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April / MayAppalachian 2013 Voice

Powering with Change The Dollars and Sense of How to win with on-bill financing Chattanooga’s Vision A city that leads by example The Smart Grid Energy Savings The future is happening now Protecting the planet has never been better for our bottom line The AppalachianVOICE cross Appalachia A publication of A Environmental News From Around the Region AppalachianVoices A Note from our Executive Director 171 Grand Blvd • Boone, NC 28607 Dear Readers, 828-262-1500 Build-It-Up! Prepares Young Leaders www.AppalachianVoices.org I am honored to be writing you for the first time as executive director [email protected] of Appalachian Voices. By Kate Cahow College in Columbia, Ky. “That’s when I became an environmental activist. Build- I still remember my excitement when I first learned about Appalachian Tessa Gore’s passion for creating Editor...... Jamie Goodman It-Up opened my eyes to grassroots orga- Voices 12 years ago after a day of climbing at West Virginia’s Seneca Rocks. positive change in the Appalachian re- Managing Editor...... Molly Moore Relaxing in town after descending from the knife-edge summit, I was elated nization and mobilization, and showed gion was sparked during her time with Associate Editor...... Matt Grimley from the climb and the beautiful view from the top: a bucolic patchwork me one person can definitely make a Contributing Editor...... Brian Sewell Build-It-Up West Virginia. of fields and woodlots in the river valley surrounded by lushly forested difference.” The Ohio native is using her Distribution Manager...... Maeve Gould “My first summer, we traveled to mountains stretching as far as the eye could see. It was in this state of mind experiences to establish a Build-It-Up Editorial Communciations Assistant...... Davis Wax that I picked up my first copy of The Appalachian Voice newspaper. several mountaintop removal sites, and program in southeast Ohio. Online Communications Assistant...... Jil Lee I witnessed the impact on the environ- Here was a celebration of the Appalachian Mountains and our connection to them – from fishing to Build-It-Up West Virginia and sister ment and surrounding communities,” kayaking, homesteading to hunting – that resonated deeply with my experience. But it was something chapters in Tennessee and Virginia engage DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: Alison Auciello, Karen Austin, Debbie more that really drew me in. says Gore, a student at Lindsey Wilson participants in service-learning projects Bahr, Heather Baker, Bob Belton, Jere Bidwell, Blue Smoke Coffee, Charlie Appalachian Voices was about our shared responsibility for this natural heritage: bringing people focused on healthy, sustainable and Bowles, Cindy Bowles, Lynn Brammer, Jane Branham, Steve Brooks, Carmen Build-It-Up! in Appalachia reid, co-coordinator with Build-It-Up deeper understanding of what’s at risk together to address the monumental environmental threats to the region, from mountaintop removal locally-based economies. Through Cantrell, Sarah Smith Caskey, Charlie Chakales, Kim and Shay Clanton, Chris East Tennessee: zval33.wix.com/builditupetn West Virginia. “They’ve experienced the in their communities, and then work to coal mining to water and air pollution. I soon became a member, and even while I was away at UCLA community partnerships, they have Clark, Patty Clemens, Sister Beth Davies, Detta Davis, Deborah Deatherage, law school, I closely tracked Appalachian Voices’ work. When I returned, I was proud to join the team Virginia: grandaspirations.org/sw-va-201/ impacts of the coal mono-economy, and change it,” he says. planted gardens in lower-income Lowell Dodge, Finley Dula, Nels Erickson, Lauren Essick, Emma Ford, and open our Virginia office. West Virginia: facebook.com/builditup.wv through Build-It-Up they’re learning to Build-It-Up is part of a national net- Rick Foster, Charles Garratt, Dave Gilliam, Scott Goebel, Lisa Goodpaster, Age: 13-18 (high school and college undergraduates) neighborhoods, hosted workshops on build solutions.” work of grassroots youth organizations I am still inspired every day by that shared connection and commitment. My wife, Heather — who Dates: June to August – specific dates TBA Bruce Gould, Michael Grantz, Gary Greer, Kelly Griffin, Tim Guilfoile, Susan sustainable food production and pres- For Joe Gorman, program coordina- called Grand Aspirations. The Virginia and was my climbing partner that day at Seneca Rocks — and I now have three young children, and my Cost: Free Hazlewood, Sandy Heim, Cary and Karen Huffman, Tim Huntley, Pamela ervation, and shadowed local leaders to tor with Build-It-Up West Virginia, the Tennessee chapters are starting this sum- view naturally reaches farther than before. I’m devoted to a future when kids throughout Appalachia Contact: Joe Gorman, program coordinator, Build-It-Up Johnston, Mary K., Amelia Kirby, Rose Koontz, Frances Lamberts, Justin learn about water-testing standards and can swim in clean creeks, drink pure water, breathe healthy air, and still have mountain peaks to climb. West Virginia (for all three programs) most gratifying part of his work is wit- mer, and this fall the West Virginia chapter Laughlin, Carissa Lenfert, Susan Lewis, Loy Lilley, Debra Locher, Joy Lourie, local mine safety rules and legislation. Phone number: (703) 307-4011 or (304) 518-0248 nessing the personal growth of alumni. is transitioning to a year-round program We’ve made tremendous progress, but important work lies ahead. - Gail Marney, Mast General Store, Kathy McClory, Kim Greene McClure, Jay Registration form: bit.ly/12f6BJE “Appalachian youth are strong “It’s exciting when participants grasp a with West Virginia State University. McCoy, Rich McDonough, Mike McKinney, Steve Moeller, Dave and Donna We must continue fighting the companies that are pushing the true costs of coal onto our communi leaders,” says Johanna de Graffen- Muhly, Dennis Murphy, Catherine Murray, Don O’Dell, Dave Patrick, Bronwyn ties, while we also secure real solutions to help our region prosper with sustainable energy sources and Reece, Martin Richards, Carol Rollman, Kristin Rouse, Debbie Samuels, Steve jobs that respect our natural heritage. We are engaged in nothing short of a fundamental shift that starts Scarborough, Gerry and Joe Scardo, Craig Schenker, Kathy Selvage, Brenda with a positive vision and a sense of shared responsibility for stewardship of this region we all love. EPA Finds Impaired Streams Across Nation, Cites West Virginia Landing Opportunity Sigmon, Jennifer Stertzer, Mike Wade, Nora Walbourn, Bill Wasserman, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear signed a For the mountains, According to a recent report by the The EPA also found more impaired DEP to abandon its existing methods of Jim Webb, Dean Whitworth, Amy Wickham, Graham Williams, Barbara bill into law last month that allows quali- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, waterways in West Virginia than the measuring stream health, and to instead Williamson, Diana Withen, Johnny Yousef, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman fying land trusts to apply for conservation more than 55 percent of the country’s West Virginia Department of Envi- come up with new methods to define Printed on 100% recycled newsprint, cover 40% recycled paper, all soy-based inks funding through the Kentucky heritage Executive Director rivers and streams are in poor biological ronmental Protection had reported. In biologically impaired streams. As a con- Land Conservation Fund. Under the law, health, unable to support healthy popu- March, the EPA gave the DEP a list that sequence of the law, when the DEP sub- land trusts are required to provide a one- lations of aquatic insects and other crea- included 1,176 waterways previously mitted their most recent list of impaired to-one cash match for any funding given. tures. The most widespread problem is designated as impaired by the state, and waters to the EPA, the state agency did Inside this issue The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky excessive levels of nutrient pollution; an additional 255 waterways identified not include the 255 new waterways that lauded the move, saying that the next step Regulars high levels of phosphorus, found in de- by the EPA. The DEP left many streams would have been considered impaired for the state would be to implement a state Across Appalachia . . . . . 3-4 tergents and fertilizers, were found in 40 off their impaired list as a result of a under the old system. tax credit for land donation. Hiking the Highlands. . . . . 6-7 percent of the nation’s rivers and streams. law passed in 2012 that ordered the This Green House...... 18 Using electricity wisely is ❑ Yes, I would like to receive The Appalachian Voice in my mailbox (min. $25 donation) Political Landscape. . . . .22-23 vital for Appalachia, ❑ Maximize my donation -- do not send The Voice, I prefer to read it online! Coal Report ...... 24 a region that has Spring into Action Name of Member ______Opinion...... 25 borne the burdens Address ______Inside AV ...... 26-27 of our national appetite for City ______State ______Zip ______cheap energy. Unlocking the Get Involved!...... 28 Phone ______Email ______Southeast’s vast energy savings potential could ❑ $35 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ $500 ❑ Other: $______be the key to forging a cleaner, greener future. About the Cover ❑ Mountain Protector (monthly contributor) $______/month ($10 minimum) Energy Savings and the Public Trust...... p. 8 MC/VISA # ______Expiration date ______Efficient Ends for Businesses...... p. 10 AV Ad Signature ______

Green Visions in Chattanooga...... p. 12 ❑ Double My Impact - Sign a friend up for $______more ($25 minimum) South Carolina Co-ops Pilot On-Bill Financing...... p. 14 Name of Member ______Upgrading to the Smart Grid...... p. 16 Address ______This Green House...... p. 18 City ______State ______Zip ______

House illustration by Jil Lee, a Public Relations Mail to: 171 Grand Blvd, Boone, NC 28607 Email ______student at Appalachian State University Homeowner’s Business Guide...... p. 20 Join today at Appvoices.org/match-for-mountains cross Appalachia A Environmental News From Around the Region Williamson, W.Va. ­– A Gateway to Sustainability in Central Appalachia By Kate Cahow looking to the future, encompasses the of the nation’s highest early death rates, training for renewable-energy businesses vision of Sustainable Williamson: to cre- such as the solar energy company in town. The Coal House, built in 1933 from where childhood obesity is rampant and ate replicable models of sustainability “The smart office will play an impor- its namesake rock, sits in downtown more than 30 percent of the residents live for economically distressed communi- tant role in this effort,” says Eric Mathis, Williamson, W.Va., in the heart of Appa- below the poverty line. Sustainable Wil- ties throughout Central Appalachia. a Sustainable Williamson organizer and lachia’s coal mining region. It is home to liamson — a non-profit formed in 2010 commissioner with the Williamson Re- the Tug County Chamber of Commerce. “Whether we’re recruiting renew- by the city’s redevelopment authority — development Authority. “The symbolic Next door, construction of a high- able energy businesses, organizing farm- hopes to turn the tide by creating job op- relationship between the house made of tech “smart office” is underway in the ers’ markets or developing 5K events portunities, building sustainable commu- coal and the futuristic smart office is about lobby of the historic Mountaineer Hotel. through the local diabetes coalition, our nity infrastructure and promoting health friends working together in both build- The office will function as an incubator goals for Sustainable Williamson are to care initiatives. Projects include construc- ings to create a healthy future for all.” for sustainable design and construction diversify the region’s economy and build tion of a multi-million dollar community projects in the region. a healthier community,” says Darrin Mc- health center, upgrading school nutrition For more information, or to con- The incongruity of the buildings, Cormick, mayor of Williamson. programs, plans for a recreation complex tribute to the smart office’s capital cam- one grounded in the past and the other Williamson is in a region with one that will support local tourism, and career paign, visit: sustainablewilliamson.org.

A Failure To Cooperate Over power lines. The wilderness is owned by Seeing is Believing: Air Quality the Clean Air Act, it settled rather than Wilderness Right-of-Way Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney, who Improves in Great Smoky NP engage in a drawn-out and expensive Rutherford Electric Membership Cor- said in a press release that he’s “going to do A new Colorado State University legal fight. The company’s shareholders poration filed a condemnation petition everything [he] can to protect this beautiful, study of air quality in national parks will bear the cost of the settlement, said in January that would allow the utility unique ecosystem from the proposed dev- shows a major reduction in particle pol- company spokesperson Dan Genest. to build power lines through Box Creek astation.” The N.C. Dept. of Environment lution in the Great Smoky Mountains Road Trippin’: Corridor K Still Wilderness, a 5,100-acre tract of preserved and Natural Resources recently designated National Park. “In the Eastern United Threatens Goforth Creek forest east of Asheville, N.C. REMC says Box Creek as the 24th most significant States, most of our air pollution comes The Southern Environmental Law the utility needs the line to supply power natural heritage area in the state. Sweeney from power plants and vehicle emis- Center recently named Goforth Creek to members in McDowell County and had until the end of March to respond to sions. Nitrates in the air and sulfates Canyon as one of its “Top 10 Endangered has almost reached capacity with current REMC’s petition. are a lot of what we see,” Molly Schroer, Places in the Southeast for 2013.” The park spokesperson, said in an interview wild resource is threatened by the pro- with WBIR in Knoxville, Tenn. “It’s posed Corridor K, a highway that would getting better. That is the trend that we connect Chattanooga and Asheville. The are seeing in our data as far as the air.” Tennessee Department of Transporta- Unhappy Appalachia tion said that different alternatives for Gallup and Healthways recently the highway are being reviewed, and released their annual Well-Being Index that studies are ongoing to help find the for 2012 and, as in years past, Appala- best solution. TDOT will release its draft chia’s health and happiness ranked low. environmental impact statement about West Virginia (50th) and Kentucky (49th) the project late this summer. brought up the rear, while Tennessee Unquenchable Thirst: Water slid down a few spots over the last year Runs In Ga./Tenn. Land Dispute to 47. The Well-Being Index compiles Georgia legislators in March passed survey results from all over the nation a resolution authorizing the state’s attor- on subjects from emotional and physical ney general to sue the state of Tennessee health to food access and healthcare. if it refuses to voluntarily give up a 1.5 Virginia’s Dominion Settles square-mile parcel of land that they say in Clean Air Pollution Lawsuit is rightfully theirs. The land would grant In April, Dominion Resources Inc., Georgia access to the Nickajack Reser- a Virginia-based electric utility, agreed voir, which is fed by the Tennessee River. to pay $13.2 million to settle federal air The move comes as rapidly expanding pollution violations for three out-of- metropolitan Atlanta struggles to find a state coal plants. While the company stable water supply after suffering severe denies the allegations that it violated droughts in recent years.

Page 4 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 The view of Rabun Bald. Ken Bordwell (right) and his occasional A Story of Perseverence hiking companion, Joe Shelton, on the Hiker Overcomes Medical Condition to Complete Final Leg of AT Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire. Hiking the Highlands Bordwell’s advice to fellow hikers is By Molly Moore He tackled the trail in- simple. “Enjoy it!” he says. “I think everybody wants to do it a little too fast termittently throughout the Exploring the mountains wasn’t a and would have more fun if they slow Trek Across years, beginning with the part of Kenneth Bordwell’s childhood down a little and not expect so much of southern portions. Bordwell’s Georgia’s Rooftop in Dayton, Ohio. His father read news themselves. It’s hard work.” Photo by favorite section is somewhere Mindy Wallace clippings about Grandma Gatewood, a in those central and southern Story and photo by Peter Barr remarkable woman from southeast Ohio latitudes — he says it’s either Two short hikes in northern Geor- who hiked the Appalachian Trail from interfere with peak hiking season. Tennessee’s Laurel Falls, or gia’s Blue Ridge Mountains climb to the Georgia to Maine three times, but Bor- At that point, he was 100 miles shy the Mt. Rogers area of south- state’s highest peaks and reward visitors dwell didn’t step foot on the fabled path of completing his goal. west Virginia. Or it could be with its most stunning views. While the himself until his honeymoon. Bordwell acknowledges that the commonwealth’s Grayson elevations of Brasstown Bald and During that Smoky Mountains the ensuing days and weeks were Highlands State Park, or the would be premature and risky. Instead, “a little rough.” Six weeks after Rabun Bald reign supreme in the Brasstown and Rabun Balds vacation in 1965, he covered a mere 2.5 Nantahala range in western North Caro- they monitored his aorta every six months Peach State, their picturesque scen- miles of the 2,200-mile trail. That was the stent was inserted, however, he was INFO: Chattahoochee National Forest (770) 297-3000 lina. Or maybe it’s the Smokies. while Bordwell pushed onward, follow- ery and fascinating cultural history all it took to draw him back. While on a fit enough to resume stacking firewood. His ambitions hit a speed bump when ing the trail along the East Coast’s spine. are also difficult to surpass. Brasstown Bald return trip several years later, he picked That spring, he strapped on his back- he went to the hospital for back pain in GETTING THERE: From Blairsville, drive US 19/129 verbalize local lore — may be the trailhead at Beegum Gap, ascend up a book documenting a thru-hiker’s Three years later, his condition had pack and returned to the landmark trail’s Brasstown Bald south 8 miles to GA 180. Turn left and drive 9 miles to 2008 and an X-ray of his spine incidentally one of the most bizarre sights steeply to the south on an unmarked adventure. After that, Bordwell started developed into a bulge that was close northern reaches. On Aug. 24, 2012, at 70 At 4,784 feet above sea level, GA Spur 180. Turn left and drive 3 miles to the parking you ever encounter on a moun- but well-worn path. Climb through uncovered a life-threatening weakness in to rupturing. He was presented with a area for Brasstown Bald. A $3 fee is required to park. traversing the renowned trail in earnest, years old, Bordwell completed the Ap- Brasstown Bald — beaming with the wall of his aorta, the body’s main ar- LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: Summit Trail, 0.5 mi., mod- tain hike. the hardwood forest until reaching a section by section. choice: go through surgery to replace palachian Trail. natural beauty — is the highest peak tery. An estimated 1.2 million Americans erate; Jacks Knob Trail 4.5 mi., strenuous; Arkaquah What Brasstown Bald boasts junction with the Bartram Trail, blazed “There’s something about the Ap- the aorta, or try a new treatment where With that goal accomplished, Bor- in Georgia, and offers both moder- Trail, 5.5 mi., strenuous. have this condition, known as abdominal in natural scenery, it matches in with yellow rectangles, at 0.3 miles. palachian Trail — when you get the bug a stent is inserted into the artery near the dwell is ready for a change of pace. ate and strenuous excursions. aortic aneurysm. If the aorta wall fails, the Rabun Bald rich cultural history. For millennia, Turn right and follow the Bartram Trail, you’ve got the bug,” says Bordwell, who thigh, threaded up to the troubled area, His next adventures will also be on A paved road east of Blairsville GETTING THERE: consequences are often fatal, particularly From Dillard, drive US 441 north for the mountain was frequented by climbing moderately to reach a roadbed now lives in Cincinnati. “Appalachia’s the and expanded to seal the aorta. long-distance trails, but this time he’s enables visitors to drive most of one mile. Turn right and drive 4.3 miles on GA 246 to- Native Americans; hunting camps crossing on the right at 0.8 miles. for men like Bordwell who are over 60. He went with the latter, scheduling ward Highlands, N.C., to Old Mud Creek Road. Turn same way. It’s lovely country, from one taking a bicycle. the way up the mountain. From a At the time, doctors said operating right and drive 2.9 miles to Kelsey Mountain Road. and petroglyph carvings have Here, veer left to remain on the end to the other.” the procedure for December so as to not parking area south of the peak, a Turn right and drive 0.9 miles to the end of the road been discovered near the peak. Bartram Trail and ascend up the steep half-mile trail climbs the remaining and trailhead at Beegum Gap. Hikers seeking a more chal- and increasingly narrow ridgeline via distance to the summit. The paved LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: Reach the summit of Rabun Bald via the Bartram Trail in 1.5 mi., strenuous. lenging route may trek the 4.5- a quick succession of switchbacks. The path ascends steeply, gaining about mile Jacks Knob Trail, which trail tunnels through a dense thicket of 400 feet in elevation while tunneling connects Brasstown Bald to the rhododendron, emerging at the summit “What a great magazine!” through a forest of rhododendron While the tower itself is closed to Appalachian Trail near Chatta- of Rabun Bald at 1.5 miles. and mountain laurel. Hike to the sum- the public, an observation deck at its hoochee Gap, or the 5.5-mile Arkaquah Like Brasstown Bald, a fire lookout “I discovered your mit in late spring for the added bonus base affords hikers a 360-degree view of Trail, which begins south of the town of tower atop Rabun fosters a breathtaking Absolutely Priceless! WINTER ‘12/’13 magazine while visiting of its colorful blooms. four states. On clear days, the skyscrap- Young Harris and links the summit to view of the Blue Ridge range. The squat and found it to be The summit of Brasstown Bald — ers of Atlanta are visible some 90 miles Trackrock Gap, the location of an archae- stone structure constructed by the Civil- uplifting and delightful! surrounded by Chattahoochee National to the south. ological petroglyph site. Both paths are ian Conservation Corps in the 1930s Forest — is crowned with a tall structure Accompanying the observation designated National Recreation Trails. now hosts a wooden observation deck I plan on moving to your area and am thrilled to that looks much like an air traffic con- deck is a small visitor center, open Rabun Bald with a panoramic vista of the surround- trol tower. The lookout is occasionally seasonally, that offers exhibits on the ing Chattahoochee National Forest. A stay in touch through When famed naturalist William manned by the U.S. Forest Service to natural and cultural heritage of the keen eye can detect Brasstown Bald, 30 your magnificent Bartram passed near northern Georgia’s provide rapid detection of forest fires in mountain. The center’s motion-activat- miles to the west. magazine online.” lofty Rabun bald in 1775, he wrote, the surrounding national forest. ed animatronic mannequins — which “I beheld with rapture and astonish- “My progress was rendered delightful —Best, ment a sublimely awful scene of power by the sylvan elegance of the groves, Karen from California and magnificence, a world of mountains whose parents live in cheerful meadows, and high distant The Appalachian Trail- Live it, Love it! piled upon mountains,” wrote Bartram Vilas, NC forests, which in grand order presented when he climbed the nearby Nantahala A Taste of Our Mountain Life themselves to view.” Awaits You . . . Come Sit a Spell, May 17-19 Damascus, Virginia Mountains, visible just to the north. Georgia’s second-highest peak, Relax & Enjoy. Hiker Parade | Workshops | Live Music | Food | There is no doubt that his feeling of awe at 4,696 feet, Rabun Bald is located 10 and wonder can still be experienced with

Camping | Biking | Gear Auction | and More miles northeast of Clayton. To reach its m cmlmagazine.co us online at read a hike up Rabun Bald today. “...a wonderful read for 15 years!” summit, hike the Bartram Trail, the ven- 828-737-0771 erable footpath named in honor of the . . . PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 About the Author: Peter Barr is the trails & naturalist who was so enthused by the At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country ... and online at outreach coordinator at Carolina Mountain Land CarolinaMountainLifeMagazine.com region’s scenery nearly 250 years ago. Conservancy, as well as the author of “Hiking [email protected] To access the Bartram Trail from North Carolina’s Lookout Towers.” Visit traildays.us Page 6 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 7 The Appalachian States of Energy Efficiency

By Matt Grimley three states were Massachusetts, California Recently, an Ohio Senate panel began its nessee businesses since 2010 in an effort to Power to the People Every year, the American Council for an and New York; the bottom three were West five-year checkup of those rules. State Sen. Bill help businesses reduce operating costs and Energy-Efficient Economy releases rankings Virginia, North Dakota and Mississippi. Below Seitz, who is leading the review and supported spur economic growth. Energy Savings and the Public Trust on individual state’s energy efficiency perfor- we indicate our regional rankings based on the the standard in 2008, said the policy reminded mance. And every year, Appalachia is middling ACEEE 2012 report, followed by the increase him of “Joseph Stalin’s five-year plan.” At least Virginia at best in saving energy. or decrease in ranking from the 2011. By Molly Moore The region’s patchwork of power pro- we know which way he’s “Lenin.” #37 (-3) — ACEEE in a report found that ag- The ACEEE’s State Energy Efficiency Good news, locally: since 2011, the viders offer a window into the differing gressively pursuing all cost-effective efficiency It’s no coincidence that the words Scorecard examines everything from build- states in Central and Southern Appalachia motivations for wise electricity use. South Carolina measures today would supply 31 percent of “electricity” and “power” can be used ing codes to utility programs and policies to improved by an average of 0.875 spots. Better #40 (+6) — Duke Energy Carolinas wants Virginia’s energy needs in 2025. The state interchangeably. Do Not Pass Go determine who takes the top spot. 2012’s top news: there’s always next year! to increase their electric rates for residential currently has a goal of a 10 percent reduction

Our society owes a huge debt to ©iStockPhoto/cogal Energy efficiency makes sense for customers by 16.3 percent in South Carolina, in energy use by 2022, and if they choose to, electricity — it’s often easier to recount their How$Mart Kentucky program to see how consumers, but it’s not that simple for GeorgiA in part to help pay for two new power plants, utilities can voluntarily, maybe, help out. Do- on-bill financing (which helps residents pay for the aspects of our lives that are con- utilities that rely on sales to fatten their #33 (+3) — In 2012, Georgia ranked second in part to not promote more energy savings minion Virginia Power, thank everything, chose retrofits and save money on their electric bills) nected to an outlet than not. But instead bottom lines. Unlike government-owned in the nation in annual growth of electricity programs. Luckily, in January, a law became to help with their very own efficiency Blogspot: might expand? of controlling our energy use, we’ve let power providers or member-owned consumption. To help combat that, the state effective in the state that requires builders of all e-conserve.blogspot.com. It updates every two our addiction to electrons take over. electric cooperatives, the 800-pound utilities must file an integrated resource plan North CarolinA new homes to adopt more efficient measures weeks, so get ready. Outdated appliances and leaky every three years that accounts for, but does such as getting a third party to conduct air gorillas of the Southeast’s energy mar- Tied for #22 (+5) — The state’s Renew- homes lead to high heating and cool- not require, efficiency measures. The state duct tests on the new abode. It’s a start for West Virginia kets — investor-owned utilities such as able Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio also does not require its utilities to meet annual this warm-weather state, which suffers from #49 (-5) — West Virginia’s residential elec- ing bills for those who can least afford Dominion and Duke Energy — are not Standard has saved an estimated $577 million energy savings targets. In other news, last year massive energy demand peaks. tric rates have risen more than 50 percent to pay them, while clean water and obligated to act in the public interest. for the government and electric utilities since the Georgia Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the past five years. FirstEnergy Corp. isn’t air, our most fundamental needs, are The roots of this system stretch to 2007. Recent state legislation was introduced approved the construction of two new nuclear Tennessee helping. The utility wants to sell the Harrison often considered tradeoffs that can be nuclear power plant — it usually earns rates between 2009 and 2019 to finance seeking to repeal these standards. North the early 20th century, when some states reactors at the Vogtle plant. Peachy! #32 (-2) — The Tennessee Valley Authority is Power Station to a West Virginia subsidiary, exchanged for more juice. Carolina has been a leader in the Southeast began to allow monopolies to take over a rate of return greater than 10 percent. the new capacity. Meanwhile, renewable meeting its annual energy savings goals, but and Mountain State customers would fund Using electricity wisely is particu- in efficiency — would N.C. Rep. Mike Hager, electricity generation instead of requir- In North Carolina, where Duke energy and energy efficiency would Kentucky budgets for the efficiency programs are lower the purchase through increased electric bills. a former Duke Energy employee championing larly vital in Appalachia, a region that ing that utilities compete for customers. and Progress control 95 percent of the each account for just 2.2 percent of the #36 (+1) — With Gov. Steve Beshear’s seven- than anticipated. In March, Pathway Lending The state legislature, however, will soon look the bill, really want to undo that legacy? has historically borne the environ- Most southeastern states took this ap- market, the N.C. Utilities Commission company’s power portfolio by 2032. point strategic energy plan, Kentucky is calling announced that it lowered the interest rate of at House Bill 2803 to encourage greater invest- mental and economic burdens of our proach, putting their faith in the ability is supposed to, among other responsi- The American Council for an Ener- for improving the efficiency of its homes, build- Ohio the Tennessee Energy Efficiency Loan Pro- ment in energy savings and House Bill 2210 national appetite for cheap energy. The of politicians and regulators to prevent bilities, “provide just and reasonable gy-Efficient Economy recommends that ings, industries and transportation fleet to off- gram to two percent. The program partners to set definite demands for energy demand Tied for #22 (+2) — The Buckeye State region’s poverty, among the worst in rates and charges for public utility utilities strive to reduce their overall set at least 18 percent of the state’s projected include the state of Tennessee and the U.S. reduction by state electric utilities. At least that monopolies from abusing their power. passed a strong standard back in 2008 for the nation, ironically contributes to its 2025 energy demand. Maybe the state could Department of Energy. It has provided nearly close there’s a lot to gain. None of these monopolies impact as service and promote conservation of electricity sales by 1.5 percent each year, its utilities to meet energy savings targets. look at the nonprofit organization MACED and $10 million in funding to more than 50 Ten- wasteful energy consumption. many ratepayers as Duke Energy. Fol- energy.” When seeking a rate increase, a benchmark that has been adopted by Investing in repairs to make old, lowing its merger with Progress Energy Duke needs to prove to the commission more than ten states. In contrast, Duke drafty buildings more efficient requires last year, the Duke-Progress hybrid, that there is sufficient need to warrant is currently reducing its use by a rate upfront capital. Even though this is which operates in six states, became the investing ratepayer money in building of 0.7 percent — less than half of the of reach. For the past two years the By and For The People Though these cooperatives are rela- eventually repaid through lowered country’s largest electric utility. new power plants. suggested goal, but still the best pace Power to the People power provider has reduced its energy Much of rural Appalachia receives tively small players on the national en- energy bills, the initial cost can be a For investor-owned utilities, profits Flat and declining electricity use in the Southeast. Continued from previous page consumption by just one-third of one power generated by massive entities ergy scene, they are participating fully in hardship for many of the residents who are not solely determined by the sheer puts a wrench in that argument, says MacDowell is concerned that percent of its total sales, says Jimmy such as TVA, Appalachian Electric Power, one of the electrical sector’s most univer- could benefit most. volume of kilowatt-hours sold, but are Pete MacDowell, program director for changes in the state legislature might it’s also the birthplace of the largest Green, energy policy manager at the Dominion and Duke, but delivered by sal trends. Even states such as Oklahoma, Although energy conservation is a shaped by what rates the utility can the clean energy advocacy group N.C. make it more difficult for the N.C. government-owned power provider, nonprofit advocacy group Southern smaller, member-owned electric coopera- which ranked 47th in energy efficiency in natural fit for Appalachia, which prides charge consumers. These rates are based Waste Awareness and Reduction Net- Utilities Commission to do its job. North the Tennessee Valley Authority. As a Alliance for Clean Energy. tives. In some cases, these cooperatives 2011, are promoting conservation. The itself on its resourcefulness, most re- on Duke’s investments. When it invests work. He says that to boost demand, Carolina’s new governor, Pat McCrory, federal entity, TVA is not beholden to “They’ve got a long way [to go], also join together to produce power inde- state climbed to 39th in just a year and gional states rank in the bottom half of in big projects — such as a $24 billion “the game plan has been to entice as was a Duke employee for 28 years. shareholders and has more leeway to but I like to determine that there’s a lot pendent of the Southeast’s energy giants. recently passed a mandate to improve the country in terms of energy efficiency. many energy hogs into the state as Since taking office, Gov. McCrory’s po- meet demand through conservation. of potential there,” he says. “They’re With investor-owned utilities, state buildings’ energy use by 20 percent. possible.” Duke has actively recruited litical appointees include three cabinet In an interview last spring, Bob working on it.” there are layers of competing interests In Appalachia and the Southeast, server farms for companies including members, two members of the state’s Balzar, a vice president at TVA, called As with any government organiza- between the average customer and historically cheap energy prices created Google, Apple, Facebook and Disney environmental agency, and the head of energy efficiency “the cheapest resource tion, politics also play a role. TVA’s board the electricity provider. But by their an electrical landscape where conve- to the state, enticing the Fortune 500 the utilities commission, all of whom we can acquire,” and noted that it costs of directors are appointed by the White very nature, member-owned electric nience trumped resourcefulness, and outfits with low electricity rates subsi- are also former Duke employees. This the utility just two cents per kilowatt House and confirmed by the Senate. In cooperatives have a strong incentive to private utilities had a healthy profit dized by the utility’s other customers. spring, a bill passed the N.C. Senate hour to deliver its energy efficiency 2010, Marilyn Brown, who is widely use energy efficiently, since lower bills margin to fuel perpetual stock gains. In February, Duke presented a that would remove the utilities com- programs. On top of the environmental recognized for her expertise in energy ef- benefit each member individually and Today, however, residents, small busi- 20-year plan, forecasting growing de- mission’s staff and allow the governor benefits, he said, utilities that offer op- ficiency, was appointed to fill a two-year reduce the cooperative’s need to invest nesses and municipal governments no mand and proposing a corresponding to pick their replacements. portunities for customers to save elec- vacancy on the board. When President in new generation. According to the longer seem content to pay extra for a increase in new electricity generation, Slowly, Possibly Surely tricity find higher customer satisfaction. Obama nominated her to resume the po- National Rural Electric Cooperative wasteful system that harms neighbors, which would be equivalent to building sition in 2012, her selection was blocked Association, 96 percent of co-ops nation- backyards and wilderness areas. The The Southeast is not only home In 2010, TVA announced a goal of free wireless internet Locally roasted Fair Trade roughly seven nuclear power plants by by Tennessee’s two senators. The White wide offer an efficiency program, and 73 game has changed. to America’s largest private utility, achieving 3.5 percent of its electricity frappes & fruit smoothies 2032. According to N.C. WARN, Duke sales through energy savings by 2015. House selected her once more in early percent plan on significantly expanding When it comes to energy efficiency, Continued on next page homemade pastries & desserts Coffee & Espresso would likely have to double customer So far, however, that benchmark is out 2013, and the nomination is pending. their programs in the next two years. the question is not “if” but “when.” 221 w. state street black mountain, nc 828.669.0999 www.dripolator.com Page 8 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 9 The Means to More Efficient Ends Central Virginia LEAPS into Energy Savings By Cat McCue Guy Caroselli, senior technical advisor for Energy Conservation Takes Businesses to New Heights For a nonprofit organization just barely LEAP, tests the energy efficiency of a home that has been retrofitted through the program to three years old, the Local Energy Alliance shareholder-owned facility in Jefferson, ensure quality. Photo courtesy of LEAP By Brian Sewell Program has racked up some impressive N.C., that receives no tax dollars and If not in person, most Americans numbers: 1,000 homeowners served, 7 mil- and tax incentives, finds funds to assist low- invests all profits back into operations, have seen the Empire State Building in lion kilowatt-hours of electricity conserved income homeowners, certifies energy effi- providing the best healthcare possible pictures and postcards, along with the and a total of $500,000 annually saved on ciency contractors, and more. The end result includes finding ways to maximize ef- emerald light that often illuminates the the homeowners’ electric bills. is a one-stop shop for residents who seek ficiency and minimize costs. upper reaches of the spire. The iconic LEAP started in 2009 with a seed grant easy-to-understand advice on weatherizing After receiving a government grant, building has held its share of market- from the federal stimulus package passed by their homes, procuring low-interest loans, Ashe Memorial paid a consultant for able claims to fame over the years — Congress and a simple goal: use energy effi- or claiming energy savings tax exemptions. a comprehensive energy audit of the the “tallest building in the world,” the ciency to help area homeowners save money “Energy efficiency affects people in the 100,000 square-foot facility. As a result, “world’s most famous office building.” and help strengthen the local economy. most intimate of ways: through their homes the hospital invested in lighting up- But in 2011, its green glow took on new Based in Charlottesville, Va., the energy and businesses, the places where we live grades, installed energy management meaning when the landmark became services organization partners with utilities, and work,” says Executive Director Cynthia tools to closely monitor and regulate By taking advantage of government loans, a team at Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson, the tallest LEED-certified building in N.C., installed lighting upgrades and energy management tools that save the hospital more than colleges, developers, banks, contractors, Adams. “LEAP has always had a mission ognition; the organization was selected for House Council on the Environment. the HVAC system, and made other im- the United States. $50,000 each year. Today, Ashe Memorial has reinvested those savings in the hospital, renovating environmental groups, government officials of generating public good on the most the U.S. Department of Energy’s video on In addition to Charlottesville, LEAP provements that save the hospital more Given that commercial buildings its nursing and birthing centers, and opening a rehabilitation and wellness center. Photo courtesy and others to connect homeowners with individual level, and through aggregating the BetterBuildings program, was invited serves five counties in Central Virginia and than $50,000 each year. of Ashe Memorial Hospital account for nearly 80 percent of the energy efficiency providers. The LEAP staff those individuals, on a more macro scale.” to speak at the Governor’s Energy Confer- last year expanded to Northern Virginia. It took Ashe Memorial two and a energy consumed in New York City, the Mackres, a local policy manager and se- heating and cooling, chillers and food sorts through confusing energy rebates LEAP’s model has drawn much rec- ence, and received praise from the White For more information, visit: leap-va.org. half years to pay off the renovations, building’s owners knew that retrofits nior researcher for the American Coun- service equipment. Success stories of but today the campus has improved to the skyscraper would benefit the cil for an Energy-Efficient Economy. those who have taken advantage of the services by renovating its nursing sta- company and its tenants directly. Once “New approaches to finance, business rebate programs range from churches tions and birthing center, and opening a at the beginning of March, it found peatedly failed. A 2012 report by Optimal uct at a certain cost ... just telling our completed, renovations will reduce models, marketing, and workforce de- and colleges to family-owned auto More Efficient Ends rehabilitation and wellness center. Last that more than 4,500 businesses and Energy Inc., titled “Save Money, Create members that the price is going to go the building’s energy use by almost 40 velopment need to be implemented in shops and grocery stores. Continued from previous page year the hospital, which serves a county municipalities took part in government- Jobs: How Energy Efficiency Can Work higher and not giving them solutions percent and annual savings will expand communities to create self-sustaining Before Duke merged with Progress of 26,500, was named by the publication supported efficiency programs, saving for West Virginia,” found that while utili- or some assistance to deal with these to more than $4 million. In the years local markets for energy efficiency.” last year, the utilities agreed to new ciation’s website features a map and of the American Hospital Association as approximately $25.9 million last year. ties operating in the Mountaineer State rising costs, that kind of goes against ahead, the positive impacts will likely According to ACEEE, job creation targets that will require successful listings of energy savings initiatives one of the “most wired” hospitals for its In the “Saudi Arabia of wasted — including FirstEnergy and American the grain of who we are.” reverberate through the larger economy is stimulated by direct investments, development, regulatory approval offered by electric co-ops nationwide. use of information technology. energy potential,” as the Southeast has Electric Power — have some efficiency Whether its an iconic building in and continue to take the message of market forces, new and implementation Currently, the NRECA is working with For significant portions of Appa- been called, the policies to support busi- programs in place, there is a massive, the heart of Manhattan, a community energy efficiency as a job-creator and technologies, policies Resources of energy efficiency Congress and the Rural Utilities Service lachia and the nation struggling with for Businesses nesses eager to become more efficient unrealized potential that has kept rate- hospital along the spine of the Blue money-saver to new heights. and federal stimu- programs during the to develop a national loan program high unemployment, Ashe Memorial’s touchstoneenergy.com can continue if more utilities, electric payers vulnerable. Customers can make Ridge Mountains, or any other type of The latest chapter in the Empire lus programs. These next decade. that would provide consumers with story should be encouraging — cutting nreca.coop membership corporations and govern- changes to increase efficiency, but sup- enterprise, businesses can take advan- State Building’s 80-year lifespan sets a motivations can shift Many utility re- low-cost financing for improvements energy waste is proven to makeyourbuildingswork.com ments enhance the incentives that pro- pliers must make good on promises to tage of existing programs to minimize high bar for long-term ef- spending patterns to bate programs, includ- to homes and businesses. generate income that can dsireusa.org tect ratepayers from price shifts, energy provide reliable, affordable electricity. payback time and maximize their return ficiency investment. But support a healthier ing Duke’s “Smart States such as Massachusetts, Ore- be used to create direct, aceee.org waste and unnecessary investments in “We have a moral obligation to on investment. When utilities and busi- regardless of their size economy and create $aver” and Progress’ gon, Colorado and Hawaii — a few of the indirect and induced jobs. fossil fuel-generation. our membership,” says Ray Beavers, nesses work together, the only direction or type, businesses are jobs in labor-inten- Energy Efficiency for states that took top spots on the ACEEE’s Companies that work Attempts to introduce energy effi- the CEO of the United Cooperative energy efficiency can take America’s finding ways to improve sive sectors and those with dispropor- Business programs, and ratings agen- 2012 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard — to retrofit buildings hire ciency goals in Virginia and West Virgin- Services. “There is so much uncertainty economic resourcefulness and environ- sales and services while tionately high levels of unemployment cies such as Energy Star, have networks are seeing massive returns on their own more electricians, hospi- ia, ranked 37th and 49th respectively on within the electric utility industry right mental responsibility is up. employing more peo- including healthcare, education and re- of trade allies to connect businesses policies. When the Connecticut Energy tals hire more physical the ACEEE’s State report card, have re- now, as far as providing the end prod- ple and reducing their tail services. Some utilities and govern- with energy service providers in their Efficiency Board released its 2012 report therapists and physicians, overhead. Government ments are doing their part to advance area. Using the Energy Star Portfolio and smaller businesses policies, and utility and efficiency, others are falling behind. Manager, small businesses can track nearby thrive as a result. electric co-op rebate pro- In addition to benefits for residen- their progress by setting benchmarks Energy Auditing and Home Performance Contracting “Transforming the e ntains grams are helping break tial customers, utilities including Duke based on past performance, monitor- usic from th Mou market for energy effi- M • Building Performance Consultants down barriers so that ev- Energy, Progress Energy, the Tennessee ing energy and water costs. Under the for New and Existing Homes ciency services requires ery day, energy efficiency Valley Authority, Appalachian Power Energy Star brand, the EPA developed • Blower Door & Duct Blaster Testing creating both supply and PRUDENT and good business be- Company and Dominion Virginia a benchmarking starter kit to help busi- • ENERGY STAR for Homes Certifications demand resources at the come more synonymous. Power offer rebates on equipment, ap- nesses of all sizes get off the ground. • 2012 IECC Compliance Verifier local level,” writes Eric Energy-saving strat- pliances and upgrades to lighting, More recently, consumer-owned ENERGY • Software Energy Modeling egies are taking root in electric cooperatives have begun • Manual-J HVAC Load Calculations more modest ways in On the outside, the Empire State Building looks much like it did when it was developing their own residential and SYSTEMS • Indoor AirPLUS Certifications • Safety & Moisture Evaluations Appalachia, but for the built more than 80 years ago. But when renovations to make the building more commercial programs. The National Professional • Affordable • Reliable same reasons. At Ashe energy efficient are completed this year, the iconic buildings’ owners will save Rural Electric Cooperative Asso- $4.4 million annually, benefiting both the owners and their tenants. The buildings’ (865) 200.3647 Memorial Hospital, a Continued on next page green makeover also created 252 jobs. Photo from epa.gov Listener-supported radio o ering a diverse mix of music & informative programming for the heart of Appalachia. PrudentEnergySystems.com

Page 10 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 11 Chattanooga’s high-tech advances Green Visions Continued from previous page Green Visions are seeded with grassroots principles Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. By Molly Moore Prepared for a “no,” they were floored by As dusk falls on the north bank of Littlefield’s affirmative response. “I was the Tennessee River, streetlights turn on the only city employee there at the time,” at Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park. Rows Hyde says. “(The mayor) said, ‘You want of gleaming bicycles wait for the next it, you got it, dude. Make it happen.’” morning’s bikeshare riders, and the In his spare time, Hyde began meet- Wayne Elrod, an electrical dispatcher with the Electric sun’s last rays fade from a park build- ing with Coppinger, Heather Adcox, Power Board, has seen his job change since the utility ing’s green roof. now the director of the city’s Office of upgraded to fiber-optic wires. Power lines are now If the streetlights appear to glow Sustainability, and Anj McClain, who equipped with “IntelliRupters” that communicate with each other and with the central computers. brighter as the riverfront grows darker, leads the nonprofit sustainable building Instead of venturing out in the “trouble truck” to find it’s not an illusion. Each bulb is part of a center Green Spaces. The four pounded the source of blackouts, Elrod can now detect downed highly efficient and intelligent network the pavement, making connections lines from a monitor at dispatch headquarters. that is helping the city reduce its carbon with community stakeholders such as footprint and utility bills while expand- Chattanooga Gas and the Association of ing public services and bringing jobs General Contractors. Everyone agreed marks such as 35 percent reductions in says. “[Chattanooga is] going to do our high quality of life.” Both facilities have back from China. that increased sustainability was some- buildings’ electricity use and 20 percent part to do just what we’re asking these achieved high LEED standards for green That’s a lofty task for a lightbulb, but thing that Chattanooga should tackle, cuts in water use, and recommends ac- industries to do.” building, and the Volkswagen plant can over the past few decades Chattanooga though each organization had different tions like turning off equipment when The outgoing mayor has good rea- churn out 12 percent of its overall energy has overhauled ordinary city systems, ideas about how. not in use, installing sensor-controlled son to believe that environmental stan- use from on-site solar panels. such as electric grids and public buses, On Earth Day 2008, the newly lights, and upgrading HVAC systems. dards can attract jobs. Under his watch, A high quality of life is important to deliver unprecedented services while formed, 14-member Green Committee These announcements weren’t a two of the city’s largest employers, for its own sake, Littlefield says, but Coolidge Park has served as a laboratory for sustainability initiatives in Chattanooga, Tenn. It sports state-of-the-art streetlights, a parking lot with a turned to the public for suggestions on surprise to most Chattanoogans, Adcox Volkswagen and Alstom Power, chose successful cities also need to recognize putting Tennessee’s fourth-largest me- rain garden, a building with green roofs, and connects pedestrian and bike paths. Photos by Molly Moore tropolis on the short list of sustainability how to make the city more sustainable. says. The most common response she to locate new manufacturing plants in its economic value. Once a city views leaders. The polluted city derided by the electricity. If they are implemented for contracts with the system’s admirers. on horseshoes.” Upgrading the whole A public brainstorm session with five heard was, “What took (the city) so long?” Chattanooga largely because of the city’s quality of life as goal, it makes sense Walter Cronkite as the “dirtiest city in across the city as planned, the system Despite the energy-saving prowess system with radio communications not hundred participants generated over a Adcox is passionate when she commitment to what the mayor calls “a Continued on page 19 America” in 1969 has come a long way in would pay for itself in about seven years. of LED bulbs, technology is the least only assists first responders, it saves an thousand ideas, which the committee talks about energy efficiency, calling cleaning up its air, water and reputation. At midnight the lights dim, reducing important element of this and other additional 25 percent in energy con- distilled into a list of 47 action items to it “almost a no-brainer” for municipal “There’s an old saying, that when electricity use and light pollution. Outfit- green advances, says Crockett. In the sumption by telling the city where bro- form the basis of the 2009 Chattanooga government. “It’s the easiest thing to you see a turtle on a fencepost, you ted with radio communications, however, old streetlight system, about 5 percent ken lights are and which parts they need. Climate Action Plan. The proposal, measure, the quickest return on invest- know there’s one thing for sure, it the lights can be controlled individually of lights are broken at any given time, To truly capture the benefits of “gee- which included the creation of the Of- ment, it’s impactful, it’s visible, it’s the didn’t get there by itself,” says Dave and the luminosity can be raised by 200 defaulting to the “on” setting where they whiz” technology, Crockett says, any plan fice of Sustainability, was unanimously city leading by example, it’s job cre- Crockett, formerly a city councilman percent or set to a strobe pattern at a mo- run constantly until someone calls for must begin with careful consideration of approved by the city council. ation, it’s all of those things,” she says. and director of the city’s Office of ment’s notice. The local company build- maintenance. Installing highly efficient the environmental, economic, social and Adcox and Hyde attribute the docu- Progress has been slow, however, Sustainability. He attributes the city’s ing the lights is bringing jobs back from lights into that network, Crockett says, educational goals. “If you think in a single ment’s success largely to the Green Com- partially because of funding cuts to the turnaround to “a culture of overseas to fill the city’s order and prepare would be “like putting rocket boosters dimension, by definition you’re not think- mittee’s diversity. Members represented sustainability office last spring. A new how to make decisions” that ing sustainably. And if you’re not thinking a cross-section of business, civic and mayor, Andy Berke, is taking office in considers new initiatives sustainably, then you’re giving up a lot of environmental leaders, including the April 2013. His staff recently issued a holistically. In recent years, the benefits, including financial benefits.” executive directors of the Homebuild- statement supporting energy efficiency Chattanoogans have taken From the Ground Up ers Association of Chattanooga and and saying that the incoming team will the lessons from their city’s Appalachia ought to have the Chattanooga Manufacturing Asso- consider the existing goals as part of a Chattanooga’s green streetlight triumphs in environmental learned its lesson about ciation. Industry representatives had a comprehensive sustainability strategy. project is an outgrowth of a compre- and economic revitaliza- ecological devastation, vested interest, and the result was a plan Adcox hopes he will back aggressive outgoing Chattanooga Mayor hensive Climate Action Plan that tion and applied them to a for environmental actions that the busi- measures to curb energy use. “We can’t Ron Littlefield says, citing the city council ratified in 2009. Be- problem that plagues the ness community could publicly support. do it one lightbulb at a time, that’s not the strip mining, acid mine hind that report is a visionary band Southeast: energy waste. drainage and habitat loss that going to be an effective way to get of four, a dedicated group of 14, the Ordering Efficiency trouble the region. “We are things done,” she says. Lighting, the an example of environmental input of 500 concerned citizens, and One of the plan’s overarching goals To Littlefield, the executive orders Chattanooga Way disaster and we certainly need a mayor who approved it all. is reducing the city’s carbon footprint. are about leading by example. The two- to not create another one. And Compared to incan- In June 2006, Gene Hyde, the On Aug. 5, 2012, Mayor Littlefield term mayor grew up in Georgia’s textile [Chattanooga] can show that city forester, and June Coppinger, announced an executive order mandat- descent bulbs, the 350 LED we can come back from that and country, and he remembers when mills a realtor, approached Mayor Ron ing 25 percent cuts in energy use at city induction lights around adopt new standards, new ways routinely dumped waste into streams. Coolidge Park are brighter, of doing business, and be part Littlefield to ask whether he would departments and agencies by 2020, an “Now industries are saying ‘We’re require less maintenance, of the future instead of just an sign on to the U.S. Conference of initiative estimated to save $2.85 million not going to do that anymore and we interesting part of past.” and demand less than half Continued on next page of the city’s $11.4 million annual budget don’t expect anyone else to do that,’” he each year. The order includes bench-

Page 12 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 13 On-bill financing helps low-income Appalachia’s Rural Electric Cooperatives Virginia 8. Jackson Energy Cooperative 16. Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative 24. French Broad EMC jacksonenergy.com • 606-364-1000 flec.org • 423-442-2487 frenchbroademc.com • 828-649-2051 co-op members retrofit their homes 1. BARC Electric Cooperative PoweringPowering barcelectric.com • 800-846-2272 9. Licking Valley RECC 17. Tri-State EMC 25. Haywood EMC lvrecc.com • 606-743-3179 tsemc.net • 706-492-3251 haywoodemc.com • 800-951-6088 2. Central Virginia Electric Cooperative forcvec.com • 434-263-8336 10. Big Sandy RECC 18. Appalachian Electric Cooperative bigsandyrecc.com • 606-789-4095 aecoop.org • 865-475-2032 3. Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative South Carolina cbec.coop • 540-864-5121 11. Grayson RECC 19. Holston Electric Cooperative 26. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative graysonrecc.com • 606-474-5136 holstonelectric.com • 423-272-8821 4. Powell Valley Electric Cooperative blueridge.coop • 864-878-6326 pve.coop • 423-626-5204 27. Broad River Electric Cooperative with Change Tennessee North Carolina broadriverelectric.com • 864-489-5737 5. Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative svec.coop • 540-434-2200 12. Volunteer Electric Cooperative 20. Blue Ridge EMC 28. Laurens Electric Cooperative vec.org • 423-334-5721 blueridgeemc.com • 800-451-5474 laurenselectric.com • 864-682-3141 By Matt Grimley The First Step Kentucky 13. Powell Valley Electric Cooperative 21. Surry-Yadkin EMC 29. Little River Electric Cooperative pve.coop • 423-626-5204 syemc.com • 800-682-5903 lreci.coop • 864-366-2141 The Great Depression was a time of dust The Help My House pilot 6. Cumberland Valley Electric cumberlandvalley.coop • 606-528-2677 14. Mountain Electric Cooperative 22. EnergyUnited mountainelectric.com • 423-727-1800 energyunited.com • 800-522-3793 bowls and poverty, but at least cities had program was first made possible 7. South Kentucky RECC RECC = Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation when the South Carolina legisla- skrecc.com • 606-678-4121 15. Plateau Electric Cooperative 23. Rutherford EMC EMC = Electric Membership Corporation electricity. plateauelectric.com • 423-569-8591 remc.com • 800-521-0920 The rural areas had it rough. Citing high ture passed a bill enabling the use development costs and low profit possibilities, of on-bill financing in 2010. utilities often denied electric service to farms, On-bill financing has a percent of Broad River’s members make less their retrofits, members in the program have With private investors still uncertain, easily re- hollers and other far-off places. And even when few moving parts, but it’s for the Help than $25 thousand a year — that’s compared to saved about 500 kilowatt-hours each month. payable loans from Washington, D.C., will help these country communities had the opportunity one basic concept: you get a My House 15 percent at that income level nationally. Mary Beth Nance, director of member projects like Help My House sprout and thrive. to purchase electricity, they often paid much low-interest loan for energy program. Since There are at least 20 states currently with services at Fleming-Mason, hopes the program Another boost would be the Rural Energy higher prices than their urban counterparts. efficient retrofits on your home her home retrofits on-bill financing programs, but the model is will gain the blessing of the Kentucky Public Savings Program Act, now a part of Congress’s This changed with Roosevelt’s New Deal, or rental property, and you pay it a little over a year not prevalent nationally. Nor is it prevalent Service Commission and spread to the rest of delayed Farm Bill. It would create a national which created the Rural Electrification Admin- back on your utility bill. ago, she’s seen her in Appalachia, despite programs such as the the state. As for the remainder of Appalachia, program to offer zero-interest loans to rural istration. Avoiding direct government competi- The energy efficiency loan usu- energy usage drop How$martKY pilot in eastern Kentucky. where rural and nonmetro areas suffer from electric utilities for on-bill financing projects. tion with private industry, the agency funded ally doesn’t require a credit check by 45 percent. While her Through a partnership with the Mountain a poverty rate of 18.9 percent, well above the Federal loans have already proved handy and provided assistance to people who pooled or any money upfront from the bills over the past year have re- Association for Community Economic Develop- 14.3 percent national rate, the future of on-bill for some of the state’s co-ops, says Lindsey their money together to form electric coopera- customer. It doesn’t follow the mained neutral, she will see energy ment, four cooperatives offered on-bill financ- financing is undecided. Smith, member and public relations director customer around, either — it is instead attached tives. By 1939, with the administration’s help, used for an energy savings once her loan’s repayment ing to members that used at least 21 thousand Cents of Completion for Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, a 417 rural electric cooperatives had formed to en- to the meter’s monthly bill and paid back by the kilowatt-hours a year. At one of the participating trade organization. Four of the initial co-ops efficiency program. period is up. For now, she says she couldn’t Last July, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom ergize the outskirts. Today, more than 900 exist, current renter or homeowner over the course of co-ops, Fleming-Mason Energy, 30 percent of who participated in the pilot are moving ahead Eight of the state co-ops be happier with the farmhouse’s energy ef- Vilsack announced plans to form the Energy generating and distributing electricity to more five to ten years. If properly charted out for the members are at or below the federal poverty with versions of Help My House, and a few oth- opted in. By February 2012, ficient upgrades. Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program, than 42 million customers across the nation. home, on-bill financing should save the consumer line, often living in drafty mobile homes. With ers who were not part of the pilot are launching these cooperatives had installed Hollingsworth, like other participants, was which would give up to Because electric cooperatives are owned by money over the life of the loan repayment. their own on-bill financing efforts. energy retrofits in 125 homes across screened beforehand to make $250 million every year the members, their profits go right back to mak- To fund this project, Central Electric Power In May, Central Electric will assess a report the state. The retrofits ranged from duct sure that her bills would to kick off on-bill financ- ing the company more effective or paying back Cooperative, the generation and transmission of Help My House’s first year of activity and sealings to HVAC replacements, all of which either be neutral or save her ing and other energy effi- the member-owner. They’re unlike investor- co-op for the state’s 20 distributing coopera- decide where the statewide program will go. were done with local contractors trained by money on loan repayments. ciency programs around owned utilities, which must strive to create profit tives, secured a $740,000 loan from the Rural With more than 350 fields of data for the 125 Central Electric. These upgrades were screened Not everyone is meant for the country. The rule for their shareholders, and public utilities, which Economic Development Loan and Grant Pro- participating homes, the report will comprise a after installation, to make sure that the work the program. just finished its environ- are mostly run by governmental interests. gram, the first time a loan of this type was year’s worth of information, ranging from each was satisfactory. That part sticks with mental assessment and In South Carolina in the late 2000s, participant’s satisfaction with their upgrades to The pilot program is a win-win for Josh Crotzer, member ser- is now pending a final the cooperatives’ focus on serving mem- their historical energy use. South Carolina, says John-Michael Cross vices coordinator at Broad announcement. ber-owners meant recognizing some By The Numbers For Smith, the benefits of the program were of the Environment and Energy Study River. He says that the co- John-Michael Cross budding problems. Electricity demand many. “It’s putting people to work, saving the Number of homes retrofitted Institute, which assisted with program operative’s “intent was to says that, with South Car- was growing. Energy prices for coal for the pilot program: 125 environment and saving the members money,” design and outreach for Help My House. push [Help My House] to olina’s pilot program and were becoming more volatile. Building he says. Average loan and repayment “Reducing per capita demands in growing lower income homes who others, federal money more lines and transmission equipment time: $7,200 and 10 years For others, such as Josh Crotzer, it’s about regions allows co-ops to not have to build wouldn’t be able to afford will have to play a large would mean that members would have even more. “The co-ops brought electricity to Projected yearly electricity saved per home: 11,191 kWh new capacity, but rather to serve their mem- this otherwise.” A big part of role moving forward. to pay higher rates. rural America 75 years ago,” he says. Projected yearly savings per home: $403.44 bers... while keeping prices down,” he says. the program’s appeal is the The cooperatives, which serve more “Individual homeowners get lower bills and elimination of the upfront “But that’s long forgotten.” Projected reduction of electricity use per home: 35% than 1.5 million members across the more comfy homes.” capital that the member He stresses the importance of state, had two paths: either build a new member satisfaction in an age when A fully implemented Help My House program No Mountain High Enough might balk at spending on nuclear power plant or steer their mem- across South Carolina could: the retrofit. people feel like they can get electricity Robin Hollingsworth, 60, lives in an bers toward energy efficiency as part of - Save 2.7 million megawatt-hours per year The Broad River cooper- Josh Crotzer, above, demonstrates Broad River Electric Cooperative’s home energy anywhere. “You have to dig beyond old farmhouse outside of Blacksburg, S.C. a long-term, coordinated energy plan. - Save $270 million for consumers every year ative runs in the Appalachian efficiency kit (above). He says Help My House “makes ethical sense, makes sense on a the surface of, ‘We sell electricity, so Every day at five, she feeds her horses, and The South Carolina co-ops chose the - Save up to 2.4 million metric tons of CO2 per year foothills of South Carolina, public relations level, and... makes sense on an economic, straight-up business level.” people using electricity is good for her dogs run around the land. latter, leading them to a pilot program - Create 7,113 jobs by 2030, largely through energy audits in Union, Spartanburg and Rep. James Clyburn, right, led the way in 2010 for the original Rural Energy Savings us,’” he says. “A better informed, more and retrofit installations Hollingsworth’s home was one of 16 cho- called Help My House. Cherokee counties. Based on Program Act, which would boost funding for on-bill financing projects across the stable membership makes for a much - Avoid the need for one-half of a nuclear power unit sen by the Broad River Electric Cooperative a 2012 cooperative survey, 25 country. Currently, RESPA is held up in the federal legislature’s delayed Farm Bill. stronger co-op.” Josh Crotzer photo by Matt Grimley, Rep. Clyburn photo by Luis Gomez

Page 14 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 15 A Case for the Smart Grid How adding intelligence to an aging system could put control in the consumers’ hands By Davis Wax destination, entering a delta of homes. can be integrated into the grid system. While we can often take our 21st- Here the energy meets demand. But it “Shrinking the size of technology phones, TVs and laptops century technology for granted, whether is consumed whether or not a light bulb and sharing data was the goal in the which run on direct cur- it is the next smartphone, laptop or means left on or electronics left plugged in are 80s,” he says. As an end-product of rent need special invert- of digital storage, there is at least one area actually being used, and there are few this connectivity, though, no one would ers (visible with comput- such innovation has failed to revolution- devices in place to capture and store the have guessed the multi-billion dollar ers and cellphones as ize: today’s electric grid system. energy we don’t need. search engine tool Google. power cord adapters) Similarly, a true smart grid will to change the AC from Calling it “today’s grid” is even The downstream-only design of the allow a complete sharing experience, the outlet into DC, a bit of a misnomer, since the present grid has a number of limitations, per- Tomorrow’s grid Dr. Pritchard says. Smart appliances a process which is grid technology is really the system of haps most noticeably is its inability to will gauge collective energy use and about 85 percent ef- Thomas Edison’s early 20th century, one quickly detect obstructions from storms schedule when to power on and off to fit ficient. A DC box in which has been retooled and tuned over or accidents, making it difficult to re- homeowners’ needs. Smart meters will a home would al- time but never fully reinvisioned. route the flow of electricity to unaffected lines. Instead, we get massive blackouts provide both the user and the utility the low today’s elec- The Grid of the like the 2003 event across Canada and convenience of hourly rates. tronic gadgets to (Last) Century the Northeastern U.S., when a single Two-way communication will be- receive the di- Because we ask so little of the tech- failure caused oscillations in the trans- come possible, where the system detects rect current they nology, longer lifespans for equipment, mission system to overload and leave faults more readily and transmission need without jumping through the hoop while inefficient, become possible. Sev- an entire region powerless. automatically reroutes to prevent the of converting from AC. Tomorrow’s Grid-Tech Revolution enty percent of U.S. transmission lines The civil engineers’ report also domino-effect of a blackout. This technology would also allow In today’s grid (right), electricity is generated from coal, gas, hydro or nuclear and Current One-Way System and power transformers are reaching predicted that while U.S. investments “We don’t truly know the value of the solar arrays to save 35 percent of the transmitted over long distances through high-voltage power lines. The voltage is 25 years in age, while 60 percent of the in today’s grid would reach nearly smart grid yet,” says Dr. Pritchard, “but energy lost to inverters and an electric then “stepped down” at a substation for distribution. From there, electricity enters country’s circuit breakers are over 30 $566 billion by 2020, there will still be we know it’s huge.” One asset FREEDM car could charge from the same source. homes and businesses, with little technology for storage or two-way communication. years old, according to a 2012 study by a shortfall of $107 billion if utilities are believes could be valuable is the equiva- Batteries could be included in these In tomorrow’s grid (above), two-way communication is key. Electricity from renewables the American Society of Civil Engineers. to adequately support future demand. lent of an internet “router” for the grid. transformers to store energy. is more aggressively involved, and storage batteries dot the system. Residential technologies like electric vehicles and home solar energy become increasingly These devices take electricity While there are ways to help lower “This would work like a traffic Another smart grid plan in the integrated into a trackable, more accountable system. Smart meters will inform both through a simple, one-way path, like a future demand, the ever-increasing cost light, telling the grid when to use Southeast is the Kentucky Road Map homes and utilities of hourly use so residents can better understand their energy of an outdated system points to the need power and when to turn it off,” he says. Initiative, a project electrical engineer- water’s journey downstream. Energy is consumption and save money during times of peak demand. Overseeing this improved generated in a power plant and transmit- for a smarter way of controlling how we Instead of having an ice maker always ing professor Dr. Yuan Liao has worked system is a computer network able to send and receive information on the grid instantly, ted over long distance-high voltage lines. apportion out our energy. make ice, for instance, a homeowner on for the University of Kentucky and with state-of-the-art cyber security protections in place. Images courtesy of EPRI That high voltage is then allowed What is a “Smart Grid”? could set it to make a number of cubes the University of Louisville since 2010. to “step down” at another transformer in the minutes leading up to when he This research project began with a grant “A good analogy for the smart grid into lower voltages, a form of energy or she returns home. from the U.S. Department of Energy, is to think of the internet as people were The Southeast by 2020 and $71 billion annually by 2030, While the potential for smart grid that can be transmitted to local utilities, Another technology that would be with the goal of evaluating the state’s thinking about it in the 1980s,” says Dr. Case for Smart Grid Can Be a Leader as well as 13 to 17 percent lower electric- advancements in the region look prom- lowered in voltage again, and distribut- helpful would be a direct current box current grid system. Continued from previous page Ewan Pritchard, associate director of ity rates compared to current projections ising, the Southeast will only benefit if ed in cascades to businesses, residential for homes, something which FREEDM Final findings from the Road Map As examples like the Kentucky FREEDM at North Carolina State Uni- for 2030. An estimated 20 billion gallons the proper investments are made both homes and city parks, which receive is working to develop. report recommend consumers limit times — the hours of the day when the Roadmap Initiative and FREEDM’s versity. FREEDM is a research center cre- of water to be used by power plants by in the realms of funding and research. electricity at 120 to 240 volts. Electricity enters households as al- their power usage during peak demand energy load on the grid is highest (usu- ongoing research at N.C. State show, ated by the National Science Foundation ally mid-day) — by being sure to run the Southeast is poised to be a leader 2030 also could be saved, cutting current Appalachia, one of the last regions Electricity then arrives at its final ternating current. Devices such as smart- Continued on next page in 2008 to pursue ways renewable energy energy-heavy units like dishwashers in this developing field. projected use in half. to acquire electric power, cannot afford and laundry machines in the evening. According to a recent report from According to GreenTech Media, to fare similarly with the smart grid if Another issue is that more power The Center for American Progress, North Carolina’s Research Triangle it hopes to benefit from fewer risks of BarBeCue reStaurant & plants have to be built to meet de- a nonpartisan institute dedicated to Park currently has nearly 60 companies blackouts, more electric bill savings, and • Delicious Deli-Style working on smart grid research. Smart more efficient energy use. Catering ServiCe mand if it happens to jump further up. improving the nation’s quality of life, Sandwiches Therefore, using less energy during the regional initiatives include General meter companies like Elster and Sensus By seizing intelligent control over afternoon can actually prevent more Electric’s Smart Grid Technology Center employ as many as 1,000 people. how our electricity is transmitted and • Homemade Soups However, the American Council for distributed, we can quench future Open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun.- Thur. polluting energy generation from ever in Atlanta, an educational initiative, and an Energy Efficiency Economy found in power demands with less energy — a Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. needing to occur. Duke Energy’s ongoing $700 million • Vegetarian Fare The biggest recommendation from project to expand technology to the its 2012 annual survey that no southern crucial ability in an increasingly popu- 8304 Valley Blvd (HWY 321 Bypass) the report, however, is to simply spread grid in North Carolina, South Carolina, states were in the top ten for energy ef- lated world. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 • and Much More! awareness of the need for smarter tech- Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. ficiency policies and actions. Tennessee, To find out more about smart grid nology. “What we need is better policy Potential savings for the region Florida, and North Carolina did come in technologies and how you can prepare for encouraging the use of advancements through the implementation of a smart around the middle and could be leaders their integration, check out smartgrid.gov. 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, NorthContinued Carolina on next page grid are estimated at $41 billion annually in the Southeast. Restaurant (828) 295-3651 Catering (828) 295-3395 (828) 262-1250 • www.Peppers-Restaurant.com in the grid,” says Dr. Liao. Page 16 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 17 This GREEN House Simple Steps To Save Energy in Your Home The Inside Scoop on Residential Efficiency Policies By Matt Grimley Making your home more energy efficient can sound like an expensive and complicated task, but in reality there are many easy Energy-efficient Mortgage Jim and Edrianna Stilwells’ home in steps homeowners and renters can take to convert a dwelling from an energy waster to a sustainable homestead. Below we have The Goals: Finance the cost of energy-efficiency improvements outlined ways to help you pay less and reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Fairview, N.C., is immersed in nature. It sits into a new mortgage Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: A properly insulated attic at 3,500 feet and offers nearly 360 degrees of Who benefits: Any property owner who qualifies for a home can shave as much as 50 percent off your heating bill. Loose mountainous views. loan Get an Energy Checkup: Energy audits by a certified fill insulation is great for irregular spaces and will provide better It was designed to be energy efficient, and how it works: A lender will issue you a mortgage based on consultant can help you locate and reduce energy waste. Using coverage when installed properly. Batt insulation, which comes the value of your home plus the projected cost of efficiency infrared cameras, blower door tests and electronics, a complete in rolled-up sheets, will work with most standard attic spaces and with lessening their carbon footprint in mind, improvements. Because your home will be more energy efficient, audit will pinpoint energy leaks in your home. From this information, is typically less expensive than loose fill. Remember to seal your the Stilwells decided to add a solar thermal you will save on utility costs and be able to devote more income Window of Opportunity: About 15 they’ll recommend next stepsyou can take. Call your utility for a free attic’s air leaks before adding insulation. system to their home. to the monthly mortgage payment. percent of wall space in the average home or reduced-rate energy audit, or look up an energy auditor in your is taken up by windows — resulting in area, checking to ensure their credentials match your needs. A solar thermal collector was mounted where it happens: Anywhere, through the Federal Housing heating loss in winter and warming by the Green Your Roof: Covering your roof with a outside to provide hot water to the home’s Association. Check with local lenders to find who is FHA- sun’s glare in summer. Seal leaks around “carpet” of soil, rocks and small plants insulates radiant floor heating, in addition to hot water approved. windows and doors with weatherstripping or against heat and cooling loss and absorbs rainwater for everyday use. more info: Be sure to get a Home Energy Rating Systems no-VOC caulk, and install insulating curtains that would otherwise contribute to polluted stormwater report done before. Go to hud.gov for more information. or apply low-e film to prevent heating and runoff. Environment Canada found that a green roof on Jim Stilwell says that the system gave them Jim and Edrianna Stilwell used a federal energy tax credit to help them install cooling loss. For greater savings, replace a typical one-story building would lead to a 25 percent a more efficient home, allowing them to pay old windows with double-pane, gas-filled or reduction in summer cooling needs. a system that heats their home’s water using solar energy. Photo by Jim Stilwell Propertyroperty Assessed Clean Energy Financinginancing about $40 a month for their winter electric bills Energy Star triple-pane windows. and $300 a year for their backup propane heat- of a few federal energy tax credits. It allowed them to The Goals: Finance the cost of energy-efficiency improvements by providing upfront capital that is paid back through property ing system. take 30 percent of the system’s cost, including labor and taxes. “[The solar water heating system] makes a lot of installation, and put it back into their wallets. Do you Who benefits: Whoever pays the taxes on the residence, be sense for someone who’s going to be in their home for find yourself wanting to save on electricity and create it a home or a condominium a while,” he says. Looking ahead, he says that the next a comfier home? Check out these energy efficiency how it works: In areas with PACE legislation, municipal step for the home will be solar photovoltaic panels. policies for residential users. To see more state and governments offer bonds to investors. From the sale of the bonds, the local government offers a loan to consumers for Be a Fan of Fans: In installing the solar water heater, the Stilwells federal energy efficiency policies, go to energy.gov/ energy efficiency retrofits. The loans are repaid over a specific Turn off your AC and took advantage of the solar investment tax credit, one savings or dsireusa.org. term on the property tax bill. The loan is also attached to the install ceiling fans to cool Saved By Shrubs: Not only can property instead of the person. your most-used rooms in landscaping beautify the environment, it TGH — Efficiency graphiccan reduce energy used for heating and where it happens: Anywhere with PACE legislation in place the summer, saving up to 40 percent on your bill cooling by as much as 25 percent. The more info: In 2010, PACE financing through secondary This lets the power board offer devices that can help hot water in the process. Running proper placement of just three trees will save Chattanooga’s mortgage entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was blocked, fans in the winter helps an average household between $100–$250 lower rates for electricity that’s heaters take advantage of their suspending many residential programs. Check out pacenow. in energy costs annually. Strategically to circulate warm air and Green Visions used during off-peak times. Savvy natural thermal properties to org to see if your state offers PACE financing. planted trees and other plants can shade reduce your heating bill. Continued from page 13 your windows and help reduce your cooling customers can then save money by avoid draining the grid during costs. Trees and shrubs can also act as wind drying a load of laundry at 9 p.m. peak hours. But he acknowledges Energy Efficiency Tax Credit blockers to stop chilling gusts in winter. to enhance the environment, rather than 5 p.m., and the utility Crockett’s view that technology is The Goals: Provide tax credits to individuals who make energy Shed Some Light on protect the energy supply and be avoids paying additional fees to only part of the solution. efficiency improvements on their homes. It: Replacing incandescent more energy-efficient. “You can’t TVA for using energy during high- “You can build all these great Who benefits: Taxpayers qualify and are allowed to take an light bulbs with CFL (compact be wasteful with energy and ex- demand hours. In theory, TVA can smart grids and put the best and aggregate amount of credit, up to $500. fluorescent) or LED bulbs can pect to not be wasteful with other use those energy savings to avoid the latest technology into the sys- how it works: You can get tax credits for the purchase of save you $30 or more over the a range of energy-efficient appliances and improvements, bulb’s lifetime. Utilize natural elements,” he says. constructing a new power plant. tem but ultimately it really is up including biomass stoves, insulation, and windows and doors. lighting by adding skylights or Smart meters are being dis- to the individuals trying to save,” light tubes, and turn off lights Wired for Savings where it happens: Anywhere (as long as you pay your charged across the country, but Glass says. “That’s what we’re you’re not using at night. If Chattanooga’s electric grid taxes) Chattanooga is ahead of the curve, trying to do is just get that conver- is any indication, city-wide energy more info: These tax credits expire at the end of 2013. Check says Jim Glass, the distibutor’s sation going.” Regardless of how use is on the same path as its street- out energystar.gov for more information. manager of smart grid develop- enthusiastic today’s customers lights. The Electric Power Board, a ment. Once meter installations turn out to be, electricity consump- city agency that distributes power Weatherization Assistance Programrogram Get Paid for Doing Your Chores: Many households In Hot Water: In a typical American home, are completed this spring, the tion is headed in the direction of about 13 percent of the energy consumed generated by the Tennessee Val- The Goals: Provide low-income families with free weatherization spend more than $100 each year just to dry their clothes. Consider Phantom Menace: Electronics, such fiber-optic network will allow increased efficiency, he says, and is used to heat water. Fix leaky faucets and services these energy tips for taking care of your weekly chores: as TVs, DVD players, computers, and ley Authority, has outfitted its install low-flow toilets and showerheads. ratepayers see 15-minute updates the Electric Power Board is ready. WHO benefits: As many as 20 to 30 million U.S. families are eligible • Wash clothes with cold water. printers use electricity even when they 600-square-mile coverage area If one out of every 100 American homes for this free service, though requirements vary from state to state. are turned off. Turn off power strips and to their energy use in real time via When asked about what he • Consider skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes on a switched to water-efficient fixtures, it would with fiber-optic cables that can unplug devices when not in use. At least a secure online account. The whole wants his legacy to be, Mayor Little- how it works: Every state has a different WAP. You must first rack or clothesline. Avoid wrinkles by running the dryer for five save each household up to $145 a year in five percent of the average household’s Get with the Program: A deliver the fastest internet in the contact a local agency and apply to see if your family qualifies. minutes, then hanging clothes to finish drying. electricity costs and prevent 80,000 tons of idea, says Glass, is to make it easy field cites the old Boy Scout guide- monthly utility bill is generated from programmable thermostat allows Western Hemisphere. If so, you get an energy consultation at your residence. If greenhouse gas from being released into for a customer to draw connec- line to “leave the campsite better • Turn off your dishwasher’s heat cycle and let dishes air-dry. powering devices that are not even on. you to automate when your heating everything is good to go, workers will come and complete the the atmosphere. Take it a step further by The same infrastructure that • Run your dishwasher or washing machine at night to avoid peak or cooling systems turn on and off. tions between their activities and than you found it.” When it comes project in a day or two. Also, heating or cooling rooms no upgrading to a solar hot water heater. Or can deliver gigabit-speed con- times and reduce demand on power plants. electricity consumption. to the city’s energy future, however, where it happens: Every state one is using wastes energy and generates you could retrofit your existing heater by nectivity also allows the utility to • When it’s time to replace your appliances, look for the most insulating the pipes and tank and reduce As meter installations wrap it seems another Boy Scout mantra more info: Go to ere.energy.gov/wip/project_map to see what efficient models. An Energy Star-rated refrigerator can save more needless emissions. deploy cutting-edge “smart me- heat losses by 25-45 percent — an upgrade up, Glass is excited about new applies — “Be prepared.” programs your state offers. than $70 a year on energy costs — and you may be eligible for that typically pays for itself in less than a year. ters” to track when energy is used. a tax break. Drawing and graphic by Jil Lee ventures, such as experimental Sources: U.S. Department of Energy; GreenAmerica; Resnet; This Old House

Page 18 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 19 Homeowner Energy Services Guide Homeowner Energy Services Guide Below is just a sampling of the many local and regional businesses that conduct home energy audits. Each offers a variety of methods to Energy Solutions of Virginia Safe & Sound Inspection Services West Virginia Clark, Loudon counties in VA inspect your home, review your energy bills and conduct tests to determine where your house is losing energy. Many of these businesses also Based in: Spotsylvania Based in: Huntington Contact: (304) 676-8892 serve commercial customers and provide weatherization upgrades. (If you are a business and would like to be included in our online listing of Service area: Harrisonburg, Dodrill Heating & Cooling Service area: Huntington area Based in: Charleston Website: homeefficiencysolutionsllc.com energy savings businesses, visit appvoices.org/energysavings) Woodstock, Waynesboro, Lurray, Contact: (304) 412-5637 and surrounding counties Service area: Charleston area and Website: ssinspections.com Contact: (540) 895-5250 surrounding counties InspectRite Services Environmental Solutions Group Mountain West Builders Home Energy Concept Website: energysolutionsofvirginia.com Contact: 1-877-815-6946 Based in: Beckley Sky Insulation Kentucky Website: dodrillheating.com Service area: Mercer, Summers, Based in: Greensboro Based in: Jefferson Based in: McMinnville Based in: Charleston Raleigh, Fayette Bremen Energy Auditors, LLC Service area: Greensboro area Service area: Jefferson area Service area: 49 states plus Virgin Green Detective Energy Solutions Service area: Charleston area Contact: (304) 222-7573 Based in: Berea Contact: (336) 373-1538 Contact: (336) 846-4003 Islands. HQ McMinnville TN Based in: Floyd Home Efficiency Solutions Contact: (304) 661-6980 Website: inspectrite.net Service area: east KY, northeast TN, western WV Website: esg-energy.com Website: mountainwestbuildersnc.com Contact: (931) 668-7462 Service area: Floyd and adjoining counties Based in: Martinsburg Website: skyinsulation.com Contact: (859) 661-0528 Website: homeenergyconcept.com Contact: (540) 285-0015 Service area: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan counties, Frederick, Website: bremeninc.com Evans Heating & Cooling Inc Phillips Appraisals Website: green-detective.org Based in: Glade Valley Based in: Jefferson Prudent Energy Systems, LLC CSC Heating & Air Service area: Alleghany County area Service area: western NC, TN, VA Based in: Knoxville Based in: Lancaster Contact: (336) 657-3423 Contact: (828) 964-1945 Service area: Knoxville and Non-Profit Resources Service area: Lancaster area Website: evansheatingandcooling.com Website: phillipsappraisalsinc.com surrounding counties Contact: (859) 548-4328 Contact: (865) 200-3647 Bluegrass PRIDE NC Energy Efficiency Alliance Southern Alliance for Virginia Energy Sense Website: cscheatingandair.com Green Horizons Innovators Sunny Day Homes Website: prudentenergysystems.com Lexington, Ky. Boone, N.C. Clean Energy virginiaenergysense.org bgpride.org • 859-266-1572 ncenergystar.org • 828-262-8331 Knoxville, Tenn. 877-937-2004 Based in: Boone Based in: Boone This program works with Central Kentuck- NCEEA seeks to increase the number cleanenergy.org • 865-637-6055 This statewide educational program pro- Lexington Infrared Service area: western NC, Caldwell Southern Valley Services LLC Service area: serves NC, SC, TN, VA ians to improve the efficiency of apartment of efficient homes built in the state by SACE is a nonpartisan energy watchdog vides resources for Virginians to reduce Based in: Lexington Contact: (828) 773-2039 Contact: (828) 964-3419 Based in: Chattanooga complexes, businesses and schools, edu- educating home-buyers, training home- group. Since its inception in 1985, the their energy consumption, including Service area: Lexington area Website: gogreenghi.com Website: boonegreenbuilders.com Service area: Madison, Limestone, cating residents and connecting them to builders, and developing policies and regional organization has advocated for efficiency tips, energy audits for busi- Contact: (859) 625-0714 Morgan, Lauderdale, Lawrence, resources such as energy audits. networks for professionals and residents. energy reform and protecting the natural nesses, and links to other partners in the commonwealth. Website: lexingtoninfrared.com High Country Energy Solutions Coleman, Marshall and Jackson MACED Southeast Energy resources in the Southeast. Tennessee Contact: (256) 497-5595 Based in: Sugar Grove Berea, Ky. Efficiency Alliance Website: southernvalleyservices.com Service area: 100-mile radius from Boone Energy Detectives maced.org • 859-986-2373 Atlanta, Ga. PROUDLY SERVING THE WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AREA North Carolina Contact: (828) 265-2683 Based in: Knoxville The Mountain Association for Community seealliance.org • 404-602-9654 Economic Development partners with lo- Building Performance Engineering Website: hcenergysolutions.com Service area: eastern TN, western NC The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance cal people and businesses to create eco- Based in: Boone Contact: (865) 382-4215 is becoming a driving force for energy Free Energy Virginia nomic alternatives in Central Appalachia. efficiency policies, programs and imple- Service area: southeast U.S., western NC Website: energydetectivetn.com Home Energy Partners Airflow Diagnostics Institute They provide efficiency resources, as well mentation in the 11 southeastern states Contact: (828) 265-4888 as building retrofit loans for businesses Audits and Based in: Asheville Based in: Charlottesville that it serves. Its website features a slew Website: buildingperformanceengineering.com Energy Home Basics and cooperative members. Service area: 100-mile radius from Boone Service area: central Virginia of efficiency resources. Solar Site Based in: Chattanooga Contact: (828) 350-1155 Contact: (434) 817-1133 New Vision Renewable Energy Service area: eastern time zone TN Southface Energy Institute BRESCO Limited Website: homeenergypartners.com Website: airflowdiagnostics.com Philippi, W.Va. Assessments Contact: (865) 310-1601 Atlanta, Ga. Based in: Morganton nvre.org • 304-293-9434 southface.org • 404-872-3549 Website: energyhomebasics.com Service area: western NC Home Energy Solutions Building Knowledge NVRE gives free energy audits to homes Southface rents equipment, gives LEED SPECIALIZING IN Contact: (828) 584-3684 in central West Virginia. They also offer and Home Energy Rating System certi- Based in: Granite Falls Based in: Linville Solar Thermal Website: brescoltd.com Green River, LLC trainings on how to build small solar pan- fications, and provides many trainings, Service area: western NC Service area: Harrisonburg, Based in: Knoxville els and other sustainable projects. services and programs to optimize a Solar Electric Contact: (828) 217-0506 Woodstock, Waynesboro, Lurray, Service area: eastern TN, western buildings’ energy performance. Energy Analysis Eco-Sense (new construction only) Website: homeenergysol.com and surrounding counties. NC, eastern KY, SC Weatherization Based in: Asheville Contact: (540) 246-4889 Contact: (865) 919-7464 Service area: Asheville area Website: buildknow.com Sealed Crawlspaces Contact: (828) 505-3853 Website: greenriver-llc.com Healthy Home Website: ecosensedesign.com Construction Geothermal heat pumps Serving Thermal Insulation SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN SINCE 1997 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVING THE PIEDMONT & FOOTHILLS OF WESTERN N.C. SINCE 2006 northwestern N.C. ENERGY MANAGEMENT Offering energy efficient, and surrounding environmentally responsible additions, Air Leakage & Duct Leakage Testing for renovations and new custom homes. 2012 N.C. Energy Conservation Code Energy and Moisture Audits • Duct- and Air-Tightness Testing areas, BPE’s *LEED, HealthyBuilt, and NAHB Certified Homes* Energy Modeling & Home Energy Ratings Combustion Safety Testing • HVAC Diagnostics experienced staff Green Building Consulting & Certification Green Home Certification • Renewable Energy Assessments offers a variety of Healthy Home Inspections & Energy Audits Energy Audits | Weatherization | Energy Retrofits Consulting • Mechanical Design • Energy Modeling sustainable Home Performance Contracting Services Solving Residential and Commercial Building Problems Professional Training • BPI Test Proctoring • Field Mentoring building services. [email protected] SunnyHomesD Inc.ay (865) 919-7464 www.greenriver-llc.com BooneGreenBuilders.com Boone, N.C. • 828-265-4888 • buildingperformanceengineering.com • [email protected] (828) 773-9762 • hcenergysolutions.com Serving the N.C. High Country | 828-265-4123 | [email protected] PO Box 52085, Knoxville, TN 37950 (828) 217-0506 • homeenergysol.com Page 20 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 21 Appalachia’s Political Landscape Appalachia’s Political Landscape The 113th session of the U.S. Senate began on Jan. 3, with the Sequestration’s McConnell has received more total cam- funding for renew- A Return to the States Democratic party gaining two seats as a result of the November election paign money from the coal industry than able technologies — only slightly increasing its majority control to 53. We take a look at any other member of Congress — more and energy efficiency. Side Effects By Appalachian Voices staff own standards for how much selenium than $700,000 as of the 112th session. At Hagan introduced can be discharged from surface mines. the 10 central and southern Appalachian senators: Who represents us? the end of 2012, polls ranked McConnell the Community Parks By Davis Wax State legislatures in Appalachia education, healthcare and energy is- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s administra- as the least popular senator in Congress. Revitalization Act of As the indiscriminate budget cuts known as the se- are using their authority on health care sues. In January, the introduction of the in 2013, he became 2012 and is a co- tion has dodged promises to strengthen VIRGINIA quester cause fissures throughout the federal government, reform, taxes, education, and energy Government Reorganization and Ef- the Chair of the En- Rand Paul sponsor of a bill to mine safety and enforcement, delaying The son of former presidential candidate programs that protect public health and the environment and environmental policy to accomplish ficiency Act, a bill that would eliminate Tim Kaine ergy Subcommittee on restore funding to the Land and Water action on critical measures including Ron Paul, the junior Republican senator are feeling the crunch. their own agendas, and sometimes, the members of several environmental While serving as Virginia’s governor Public Lands, Forests, Conservation Fund. Shortly after the 2012 expanding training at coal-mining op- from 2006 through 2010, Kaine reached and Mining. His first is a libertarian Tea Party member and a elections, Hagan joined other senators The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s budget to rebuke federal policies. Here is the and public commissions, created a erations that violate state regulations, an ambitious goal to preserve more bill in the Senate was self-proclaimed “great friend to coal.” Paul urging President Obama to approve the is being cut from $8.4 billion to $7.7 billion with particu- latest from our region’s representation. groundswell of polarization and was yet another attempt advocates for an energy policy governed larly harmful effects to its clean water program, which will improving methane monitoring sys- than 400,000 acres of open space and Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. called an “unprecedented power fund more than $1 billion in wastewater to repeal the EPA’s by the free market, lose $2 million or around eight percent of its budget. The Virginia tems, setting coal dust standards and grab” by Democrats. The bill passed treatment projects to veto power over min- and frequently claims agency will conduct an estimated 1,000 fewer inspec- As he prepares to leave office this increasing fines for violations. TENNESSEE the Senate in less than 42 hours, but improve the health ing permits. During the 112th Congress, there is a “war on coal” tions during the remaining months of fiscal year 2013. fall, Gov. Bob McDonnell will have to Kentucky has been delayed after changes were of the Chesapeake Manchin received more contributions from that enforces onerous Lamar Alexander Various EPA air-monitoring sites will likely be forced to justify a number of recent decisions, environmental stan- A former governor, U.S. Secretary of Edu- As the 2013 session comes to an made in the House. Bay. Although Kaine the coal industry than anyone in the Senate, shut down, making it near impossible for the agency to including a $64 annual tax on owners raking in $418,900, nearly three times the dards and stifles in- cation, and presidential candidate, Sen. Al- end, the Kentucky General Assembly The latest threats to North Caro- was supportive of a judge if the Clean Air Act is being violated in certain areas of hybrid vehicles that was added to a new coal-fired power amount of the next highest recipient. dustry. A supporter of exander was first elected to the legislature and Gov. Steve Beshear remain divided lina’s commitment to clean energy of the country. transportation funding plan. The gov- plant in Virginia, he mountaintop removal in 2002. The veteran senator has served on on a number of high-profile issues. In include bills in the House and Senate Jay Rockefeller coal mining, Paul once the Committee on Environment and Public The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and ernor’s long-time promise to establish also led a charge to early March, however, Beshear signed to repeal a 2007 law mandating utilities West Virginia’s senior senator is a mod- said, “I don’t think anybody’s going to be Works, was the ranking member of the Ap- Enforcement, which oversees surface mining projects Virginia as a “Green Jobs Zone” by implement voluntary a bill to promote biomass-generated meet a modest percentage of demand greenhouse gas reporting. The effort did erate Democrat with a mixed record on missing a hill or two here and there.” Last propriations Committee’s Subcommittee including mountaintop removal coal mining, will lose ten incentivizing companies to create green electricity that was passed unanimously with renewable sources — a backstep not pass the legislature but is indicative environmental issues. In a 1970 guber- year, he introduced the misnamed Defense on Energy and Water percent of its budget, allowing 50 abandoned mine lands jobs has not been met. He, along with of his long-standing support for cap and natorial race, Rockefeller proclaimed of Environment and Property Act, which Development, and this projects to go unreclaimed. Around 22,500 citizens will by the General Assembly. The governor that lacks support primarily due to Republican gubernatorial candidate trade policies to address climate change. that the “strip mining of coal must be would severely reduce protections under year joined the En- remain exposed to the health risks that may result from is now considering whether to sign or North Carolina’s rapidly expanding Ken Cuccinelli and the state legislature, Following Sen. Jim Webb’s retirement prohibited by law, completely and forev- the Clean Water Act by narrowing the defi- ergy and Natural Re- open mine shafts and portals, mine fires, dangerous high- veto a bill legalizing industrial hemp solar industry. did little to improve Virginia’s voluntary prior to the last election cycle, Kaine se- er,” but his landslide nition of “navigable waters.” sources Committee. walls, landslides, and mine subsidence. Cuts to OSM will farming in Kentucky that passed in the loss prompted him to renewable portfolio standard, which so cured a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2012. Alexander has been also result in a loss of $13 million in the health funds of final minutes of the session. Legisla- change positions. He criticized by the coal far has benefited electric utilities more Tennessee NORTH CAROLINA the United Mine Workers of America, which help support tion introduced in January to enact a As recently as 2008, Democrats Mark Warner reversed his stand so industry for his sup- than Virginians, or to stimulate the clean The senior senator from Virginia served strongly that as a sen- Richard Burr port of stricter controls retired coal miners and their families. Renewable and Efficiency Portfolio held the governorship and a majority energy sector. as governor from 2002 through 2006 and ator in 1999 he voted Originally elected to the Senate in 2005, on mercury and his opposition to moun- Conversely, due to the blanket budget cuts, the oil, Standard again failed to gain traction of both the House and Senate, but in In February, at the behest of Alpha was elected to the Senate in 2009. Typi- to exempt mountain- this staunch Republican drew condem- taintop removal. In the 111th Congress, natural gas and coal industries will be forced to slow down in the House of Delegates. Natural Resources, the Commonwealth recent years the legislature has shifted cally possessing a strong environmental top removal from the nation from environmental advocates Sen. Alexander introduced the bipartisan development on federal lands and waters. Lack of funding Speculation has begun over the and conservationists in 2011 when he Transportation Board approved a four- dramatically to the right. Now in control record including support of land conser- Clean Water Act and Appalachia Restoration Act, a bill to pro- will lead to furloughs and personnel reductions result- class of likely candidates, including for- of the governorship and a legislative su- vation bills, the Democrat falters on issues environmental mining regulations. Re- introduced a bill to eliminate the U.S. Envi- hibit valley fills from mountaintop removal ing in delays on federal leases, development plans and lane divided highway that will use moun- mer U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler and Ken- permajority, Republicans hold 97 of 132 of clean energy pro- cently, however, Rockefeller has criticized ronmental Protection Agency by folding it operations, and held hearings on the issue. permitting, coupled with fewer safety inspections that will taintop removal coal mining to flatten into the Department of tucky’s House Speaker Greg Stumbo, seats across both chambers. Gov. Bill duction and limiting the industry’s “war on coal” rhetoric and He strongly supports nuclear energy and lead to less revenue collected by the federal government. steep ridges in southwest Virginia along Energy. As a member to replace the term-limited Beshear in Haslam’s close ties to the oil industry pollution from fossil called for diversification of his state’s is a fierce opponent of the development a route proposed by the coal company. fuel power plants. economy. As he will not seek reelection of the Subcommittee of wind energy. 2015. Prospective candidates, includ- have kept his administration’s regula- Cuts to clean air and water protections that The proposed route is under review by Last year he voted in 2014, Rockefeller has a year and a half on Energy, Natural Re- ing former Democratic state auditor help regulate pollution, hazardous waste, the Federal Highway Administration. tions against fracking to a minimum and for a measure to void to close the gaps in his otherwise strong sources and Infrastruc- Bob Corker Crit Luallen, are beginning to court coal and the use of pesticides: he has remained neutral on bipartisan the Mercury and Air environmental legacy. ture, he has routinely Tennessee’s junior Republican senator was • Kentucky: $2.1 million West Virginia miners. Luallen spoke to the United legislation to ban mountaintop removal Toxics Standards for voted to reduce regu- first elected in 2006 after serving as the • North Carolina: $3.6 million With the decline of domestic de- Mine Workers of America in late March, coal mining in the state. power plants and KENTUCKY lation on the fossil fuel mayor of Chattanooga. Sen. Corker often speaks about energy in terms of security • Tennessee: $2.2 million mand and coal production in central telling the crowd that “the first thing Other legislative actions include against a bill that extended incentives industry. Although Burr Mitch McConnell voted against the expansion of wilderness and favors a broad approach including • Virginia: $2.9 million Appalachia, the West Virginia General that we have to do is work with all our a bill to transfer administration of the for the development of wind energy. He also recently signed on to a letter urging The Senate Minority Leader has voted areas during the 111th Congress, he is a wind, solar, nuclear, enhanced oil and • West Virginia: $2 million Assembly has stepped up its attempts heart to protect the jobs that we have. state’s Water Environmental Health the Obama administration to approve the with fossil fuels at co-sponsor of the Land and Water Con- gas production, and to prop up the industry. Controversial Coal matters in Kentucky, and coal will Act from the Department of Environ- Keystone XL pipeline. nearly every oppor- servation Authorization and Funding Act investment in research Cuts to public health protections that legislation to weaken water qual- matter in Kentucky as long as there is ment and Conservation to the Depart- tunity since joining of 2013, which would make permanent and development. In address disease, natural disasters ity standards for selenium pollution coal to be mined.” ment of Commerce and Insurance. appropriations for conservation initiatives 2007, he supported an and other hazards: WEST VIRGINIA the Senate in 1985. unanimously passed the state House of This bill passed both House and In 1999, he co-spon- on existing federal lands. amendment increas- • Kentucky: $414,000 North Carolina Delegates shortly after Judiciary Chair- Senate committees. Recently, Rep. Joe Manchin sored a bill to exempt ing fuel efficiency and • North Carolina: $911,000 Since 2013 began, pro-industry As governor of West Virginia, Joe Manchin Kay Hagan he supports biofuel man Tim Miley described the bill as “an Sheila Butt and Sen. Mike Bell intro- mountaintop removal • Tennessee: $606,000 voices have dominated the North Caro- sued the EPA for allegedly overstepping its coal mining from the A junior Democratic senator who joined alternatives to foreign important one for the coal industry.” If duced legislation that would make it • Virginia: $764,000 lina state legislature. With majorities authority regarding mountaintop removal Clean Water Act. He the U.S. Senate in 2008, Hagan is an oil. Sen. Corker op- the bill becomes law, West Virginia regu- illegal for Tennessee to implement or advocate for small businesses and mili- • West Virginia: $177,000 in the House and Senate, the General permitting guidelines, an issue the courts and fellow Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul in- poses a federal Renewable Electricity Stan- latory agencies will attempt to disregard associate with anyone who is practic- tary families, and serves on the senate Assembly and Gov. Pat McCrory have are still debating. In 2010, the conserva- troduced the Mining Jobs Protection Act, dard that doesn’t include nuclear or hydro- Source: whitehouse.gov / Office of Management and Budget report federal recommendations and set their ing “sustainable development.” tive Democrat won a special election to fill committees that represent both interests. electric power, but supports tax incentives to the Congress on the sequestration for fiscal year 2013 taken hard stances on unemployment, a 2011 bill that would chip away at the the seat of the late Sen. Robert Byrd, and EPA’s ability to veto coal mining permits. She has consistently voted in favor of for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Page 22 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 23 The COAL REPORT News from Appalachia and Beyond Viewpoint Opinions from our Readers Selenium Spillover: Pollutant Poses Growing Risks to Ecosystems and the Coal Industry Forest Service Funding Impacts Linville Gorge serious budget shortfalls are currently shaping policy. It so happens that fund- By Brian Sewell where mountaintop removal occurs are taking steps they would rather weaken water quality standards to Dear Editor, in the daunting terrain of the gorge, tion by NFS and the public alike. Mean- ing has been allocated for those ranger to weaken selenium standards to lessen the risk of help put discharges at mountaintop removal mines in Last year, when the bankrupt Patriot Coal Corp. The Feb./March 2013 issue of The and the controllability of a prescribed while, one thing is clear: this process districts willing to burn their forests, lawsuits that could result in devastating fines. compliance. agreed to phase out mountaintop removal coal mining Appalachian Voice briefly introduced the burn has been questioned by forestry would have unfolded very differently and the Grandfather District encom- “The bankruptcy of Patriot Coal illustrates the In February, after a 30-day comment period for its as part of a settlement with environmental groups, it prescribed burn being proposed for the professionals, National Forest Service if the public had not become involved. passing the Linville Gorge Wilderness danger of managing selenium compliance in the three-year review of water quality standards ended, was partially because the company was on the hook for courtroom rather than in the boardroom,” says Ben the Kentucky Division of Water attempted to raise the Linville Gorge Wilderness. The burn- employees, and even the burn proposal Without the demand for due diligence, hopes to gain access to those funds. more than $400 million in fines to clean up selenium Collins, a research and policy campaigner at the envi- criteria for selenium toxicity to greater than ten times ing of this rugged landscape would document itself. Nevertheless, NFS was without the raising of valid concerns, Without public action on the pollution from several of its surface mines. ronmental advocacy group Rainforest Action Network. current standards. be attempted multiple times over the moving forward with the project until and without the contribution of viable various issues faced in national forests Increasingly, selenium is becoming a liability for A report authored by Collins in February focused on Before a bill to require the West Virginia Depart- next decade, ostensibly to restore the word leaked out and public opposition alternatives, this project would be across the nation, a radically different coal companies in Appalachia. The element occurs the potential cost to Appalachian coal-mining giant ment of Environmental Protection to back away from naturally in different concentrations around the world natural fire regime and reduce future quickly grew. controlled by that single greatest factor National Forest Service may emerge Alpha Natural Resources from lawsuits alleging sele- federal standards and develop state specific rules for and is found in everyday products ranging from anti- wildfire potential. These commendable The merits and risks of the burn facing NFS at this time: funding. It’s a from this time of fiscal crisis. Just as nium contamination downstream from the company’s selenium passed the House of Delegates 99-0, House dandruff shampoo to vitamin supplements. But when claims face serious logistical challenges proposal continue to undergo examina- fact, freely admitted by the agency, that NFS is under pressure to reexamine surface mines. Judiciary Chairman Tim Miley called the bill “an im- it is exposed through coal mining, combustion and its purpose in the context of new eco- The report states that monitoring at Alpha’s surface portant one for the coal industry.” other industrial and agricultural activities, selenium nomic conditions, we too are under mines between 2005 and 2010 identified 989 instances of “There is no scientific foundation for this change,” puts aquatic ecosystems, along with birds, mammals continued pressure to decide what we expect in selenium levels above federal guidelines. While Alpha Dan Radmacher of Appalachian Mountain Advocates The COAL REPORT and humans, at risk. the management of public lands. reports selenium monitoring data to West Virginia envi- wrote in the Lexington-Herald. “Only the corrupting in- Selenium bioaccumulates as it moves up the food ronmental regulators, it is not disclosed to investors in fluence of a declining industry could lead officials who Kevin Massey chain. People are exposed to toxic levels by eating EPA Gets Its Day in Court: Hearings Begin on Spruce Mine No. 1 Appeal the company’s sustainability reporting. are supposed to protect the environment and people of Jonas Ridge, N.C. contaminated fish or drinking from impaired water- By Brian Sewell bury more than six miles of streams stifle economic growth in the region.” “Alpha can leave its exposure to selenium non- Kentucky and West Virginia to protect profits instead.” ways such as West Virginia’s Mud River. A 2003 report with millions of tons of mining waste, The EPA maintains that such concerns compliance risk to be handled by its lawyers,” Collins Just as opponents of mountaintop removal strive Dozens of coal industry groups described the polluted river as being on “the brink of a eliminating all fish, small inverte- are unfounded because it has only ret- says, “but it does so at considerable risk to its investors.” to capitalize on the financial liabilities associated with and environmental organizations major toxic event” due to selenium pollution from Pa- Selenium pollution is far from an isolated problem. selenium, the coal industry and its supporters are look- brates, salamanders and other wildlife. roactively rescinded two other permits triot’s Hobet Mining complex, which it has been since. crowded into a Washington, D.C., In late March, the largest coal company operating in ing for an escape route. If they succeed, Radmacher The action received swift condem- in the 40 years since the Clean Water In the wake of a series of lawsuits against Patriot courtroom on March 14 for the lat- British Columbia’s Elk Valley announced it will spend warns, sooner or later the public will be forced to pay nation from Appalachian politicians Act created the permitting process. alleging violations of permitted selenium limits at sev- est chapter of a long legal battle. A $600 million over the next five years to develop a plan to clean up the problem. and was challenged immediately by Arguments made on the EPA’s eral surface mines, opponents of mountaintop removal three-judge panel heard arguments to prevent selenium pollution, which it predicts will “Always remember this: If public officials and regula- the National Mining Association. On behalf by the Justice Department hope the financial liability of selenium pollution will on the legality of the U.S. Environ- add $6 per ton of coal mined. Until then, no new mine tors help the coal industry successfully evade these costs, March 23, 2012, the veto was over- maintain that the agency’s role is not spill over, potentially making mountaintop removal mental Protection Agency’s decision permits will be approved in the valley. the liability will almost certainly end up on citizens.” turned in a D.C. District Court. In her to duplicate the Corps’ responsibilities, altogether too risky. Supporters of surface mining, to veto permits for one of the largest In Central Appalachia, lawmakers have shown however, are keenly aware of the situation, and states mountaintop removal coal mines ever decision, Judge Amy Berman Jackson but “to exercise independent judgment, proposed in Appalachia. wrote that the EPA’s attempt to veto based on the record, when deciding un- permits after they had been issued is der Section 404 of the Clean Water Act The original permits for Mingo education and obesity, the study found that residents “unprecedented in the history of the whether adverse effects to waters of the Virginia Transportation Board County Coal’s Spruce Mine No. 1 were of Floyd County, Ky., suffer a 54 percent higher rate Clean Water Act.” The EPA is back in United States will occur and whether or OKs Coalfields Expressway of death from cancer than residents of nearby Elliott approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Used, In February, Virginia’s Commonwealth Transpor- court appealing the decision to over- not these effects are acceptable.” and Rowan counties. Previous studies have found that Engineers in 2007 after the company tation Board approved two sections of the Coalfields Rare & Out cancers and other health problems increase with the turn its veto. The court’s decision could have Expressway despite environmental impacts and pub- addressed EPA concerns by reducing amount of mining that occurs nearby. Researchers Lawyers representing Mingo implications for the approval of valley lic concerns that the route will bypass communities the size of the permit by 835 acres. In of Print Books recommend that a more comprehensive study measure County Coal, a subsidiary of St. fill permits at surface mines by decid- that could possibly benefit from the highway project. 2011, however, the EPA revoked the Specializing in air and water quality to reveal exposure to pollutants. Louis-based Arch Coal, argue that if Proposed by Alpha Natural Resources, the four-lane permits, citing unacceptable damage ing just how much environmental Books about Black the EPA’s veto stands, it will “create highway project would begin as a 26-mile mountaintop Greenhouse Gas Rules May Have to Wait to water quality. The agency said per- damage is “unacceptable” when it Mountain College removal coal mine. By proposing a public-private part- uncertainty, hinder investments and The announcement of the EPA’s long-awaited plan mitted valley fills at the mine would comes to mountaintop removal. nership with the Virginia Department of Transportation, to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants Alpha Natural Resources substantially reduced VDOT’s last spring brought cheers from environmental groups estimated costs. The project is under review by the and added to fervorous accusations of an Obama-led Federal Highway Administration, which will either give “war on coal.” Now that the deadline for the rule has Organ VDOT approval to move forward with construction, or arrived, the agency is likely to revisit its provisions and UY ic require a supplemental environmental study. limits. As proposed, the rule would impact new power B plants and permitted plants that have not begun con- More Research Links Mountaintop struction by limiting carbon emissions to 1,000 pounds OSM Approves Expansion of Appalachia’s Largest Slurry Removal and Poor Health per megawatt-hour of electrical output — a level unlikely Impoundment: The Federal Office of Surface Mining recently A recent study focused in eastern Kentucky is the to be met by coal-fired power plants. Regardless of when approved an expansion of the Brushy Fork impoundment in West latest in a line of research by West Virginia University’s the rule is finalized, it is almost certain to be challenged Virginia — one of the largest slurry disposal sites in the country — to Dr. Michael Hendryx linking mountaintop removal to by the coal industry and receive substantial congres- hold two billion more gallons of the waste produced from washing coal. poor health in nearby communities. Published in the sional attention. The delay comes as abundant natural Jean & Carl Franklin Powered Unless the West Virginia Dept. of Environmental Protection denies the online “Journal of Rural Health,” the article compares gas is causing coal plant retirements and making the by (PV) 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells expansion, the earthen dam holding back billions of gallons of coal survey responses gathered in counties where moun- construction of new coal-fired units uneconomical. The B U E Black Mountain, NC 28711 waste will expand to nearly 750-feet tall, larger than the Hoover Dam. taintop removal occurs to counties where it does not. EPA will likely reintroduce the rule for another round of Y D Fa Tra Photo by Vivian Stockman After ruling out factors including tobacco use, income, public comments. ir (828) 669-8149 BlueSmokeCoffee.com [email protected] Page 24 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 25 INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work Appalachian Voices is committed to protecting the land, air and water Tom Cormons: A Leader With a Purpose Policy Expert to Steer New Energy Savings Program of the central and southern Appalachian region. Our When Tom Cormons ing on to our children and mission is to empower people to defend our region’s rich left the East Coast to at- their children,” Tom con- The Southeast possesses some “Building these relationships of the greatest resources for making is critical for helping communities natural and cultural heritage Member tend college in Charlot- tinues. “With three young by providing them with tools Spotlight tesville, Va., it didn’t take kids myself, this is always energy use more efficient, and Ap- develop forward-thinking solutions and strategies for successful Brenda Sigmon him long to fall in love on my mind.” palachian Voices has a plan to help at a time when politicians seem to grassroots campaigns. with the mountains. Established 15 years unleash that potential. be looking backwards,” Rory says. Long-Time Volunteer Takes Every opportunity he ago, Appalachian Voices This spring, we are launching a “Joining the terrific staff at Appala- Organizational Staff had during his time at the has evolved from a small new program focused on promot- chian Voices to lead the new energy Action to Get Kids Outside Executive Director...... Tom Cormons the University of Virginia, organization focused ing energy savings and reducing savings program is a great opportu- By Davis Wax he hiked, paddled and mostly on forest and air the use of coal-fired power in rural nity and I’m excited to be a part of OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT Growing up on a farm in Lincoln County, N.C., climbed in the rugged quality into a regional Appalachia and the Southeast. Rory such a progressive organization.” Controller...... Susan Congelosi Brenda Sigmon intimately knew the outdoors and mountains of Appalachia. force tackling major issues Operations Manager...... Shay Boyd understood her natural surroundings as a part of McIlmoil, a long-time advocate for Rory received his B.S. in Earth He eventually met his like ending mountain- Director of Leadership Gifts ...... Kayti Wingfield everyday life. “I think I didn’t like it at the time because Appalachia with a background in and Environmental Science from wife, Heather, while work- Tom Cormons, new executive director for Appalachian Voices, (right) top removal coal mining, Operations and Outreach Associate ...... Maeve Gould of the chores I had to do,” says Brenda fondly, “but environmental science and policy, Furman University and a master’s ing as a whitewater guide leads a discussion during an organizational staff retreat. “We are reducing air and water looking back, it was an idyllic experience.” PROGRAMS on West Virginia’s Gauley very fortunate to have a man of his vision and talent at the helm as pollution associated with is joining the Appalachian Voices in Global Environmental Policy from A “childhood outside,” as she puts it, is some- Director of Programs...... Matt Wasson River. Even through his we embark on the next chapter of Appalachian Voices’ journey,” says the coal cycle, and tran- team to lead our Energy Savings for American University. It was in grad- thing Brenda feels she is lucky to have had, and it’s Campaign Director ...... Kate Rooth years of pursuing an en- Board of Directors Chair Christina Howe. sitioning Appalachian Appalachia program. uate school that he learned about the something hopes today’s children can experience Rory McIlmoil, Appalachian Voices’ new Senior Campaign Advisor...... Lenny Kohm vironmental law degree states to clean energy. The devastation of mountaintop removal as well. “I’m excited to join Appalachian Energy Policy Director...... Rory McIlmoil at UCLA and working in program. In the past few years, he organization now has 20 energy policy director, is descended from An avid hiker, Brenda spends much of her ef- Voices to help kickstart the energy coal mining and coal’s impact on Washington, D.C. Legislative Associate ...... Thom Kay Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Justice has expanded the Virginia office to a full-time staff members and four of- West Virginia pioneers and feels a strong forts getting children outside and on trails to combat efficiency industry in Appalachia citizens throughout the Southeast. Tennessee Director ...... J.W. Randolph Department, Tom’s passion for the staff of five, and positioned Appala- fices, and works mainly in Kentucky, connection to the Appalachian mountains. “nature deficit disorder,” an issue she became more as a way to develop new economic “As I became more aware of those North Carolina Campaign Coordinator...... Sandra Diaz mountains — and a desire to protect chian Voices in a leading role in the North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia aware of through Richard Louv’s 2005 book, “The Virginia Campaign Coordinator...... Nathan Jenkins them — never wavered. efforts to bring cleaner energy to the and West Virginia. opportunities for the Southeast, economics data give him an edge in problems, I began thinking of ways Last Child in the Woods.” Brenda emphasizes that something that state and federal I could help make a difference.” Water Quality Specialist ...... Eric Chance getting kids outside not only lets them appreciate That desire, combined with an commonwealth. “As I’ve worked with Tom understanding how we can advance leaders have not focused on,” says In addition to his policy and Water Quality Specialist ...... Erin Savage their natural surroundings, it helps prevent childhood extensive background in wildlife “I am honored to now lead this or- over the years, I have witnessed these solutions.” Communications & Technology obesity and diabetes. research and energy policy as well as ganization, whose staff, board, mem- his thoughtful, contemplative, and Rory. “At the same time, this work “Very few financing programs research work with Downstream Brenda aids in the building of the Blue Ridge six years of leadership experience at bers and partners continue to inspire intelligent work mature and shine,” will help residents protect their exist for electric co-op members in Strategies, Rory has served as the Director of Communications...... Cat McCue Appalachian Voices, is what led Tom me every day,” Tom says. “I’m very says Kathy Selvage, a coal miner’s Communications Coordinator...... Jamie Goodman Parkway Foundation’s “TRACK Trails,” often exten- communities, health, and the envi- our region,” says Matt. “In addition Campaign Director for the Coal to become the organization’s new motivated to help our region transi- daughter from Wise County, Va., Program Communications Coordinator...... Brian Sewell sions to existing trails which emphasize family and ronment by reducing demand for to grassroots outreach, one of our River Wind Project and conducted adolescent-use. She is helping now to extend such executive director. tion to cleaner energy and to ways of who has worked to end mountaintop Americorps Communications Associate...... Molly Moore coal-fired electricity.” goals will be to help develop and climate change science through a a trail on Elk Knob. Tom joined Appalachian Voices supporting people’s livelihoods that removal, and currently serves on Ap- Americorps Education Associate...... Matt Grimley Rory interned with Appala- U.S. Department of Energy and Na- While on a hiking trip years ago, Brenda picked as a member 12 years ago, inspired respect our natural heritage. palachian Voices’ board. “His love build public support for state and IT Associate...... Toby MacDermott chian Voices in 2007, and has spent tional Science Foundation research up an issue of The Appalachian Voice. She became a by the mission to protect the moun- “What we do to the mountains, of the Appalachians, its flowers and federal energy savings and clean INTERNS member of Appalachian Voices 1999, began actively tains he had grown to love. In 2007, forests, and creeks has tremendous fauna, and its people and culture, will the past five years heading the en- energy policies.” project. Mountaintop Removal Campaign Assistant...... Becca Stern volunteering in 2002, and served on the organization’s he joined the staff to establish the implications for people living here be the lynchpin of his leadership. Ap- ergy program at the West Virginia- One of the program’s first goals A descendant of West Virginia Legislative Policy & Research Assistant ...... Melanie Foley board from 2006 to 2012. “When I first came there organization’s Virginia office and now, as well as for what we’ll be pass- palachian Voices is in good hands.” based environmental consulting will be to launch an online Energy pioneers, Rory lived throughout the Red, White & Water Campaign Assistant ...... Erin Hostetler were five staff members and only the Boone office,” firm Downstream Strategies. He will Southeast before settling back in the Savings Action Center to provide Multimedia Assistant ...... Matt Abele she says. “The fact that three of those five are still be working closely with our North Appalachian Mountains. He enjoys residents with information about Editorial Communications Assistant ...... Davis Wax with the organization today after more than a decade as they were called up to speak, how- Belmont, N.C., was the first stop. Tennessee Legislators Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia making their home more efficient backpacking, beekeeping, growing Online Communications Assistant ...... Jil Lee speaks volumes.” ever, the chairman stopped them short There, as with other coal-burning facilities, Dodge Vote on programs to educate electric coop- and their electric bills cheaper. his own food and woodworking. Brenda attributes the organization with making and declared the bill dead. Bill sponsors the G.G. Allen Steam Station contaminates local health and environmental concerns into national eratives (member-owned utilities) “These are some of the oldest, Mountaintop Removal Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) and the groundwater, usually from coal ash The site will point consumers to issues. Ten years ago “mountaintop removal” was just and their customers on the multiple most biologically diverse mountains Board of Directors Although a bill to protect Tennes- Senator Lowe Finney (D-Jackson) vowed pond seepage. The plant also discharges programs offered by their electric words, she says, but now much of the country knows economic and environmental ben- in the world,” Rory says. “When you see’s mountains received broad citizen to continue to build on this year’s efforts toxic heavy metals into nearby Lake Wylie. provider, and connect them with Chair ...... Christina Howe about the devastation in the region’s coal-bearing Vice-Chair ...... Landra Lewis and political support — and media atten- and bring the bill back in 2014 with even This March, our crew canvassed efits that saving energy can have. small businesses that offer energy have lived in Appalachia and have states “thanks to Appalachian Voices and its allies.” Secretary ...... Dot Griffith tion from around the world — state legis- more grassroots support. To stay up- those living in the shadow of the G.G. “Appalachian Voices has crafted audits, weatherization and other ser- learned how these communities are She is inspired by the team’s level of commit- Treasurer ...... Bunk Spann lators chose to deny public testimony on to-date on our work in Tennessee, visit Allen Plant. One resident, Archie Dixon, a common-sense, strategic plan to re- connected to the mountains, you ment and offers that she’s “never met more dedicated vices that result in savings on electric the measure and instead let the Scenic Members-At-Large or talented people.” Appalachian Voices is always appvoices.org/tn. has a driveway that is stained with coal duce residential electricity demand, bills while supporting a clean, local become part of it and you can’t do Vistas Protection Act die without a vote. Clara Bingham Rick Phelps grateful for volunteers like Brenda who keep us ash and keeps a stack of bottled water and therefore electric bills, and to anything else but try to protect it.” Appalachian Voices Tennessee Director Building A Bridge Over economy. Rev. Jim Deming Kathy Selvage motivated. in his garage, saying he refuses to drink accelerate the growth of an energy To contact Rory and our new J.W. Randolph worked long hours in the Troubled Waters The action center will also track Mary Anne Hitt Lauren Waterworth Brenda lives in Conover, N.C., where she is a vol- the well water. Energy Savings in Appalachia pro- Silas House Tom Cormons (Ex-officio) halls of the state legislature to introduce efficiency services industry in Ap- how Appalachia’s congressional unteer distributor for The Voice in Burke and Catawba The Red, White and Water team Looking ahead, the RWW team will and promote the bill, and was scheduled palachia,” says Director of Programs representatives vote on clean energy gram, email [email protected] or Advisory Council counties. She avidly hikes and continues to champion is working to find out what residents encourage more residents living near coal to testify along with Ann League, a good Dr. Matt Wasson. “Rory’s knowledge visit appvoices.org/energysavings. Jonathan C. Allen Pat Holmes ways for children to pursue and draw joy from nature. living around coal-fired power plants plants to tell their stories. Follow the latest bills and will help citizens send mes- Jessica Barbara Brown Brenda Sigmon friend of our organization and a resident have to say about water pollution in of the science of energy issues in Ap- sages to their elected officials and “Children who learn to love the outdoors,” she says, at appvoices.org/red-white-and-water. Alfred Glover Van Jones in Tennessee’s coal-bearing region. Just palachia and his in-depth analysis of “will be the people who grow up to protect it.” their communities. hold them accountable. Randy Hayes

Page 26 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013 April / May 2013 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 27 Non-Profit The Appalachian Voice Organization 171 Grand Boulevard US Postage Paid Boone, NC 28607 Permit No. 294 www.appalachianvoices.org Boone, NC

It’s hard to say which is prettier, the elusive Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica), or the tiny hummingbirds that serve as the flower’s primary pollinator. Rising in popularity as a cultivar in regional gardens, the red and yellow native grows in rich, moist woods and along wooded streambanks. According to photographer Brian Shults, who snapped this beauty, the trailhead of Ace Gap Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is covered with the blossoms in late spring. See more of Shults’ wildflower photography at facebook.com/brianshultsphotography. GET INVOLVED environmental & cultural events in the region 16th Annual Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire Hot Springs Trail Fest Fee Free Week for National Parks Volunteer at Oak Ridge Earth Day guest speaker presentation, followed by a range April 12-14: This multi-faceted garden event April 19-21: Honor the Appalachian Trail and April 22-26: Enjoy a fee-free visit to our National April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Build support for the of hikes and programs on Saturday. Konnarock features workshops, a garden cafe, a rain garden celebrate the community of Hot Springs. Starts Parks. Plan your visit at nps.gov. Tennessee Wilderness Act and enjoy good food, Community Center, Damascus, Va. Visit: moun- tour and a native-plant marketplace. Abingdon, with a spaghetti dinner and is followed by plenty live music and fun. No prior experience required. trogersnaturalistrally.org. 2013 Wild & Scenic Film Festival Va. Visit: gardenfaire.net of community involvement throughout the week- Bissell Park, Oak Ridge, Tenn. Visit: meetup.com April 25, 5:30-9 p.m.: Hosted by WNCA, the Spring Hoot 5K end. Fees may apply. Hot Springs, N.C. Visit: and search for Tennessee Wild. Volunteer at Nashville Earth Day festival features screenings of 14 short social and May 11, 7 a.m.: Have a HOOT at Barren River appalachiantrail.org. April 13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Join Nashville Earth Day environmental films, live music, food and drinks Black Mountain Wildflower Weekend Lake State Resort Park. Division awards and door and build support for the Tennessee Wilderness Climate Convergence on Raleigh and raffle items. Students, $10; General Public, May 3-5 : Visit Black Mountain, the highest point prizes will also be given. Registration at 7am, race Act. No experience required. Nashville, Tenn. April 20-21: Gather to express concern over cli- $25 (includes free raffle entry and a one-year in Kentucky, for its habitat, rare species of wild- at 8:30 a.m. (CST). Lucas, Ky. Call 1-800-325- Visit: meetup.com and search for Tennessee Wild. mate change and collaborate on solutions. Join membership to WNCA). Cullowhee, N.C. Visit: flowers, and birds. Registration needed. Visit: 0057 or email Jamie Avery at [email protected]. for panel discussions and workshops, participate wildandscenicfilmfestival.org. pinemountainsettlementschool.com. 2nd Annual Garlic Mustard Pull n’ Eat The Surface Mine Control and in a demonstration, and consider joining a bike or Citico Creek/Joyce Kilmer Slickrock New River Marathon Reclamation Act and You and Wildflower Hike hike tour on your way to the state capital. Raleigh, May 4, 6 a.m.-2 p.m.: Features a challenging May 20, 6-9 p.m.: Last of a series of environmen- April 14, 10 a.m.: Learn about native wildflowers, N.C. Visit: climateconvergencenc.org Wilderness Backpack Trip help oust garlic mustard invaders, and sample a April 26-28, 7 a.m.: Tennessee Wild volunteer, course following the scenic New River. Walkers tal protections trainings to address the impact wild edible salad and garlic mustard hummus. The Nature Foundation Earth Day Kurt Emmanuele, will lead a 23-mile, three-day welcome in the Half Marathon and 5K. Live music of coal mining on human health, water quality Bring your own lunch. SandyMush in Buncombe Celebration at Trillium House backpack trip in the Citico Creek/Joyce Kilmer and other festivities for guests. Todd, N.C. Visit: and community. Free and open to the public. County, N.C. Visit: appalachian.org. April 20, 1-4 p.m.: Watch a demonstration of The Slickrock Wilderness complex. Prior backpacking newrivermarathon.com. SALS Community Center at Beards Fork, W.Va. Nature Foundation’s new 2,400 gallon rainwater experience is required. Tellico Plains, Tenn. Visit: Call 304-924-1506 or email Project Coordinator Appalachia’s Bright Future Conference Birding in Chickamauga Chattanooga catchment system and talk with members of the meetup.com, and search for Tennessee Wild. Andrew Munn, at [email protected]. April 19-20: Join Kentuckians for the Common- National Military Park Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Management wealth for a conversation about shaping the 2nd Annual ECO Earth Stewardship Day May 4, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.: Join bird expert Kevin Land Trust Day District. Light refreshments will be served. Win- region’s future. Share stories about economic April 27: Help to complete environmental service Calhoon on Lookout Mountain at the Cracens June 1: Join Blue Ridge Conservancy and an- tergreen, Va. Visit: twnf.org transition from eastern Kentucky and other Ap- projects across Henderson County, then join House to the National Park Service trails. Regis- other 16 businesses in the High Country to recog- palachian communities. Registration required. Wild and Woolly Forest Festival for a celebration with music and refreshments. tration starts on April 4. Lookout Mountain, Tenn. nize the importance of protecting the mountains. Harlan, Ky. Visit: kftc.org. April 20, 4-8 p.m.: Join Georgia Forest Watch for VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Henderson County, Visit: meetup.com and search for Tennessee Wild. Boone, N.C. Visit: blueridgeconservancy.org the 10th annual festival at the Chattahoochee N.C. Call 828-692-0385 or send an email to 32nd Annual Wildflower Weekend Celebrate Our Earth @ FENCE In the Footsteps of Lucy Braun — Nature Center. Storyteller Jim Pfitzer will present [email protected]. April 19-21: Learn about hundreds of native plant May 4, 1-5 p.m.: Join Foothills Equestrian Nature Forest Study Workshop his one-man play, “Aldo Leopold - A Standard of species at the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Feastival Center to celebrate the Earth and learn how to June 5-9: In honor of 20th century conservationist Change.” Purchase your ticket before April 17. Co-sponsored by the Kentucky Native Plant April 27, 12-3 p.m.: Help raise money for the protect it for future generations. Music, storytell- Lucy Braun. The four-day workshop combines Roswell, Ga. Visit: gafw.org. Society. Slade, Ky. Visit: parks.ky.gov. Boone Wellness Center’s BLAST nutrition- ers, speakers, local businesses, nonprofits and field trips, lectures and presentations in the Beech Mountain: Earth Day Celebration focused after school program to combat farmers will provide entertainment and education. study of forests found in Eastern Kentucky. Daily 8th Annual Geocache Event April 21, 11 a.m.: Trash pickup, planting flowers, childhood obesity. Hosted by Slow Food-ASU Tryon, N.C. Visit: fence.org. field trips include four- to eight-mile hikes. $350 April 19-21: Hosted by Lake Cumberland, features educational games and activities, and a chance at the Watauga Farmer’s Market at Horn in the includes meals, four nights lodging, and all food, games, caches and this year’s “twist.” Mt. Rogers Naturalists Rally to meet some furry and feathered friends. Please West in Boone, N.C. Visit their facebook page programs. Pine Mountain, Ky. Visit: pinemoun- $30/couple, $20/person, and $10/12 and under. May 10-11: Join other amateur and profes- bring a picnic. In the event of rain, games, for more info. tainsettlementschool.com. Jamestown, Ky. Call 270-343-3111 or email sional naturalists on Mount Rogers. 39th activities and picnic will be relocated to Town [email protected]. annual rally begins on Friday with dinner and Hall. Beech Mountain, N.C. Visit: bannerelk.org. Page 28 | The Appalachian Voice | April / May 2013