should not pick winnersor losers” in the marketplace.Going to the GJGJ and Advocacy Daywas an exceptional experience. The conceptof building novel and purposeful coalitions,like the BGA, to advance important ideas ornew technologies is absolutely brilliant. Itgives us all hope that we can make a difference,that we can accomplish difficult tasksagainst long odds. And, of course, we werereminded that ideas and technologies arecarried out in the real world, the politicalworld, with optimistic advocates and deeplyentrenched opponents in persistent conflict.So the work goes on.Ron is an emeritus Arizona State Universityprofessor and solar energy advocate.(To inquire about advertising, contact 602-253-9140 or tiffany.sprague@sierraclub.org.)LASTING RELIEF – With Muscle Relief Technique/deep tissue massage/stretching, I makeit happen. ...over 17 years promoting quality of life. call me, John Evans LMT. 480-495-0898FOR RENT. Cabin & Airstream trailers at Blue River Wilderness Retreat near Alpine, AZ. Pines,flowing streams bordered by National Forest. Outstanding hiking, fishing, & birding. Wirelessaccess. Reasonable rates by week or month. www.blueriverretreat.com – j.hoffman@frontiernet.net – 928-339-4426.http://arizona.sierraclub.org