Sustainability job opening in La Crosse

Sustainable La Crosse Meeting - 12/15

View this Agenda in Legistar. Commissioners should notify the chairperson and staff if you are unable to attend.

                                                                                                                                                              City Hall, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601                                                                                                                                                                               

City of La Crosse, Wisconsin 

Meeting Agenda

Sustainable La Crosse Commission

 5th Floor Conference Room

Thursday, December 15, 2016                                            

4:30 PM

Call to Order, Roll Call

1            16‑1199           Approval of November 17, 2016 Minutes

                                                       Attachments:  Hyperlink

2           Public Comment

Agenda Items:

3           Staff report & information updates

4           Report & discussion of Green Tier Legacy Communities membership

5           Discussion and possible action on filling business representative member

                   vacancy

6           Discussion and possible action to add two non‑voting members

7           Discussion and possible action on process and format for the 2017

                   indicator report ‑ Nichols and Tyser

8           Review status of Jan 18 and Feb 15 SLC presentations

9           Next Meeting Date/Agenda Items

Adjournment

Notice is further given that members of other governmental bodies may be present at the above

scheduled meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have decision‑making

responsibility.

NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY

Requests from persons with a disability who need assistance to participate in this meeting should call

the City Clerk's office at (608) 789‑7510 or send an email to ADAcityclerk@cityoflacrosse.org, with as

much advance notice as possible.

View this Agenda in Legistar. Commissioners should notify the chairperson and staff if you are unable to attend.

The purge - part 1

http://theslot.jezebel.com/the-purge-of-government-employees-who-believe-in-climat-1789924745

-- snip --

Donald Trump’s transition team has asked the Energy Department for a list of names of all agency employees and contractors who worked on the Obama administration’s climate change policy. A 74-point questionnaire, first reported on by Bloomberg and obtained by Politico, is being circulated by the DOE.

The department, which has reportedly turned the questionnaire over to its lawyers, employs approximately 13,000 people directly, as well as tens of thousands of contractors.
  
-- snip --

NoDAPL solidarity action - Dec. 1!!

On November 20, the police violently attacked peaceful water protectors at Standing Rock. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, sound grenades, and sprayed them with water cannons in subfreezing conditions. Hundreds of people were injured.

In response, a coalition of groups at Standing Rock are calling for a Global Day of Action on December 1st. The main targets are financiers of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the police departments that have been brought in from across the Midwest to brutalize water protectors.

In La Crosse, supporters will be gathering outside the Wells Fargo downtown (305 5th Ave. S.). Due to the short amount of time to organize, this will not be a programmed protest with speakers. We will gather and take part in a walking protest with signage and pass out informational fliers to Wells Fargo customers and pedestrians.  It would be great to have people sign up for shifts so we can stage an all-day protest from 9am - 5pm.  You can indicate which time period you'll be attending  when you RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/day-of-action-divestfromdapl.

To stay up to date with what's happening in the pipeline fight, follow the Sacred Stone camp or Indigenous Rising Media on Facebook.

Congratulations, Winona! - and - when no one speaks up

It was very exciting to hear the Winona County has voted to ban frac sand mining! This is the power of the people who have organized, argued, informed, written, educated, lobbied, pushed back, and worked tirelessly to hold their elected leaders accountable to the good of the pe.ople. ===== On a different note, this article points out that Democrats have been mostly silent on DAPL because they are funded by the fossil fuel industry. When the elected officials are already owned by those who are doing the damage, lobbying elected officials does no good.

Sustainable business conference - Dec. 8

Join RENEW Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Sustainabile Business Conference 2016

The 2016 Wisconsin Sustainable Business Conference is coming up on Thursday, December 8th in Onalaska, WI. The agenda was just announced, and RENEW's Tyler Huebner will be moderating a panel tilted "Using Renewable Energy in Your Business." 
The panel will feature:

- Ben Reynolds - Reynolds Transfer

- Alan Eber - Gundersen Health

- Dan Andersen - Phillips Medisize

Join RENEW Wisconsin at this excellent event to learn more about cutting edge business sustainability practicies and to disucss how we can help create a successful, sustainable, transparent, Wisconsin business community that will stand out nationally.

When: Thursday, December 8th 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., with reception to follow

Where: Empire Screen Printing

Address: N520 Marco Road Onalaska, WI 54650

Learn more and register here!

Now what climate strategy session Nov. 11

from http://act.350.org:

Let's plan the fight ahead.

With Trump as President, there is no denying the fact that our job is harder now. Leaders from across movements for justice will gather on a live broadcast to discuss plans for the fight ahead. To continue toward justice, our movements must join together like never before. If that’s a vision you want to be part of, join the live strategy session on November 11.

RSVP here: http://act.350.org/signup/trump-win-strategy-call/ 

 

November 15 - NO DAPL ACTION in La Crescent

[cross posted at couleeprogressives.org]

NOVEMBER 15 - NO DAPL event in La Crescent

from ActionNetwork.org

Nov 15 #NoDAPL Day of Action at Army Corps of Engineers

10:00 AM at Army Corps of Engineers Field Office
1114 S Oak St, La Crescent, MN 55947

Indigenous leaders are calling on us to take to the streets and disrupt "business-as-usual" one week after the election to demand that President Obama’s Army Corps of Engineers and the incoming administration stop the Dakota Access Pipeline -- and all those after it.

On Tuesday, November 15th, join a massive day of action in solidarity with those at Standing Rock, and demand the Federal government and the Army Corps reject this pipeline.

The Army Corps fast-tracked the Dakota Access Pipeline without proper consultation, and as a result, bulldozers are approaching Standing Rock as we speak. But with coordinated, massive demonstrations across the country, we’ll make it clear that this powerful movement will not allow the Obama administration or the incoming President to sacrifice Indigenous rights, our water, or our climate - they must reject this pipeline.

This day of action is one of many calls for solidarity actions targeting not only the Army Corps, but stakeholders at every level -- including the banks who are funding Dakota Access and the companies building the project.

This is one of the most courageous stands against a fossil fuel project this country has ever seen. Together, our movements stopped the Keystone XL pipeline almost one-year ago today, and an even bigger movement is rising up to stop Dakota Access and all fossil fuel infrastructure.

We know that elections and individuals alone don’t create change -- movements do. That’s why we’ll continue to fight until native sovereignty is honored, indigenous rights are protected, and our communities, water, and climate matter more than fossil fuel profits.

This is a movement-led day of action, taking leadership from indigenous groups active in the Standing Rock struggle including Indigenous Environmental Network and Honor the Earth. We encourage local action organizers to reach out to indigenous and frontline leaders in your community and work together in planning and organizing, reflecting that this moment is about social, climate, environmental, and economic justice - with a centering of indigenous rights and de-colonization.

Participating groups include:

• Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN)
• Honor the Earth
• 350.org
• National Nurses United
• Hip Hop Caucus
• CREDO
• BOLD Alliance
• Greenpeace USA
• Rainforest Action Network
• STAND
• Oil Change International
• Our Revolution
• Center for Popular Democracy
• Powershift Network
• Earthworks
• Food and Water Watch
• Center for Biological Diversity
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Sierra Club
• and more

My Enterprise car share experience

ADVENTURES IN CAR SHARING

Thanks to the hard work of CRCA member, Brian, UWL Enterprise Car Share opened up their program this year to La Crosse community members.

Right now (until December 31, 2016) new members can get a year's membership for just $1 (the application fee is waived and the annual membership, normally $35, reduced to $1!) And, until the end of the year, using one of the two Nissan Altimas that currently make up the program fleet, costs $5 per hour (normally it's $7.50).

Though I own a car, I am currently sharing it with my housemate so I thought I would join for a dollar and see how it works. While I may not need a car share in town very much, another benefit of being a member, acccording to the FAQ page, is being able to book a car in another city, and that might come in handy for vacations.

I had read through the new member info and felt I had a good grasp of how things worked. In this first experience, I found that some things worked great and there were a few glitches.

I will summarize what I learned today here in case you join. It's not exactly as easy as they describe in the little intro videos, but it's much cheaper than buying, registering, paying interest on, insuring, fueling, and maintaining your own car.

1. When you get your card, there's a six digit number on the front. This is NOT your member number which was emailed when your application was complete. This is your gas PIN. You may want to write your member number on your key card. More about this below!

2. Make sure you have the details of your reservation with you - either printed out or on your phone or tablet's Enterprise Car Share app. You may need to adust your reservation or call about a problem and having all the details handy will help. In fact, in addition to your reservation details, make sure you have with you - your key card, your membership number, a paper and pencil or an enhanced memory, and some money or a credit card just in case, your smart phone with Enterprise app installed.

3. Because of the way the pick up and return times work, at least now while the cars are not being heavily used, I would suggest reserving for the shortest time you think you will need the car and adjusting your reservation by adding 15 or 30 minutes while you're using the car if needed. More about this below. This won't work so well if it gets to a point where the vehicles are busy all the time, but that's what I suggest for now.

4. The blue Nissan Altima is in lot C-2 (the Stadium Lot) and it's in a RESERVED spot three in on the furthest west (facing East Avenue and the sidewalk) row of parking. (Of course I started way on the other side and walked the whole lot before finding the vehicle!) The white (other) Altima is in a different lot - I think in the lot between Recreational Eagle Center and La Crosse Street).

5. The #4 bus stops right at the corner of Vine and East Avenue - just steps from the car. If you ride your bike there, there is a large bike parking area just across the street.

6. The person before you was supposed to have left at least 1/4 tank of fuel in the vehicle. In my case, the first thing that greeted me when I started the car was the LOW FUEL indicator. Hmmm. No problem. I would gas up near my first errand stop.

When you get gas, you will swipe the gas card (stored in the glove box) and then need to enter the car's current mileage (thus the paper and pencil) and then your PIN number.

7. When your membership is approved, they are supposed to enter your personal PIN (the six digit number on your key card) into the system. If they don't, when you go to get gas, you will get the message BAD PIN and that's when you will use your member number and reservation details to call Enterprise and ask them what is going on! They are very helpful.

8. If it takes you extra time to deal with gassing up the vehicle because of someone else's screw up, ask for extra time free of charge.

9. If you return the car before your reservation time is up, you will not be able to swipe your card to end your reservation. This is a problem if you don't want to wait around until the exact minute (the reservation times are in 15 minute segments) it does end. So, call Enterprise and they will end the reservation for you. This seems a little weird and silly, but that's the way it is, apparently.

However, if, during your reservation, you realize you have reserved for too long and you shorten your reservation, you will still be charged for up to three hours from the time you make the change (or until your original reservation ends, whichever comes first).

That's why I say, go short and add time by phone or with the app if needed (and possible). From the FAQ: "If your extension or late return delays another member who has reserved the vehicle you are driving, an inconvenience fee may apply."

Overall, it was an adventure and I learned a lot. Now I know how to gas up the vehicle and how to maneuver the reservation system. As I said, it's much cheaper than owning a car. And statistics show that car sharing reduces the number of miles driven and more efficiently uses resources.

So, if you've been thinking about it, I encourage you to try it for a year and see if it works for you. Join by December 1 to save money. Comment with your own experiences or with questions.

Many small things

Here are some updates about local/regional/national issues.

At the November 2, Community Resiliency Conference, Mayor Roy Buol talked about their sustainability initiatives. One included doing a survey of their entire community's greenhouse gas emissions and then pledging to cut them by 50% by the year 2030. A member of the Compact of Mayors, Buol and his team are using a standard reliable measuring protocol. Other iniatives have included rebuilding their waste water treatment plant to employ anaerobic digesters which produce methane that helps generate electricity for the facility. Read more about it here.

On Friday, November 4, the National Sierra Club will host a NO DAPL webinar including reports from club members who have been standing with water protectors at Standing Rock in North Dakota. The webinar will begin at 4 p.m. Central time and continue until 5:30. Get the RSVP link and much more from the Coulee Region Sierra Club's November newsletter.

The State Sierra Club will host a Transportation summit in Milwaukee on Saturday, December 3 with low cost registration ($10, but rduced fee available), free meals, the chance to network with others around the state, and even a free bus from Madison. Register by November 21 and the club will help you find a ride/car pool to Madison (where you can grab the free bus). This summit is a chance for people concerned about the economic and environmental implications of state transportation budgets that continue to favor private vehicle use and road building and ignore transit riders and those who don't or can't drive cars. More details at the registration page.

Before the Flood is a new documentary from National Geographic. Narrated by Leonardo di Caprio, the film looks at what's at stake if we don't take immediate action to halt climate change. You can watch it free online until November 6. We may try to do a community screening before the end of the year if there's enough interest.

What action can we take? If you are reading this you know that reducing or stopping your consumption of meat - especially far-away produced meat - will help. Reduce your energy use. Quit driving your car to every little thing. Turn off the lights and, if you have to, fight with your Trumpkin co-workers who don't believe in climate change. Demand real action from our leaders, not the tepid, useless, "Maybe we can reroute the pipeline," silliness that passes for woke behavior these days.

Don't let others get away with bad actions, either. We are in prime LEAF BLOWER season. As I bike past people blowing a single leaf down a 30 foot driveway, it's very hard not to stop and yank the blower cord from the socket . We will soon be coming into prime idle-your-car-for-half-an-hour-outside-the-school/Y/martial-arts-studio-while-waiting-for-your-child-who-is-perfectly-capable-of-taking-the bus-home season. Be prepared to tap on a few windows and remind people that our planet is going to burn up if they don't wake up. And don't get me started on rotary Blights! grrr.

The Doubt Machine - watch online

Importamt documentary Sunday

[Thank you Mark Taylor at The Daily Call for noting this event!]

TV Primiere Today! – Watch Leonardo DiCaprio’s National Geographic Climate Change Documentary Online for Free

Posted on October 30, 2016 by markt

By Lorraine Chow
EcoWatch (10/25/16)

By now, you have probably heard that Leonardo DiCaprio has a new documentary about climate change coming out. So how can you watch it?

The Fisher Stevens-directed documentary will make its television debut on National Geographic’s channel in 171 countries and 45 languages on Sunday, Oct. 30.

Additionally, in an unprecedented move, National Geographic also announced today that Before the Flood will premiere commercial free across digital and streaming platforms around the world as part of the network’s commitment to covering climate change.

That means not only can you catch the critically acclaimed film on cable, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 6, you can also watch it on just about any website or device where you regularly stream online videos. The exhaustive list includes: Natgeotv.com, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, iTunes, Hulu, Sony PlayStation, GooglePlay, VOD/Video On Demand (through MVPD set-top boxes), MVPD Sites and Apps, Nat Geo TV Apps (iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, Roku, Android phones, Xbox One and 360, Samsung Connected TVs) and more.

The idea behind this historic premiere is to educate as many people around the world about climate change and to also bring the topic to the forefront before the Nov. 8. election where a number of candidates seeking public office—including a certain orange-hued Republican—denies that climate change is even real.

“There is no greater threat to the future of our society than climate change, and it must be a top issue for voters this election season,” said DiCaprio, an Oscar-winning actor-winning actor and prominent environmental activist. “Fisher and I set out to make a film to educate people around the planet on the urgent issues of climate change and to inspire them to be part of the solution. I applaud National Geographic for their commitment to bringing this film to as many people as possible at such a critical time.”

“The level of support National Geographic is providing to create awareness about climate change is exactly what Leo and I were looking for when we made this film,” Stevens added. “Climate change is real, and we are feeling its effects more and more every day; it’s time we stop arguing its existence, and do everything we can to bring this issue to the forefront of people’s minds so that real action is taken to combat climate change.”

The documentary has already made its theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles on Oct. 21. It has also been shown at international film festivals, the United Nations and at the White House South By South Lawn event before President Obama.

The film is also screening at more 250 colleges and universities nationwide and being made available to churches and religious institutions via Interfaith Power and Light, National Geographic said. The network has partnered with Rock the Vote and theSkimm to allow people who attend screenings of Before The Flood to register to vote and to become informed on the issues.

“In our minds, there is no more important story to tell, no more important issue facing our planet than that of climate change,” said Courteney Monroe, the CEO of National Geographic Global Networks. “At National Geographic, we believe in the power of storytelling to change the world, and this unprecedented release across digital and streaming platforms is not only a first for our network but also in our industry, underscoring how exceptional we think this film is and how passionate we are about it. We are committed to ensuring as many people as possible see this film as we head into U.S. elections.”

Before The Flood, as well as the award-winning documentary seriesYears of Living Dangerously, will kick off the National Geographic Channel’s “Earth Week“—a week of programming starting Oct. 30 dedicated to bringing awareness to issues surrounding climate change.

Before The Flood depicts how Earth is changing due to rising temperatures and how individuals and society-at-large can help preserve our precious environment. DiCaprio travels around the world to interview a number of world leaders and experts about climate change, including President Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State John Kerry, U.N. Secretary-General Ki-Moon, Pope Francis, Elon Musk as well as top NASA researchers, forest conservationists, scientists, community leaders and other environmental activists.

The film was produced by DiCaprio, Stevens, Brett Ratner and James Packer and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. Watch the trailer below:

Link to Story and 3-Minute Video

Citizens Climate Lobby - 10/13

from La Crosse CCL:

October La Crosse CCL Meeting

**NOTE NEW DAY**
Thursday, October 13th, 6:30 p.m.
UU Fellowship of La Crosse
401 West Ave S, La Crosse, WI
Parking behind the UU Fellowship building

Watch the October International CCL Webinar

• CCL's monthly calls now use ZOOM Web Conferencing: Watch the recording.

Complete the Constituent Letter to Your Members of Congress (and ask your family and friends to complete one, too!)

• WE NEED YOUR HELP: CCL is collecting letters to members of Congress expressing concern about climate change and supporting legislative action to reduce carbon emissions.
• ASAP Please download the letter template PDF, print it, fill it in, and send it to Larry Sleznikow, 2203 Cass Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601.
• I'll see that it's delivered to your members of Congress during CCL's Fall Congressional Education Day on November 15th in Washington, D.C.
• THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

CCL'S CLIMATE GUEST FOR OCTOBER
George Lakoff, linguistics expert

Linguistics expert George Lakoff, author of “Don’t Think of an Elephant,” “The Political Mind,” and many more books examining the power of language, is our guest for the October national call. He’ll share his recent work on the distinction between direct causation and systemic causation, which is the frame through which climate change can be better comprehended. Mr. Lakoff is recently retired from the University of California at Berkeley, where he was Professor of Cognitive Science and Linguistics..

We look forward to seeing you at the October 13th meeting. Email lacrosseccl@gmail.com with any questions.

October 10 - Your support needed!

Cross posted at Coulee Progressives.

Reprinted from SOUL of Wisconsin (Save Our Unique Lands) newsletter. If you can, please SHOW UP TO SHOW SUPPORT (no public hearing) ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 FOR THE 1:45 HEARING AT LA CROSSE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 4TH AND VINE).

The Proper and Prudent Public Discussion of Electricity Costs in Wisconsin
Badger-Coulee Appeal, October 10, La Crosse, WI 

No public discussion stands to affect our electricity costs and environmental goals more than the possible appeal of the Badger-Coulee transmission line decision.

In 2015, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) rejected multiple public objections and stamped approval of the costly, 170 mile, high-capacity expansion line between La Crosse and Madison. Oral arguments challenging and defending the approval will be heard in 3rd District State court in La Crosse on October 10th. At question is whether the PSC is required by law to publicly justify how our energy dollars are spent and our environmental goals met.

The PSC is not rushing to clarify its reasoning in approving the project. Instead, the PSC is asking the court to grant the agency "great deference” in their judgments despite the agency’s refusal to study potential need under current flat and declining electricity use and other irregularities.

The agency does not dispute that the energy growth assumptions it used to economically justify the Paddock-Rockdale 345 kV line in 2008 never materialized. Rather than discuss how the agency will prevent repeating the same mistake in Badger-Coulee, their request for "great deference” aims to avoid discussions about the bottom line altogether. Such deference would effectively say to the court, to the public, and to the electric customers that such decisions are too complicated for all of us to understand, so we must defer to their “superior" judgment.

The PSC takes this position despite five years of steady requests for transparency and cost analysis from more than 90 local governments, 12 state lawmakers, and record public participation in public hearings. With electricity use flat and declining, most states are shifting investments to energy efficiency, modern load management and local power development because, unlike utility expansion, they guarantee savings and rapid CO2 reductions. Electric customers, who would assume debt for Badger-Coulee over the next 30-40 years, do not take lightly any dismissal of economic and environmental accountability.

Proven, lower cost solutions emphasizing efficiency improvements in our homes, farms and businesses were charted by state lawmakers in 2009 when they approved a $1 per month increase in Focus on Energy rebate pools. Though the lawmakers’ request met PSC inaction in 2010, public discussions with state lawmakers revived as utilities starting asking for historical fixed fee increases to pay for expansion and ballooning utility debt.

Opposition to highly questionable transmission expansion is erupting in every hill and dale in southwest Wisconsin as transmission builders propose another high capacity expansion line between Madison and Dubuque. Cardinal Hickory Creek would be the eighth high capacity line approved in our state in ten years. Persons from these communities will be joining court observers in La Crosse.

The appeal brought by the Town of Holland is already successful in exposing attempts by a state agency to discourage public discussion of prudent electricity cost accountability. This “day in court” presents a rare opportunity to let one’s presence speak for every concerned electric customer in the state.

No matter the outcome on the 10th, it is very possible that we will look back at the PSC’s attempt to justify Badger-Coulee as a key turning point in our energy future. Oral arguments start at 1:45 pm at the La Crosse County Court House, 333 Vine St.

Pipeline Resistance Growing

The Sacred Stone Spirit Camp, which formed months ago on the Missouri River near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, to resist construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), has grown in size to include thousands of people (see this article in the Huffington Post for a quick recap). Indigenous people from across the country and around the world who have fought similar battles have travelled to the camp to show their support. And the movement is spreading! A similar camp, although much smaller, has been set up where the DAPL is supposed to pass under the Mississippi in southern Iowa (see their website or Facebook page).

The federal government may have temporarily halted pipeline construction in the area around the Missouri River, but the water protectors in North Dakota and their allies recognize that the resistance must continue, and many plan to stay at the camp throughout the winter. If you're wondering what you can do to show your support, there are many options. Donations can be made online through the camp's official go fund me page. The camp has an Amazon.com "wish list" too, where you can purchase requested items and they'll be sent directly to the camp. Also, there is a local group, "La Crosse Stands with Standing Rock", collecting supplies that they will take to the camp themselves in mid-October and mid-November. Needed supplies include winter clothes (jackets, gloves, hats, sweaters, socks, boots), blankets and winter sleeping bags, camping gear, and canned goods or dried food. Drop-off sites include English Lutheran Church, UW-L's Cartwright Center, and Three Rivers House (on Main St. across from the library). You can also contribute to the Mississippi camp in Iowa, or buy a t-shirt to support their cause.

Another way to help is to ask your friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances if they know about the camp and the resistance. Many people who get their news solely from mainstream media don't know what's going on! Here's a 9-minute video from PBS New Hour (a fairly neutral source) that covers many aspects of the story and could be shared with a wide audience. If you've heard of other ways to support the cause, please share them below in the comments!
  

October 29 Frac Activist Meeting

From Save the Hills Alliance, Inc.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SAVE THE HILLS ALLIANCE, INC.

The Social Impacts of Frac Sand Mining  

Saturday, October 29, 2016 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Veteran’s Center of Menomonie

E4710 Co. Rd. BB, Menomonie, WI

(1 mile North of I-94 on State Hwy. 25)

Speaker, Thomas W. Pearson, is an associate professor of anthropology in the Social Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He received his PhD from the State University of New York at Binghamton and has conducted extensive research in Central America on environmental activism. For the past four years, he has been researching the social dimensions of frac sand mining, particularly grassroots activism and community-level conflicts. He is currently completing a book, tentatively titled, When the Hills Are Gone: Frac Sand Mining and the Struggle for Place, Community, and Democracy, which will be published in 2017 by the University of Minnesota Press. He lives in Menomonie with his partner Tiffani, their two young children, Aidric and Michaela, and an annoying dog named Poochacho!

Presentation - Frac Sand Mining and Quality of Life: Understanding Potential Social Impacts.

When evaluating the impacts of frac sand mining, policymakers, government officials, and concerned citizens often focus on economic and environmental questions. Social dynamics are commonly ignored, even though proposed mining operations typically generate community-level conflicts and introduce changes that alter people’s quality of life. This presentation brings a social science perspective to understanding the impacts of mining and other extraction-based industries such as hydraulic fracturing. Drawing on first-hand research in Wisconsin, it also examines people’s experiences living near frac sand operations. Residents grappling with a sudden influx of unwanted mining activity often describe increased suspicion among neighbors, loss of trust in local government, strain on community ties and social networks, increased stress and anxiety, confusion about potential hazards, uncertainty about the future, and a diminished sense of place and belonging. A better understanding of these sorts of impacts will help concerned citizens and local officials deal with controversial industries such as frac sand mining.                 

Speaker, Kimberlee Wright, was born and raised in central Illinois. She received a law degree and a BS in rural sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since graduating from law school she has worked statewide in the public interest on issues ranging from elder law, environmental protection, conservation, and support for people affected by family violence. Her professional experience includes serving as the director of conservation programs for The Nature Conservancy and as the executive director for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.  Prior to joining Midwest Environmental Advocates as executive director, Wright managed a statewide grant program for land trusts working in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect critical habitat and natural areas. Wright’s community service has benefitted children and adults with disabilities, access to affordable housing, environmental protection, and the preservation of pristine natural areas.                

Presentation - The Role of Citizens in Public Policy.

The rapid expansion of the frac sand industry in western Wisconsin outpaced the establishment of standards to protect public health, the environment, and community assets. Oversight at the local level has been critical to filling the void of state failure to develop the regulatory framework needed for a landscape-scale extractive industry.  In spite of powerful special interests with undue influence over decision-makers, citizens have moved steadily forward while working together to protect their communities. Elected officials at all levels of government must be held accountable for shifting risks to citizens while industry profits from externalizing their costs to communities.

Our speakers will be introduced by Dave Carlson, an award-winning outdoors journalist. Dave is well known from his long-running TV series, “Northland Adventures” and “Northland Outdoors.” Dave will also moderate a period of questions and answers.                 

We will also present a short preview of Jim Tittle’snew and upcoming documentary, “Promise in the Sand.”

Presented by:  Save The Hills Alliance, Inc. STHA, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable tax-exempt non-profit organization. Our mission is to protect the natural environment and promote the ecologically sound use of land through public awareness, education, and advocacy. Email:AllianceSaveTheHills.register@gmail.com

October 1 Wisconsin Solar Tour

Saturday - all over Wisconsin, tours of solar installations will be highlighted by Midwest Renewable Energy Association. More info/sign up here: https://www.midwestsolartraining.org/wisconsin-solar-tour

Closest to La Crosse: Pheasant Walk Permaculture, "A 13.5-acre site. Earth-bermed, single story "geriatric-anticipatory" house; passive solar plus combined solar sub-floor and water heating. Roof rainwater supplies a 700 square-foot pond and chicken coop. Net-metered and fully powered by grid-tied 2.5 Kw wind generator and 5 Kw photovoltaic. Permaculture fruit trees and nuts planted along swales; perennial berries, herbs and vegetables planted on terraces. All-season earth-bermed greenhouse/chicken housing." Contact Kelvin Rodolfo, 608 637-6159.
 

Transportation events in the news

The Coulee Region Sierra Club has a post up about some important transportation events coming up.

On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, the Wisconsin Counties Association is hosting Transportation Town Halls in each Wisconsin County at 7 p.m. Lack of publicity about these events and, in our case, transit inaccessible venue might give you the idea that no one is supposed to attend. But it's a great opportunity to advocate for NON PRIVATE VEHICLE (greenhouse gas emitting) transportation options not just in cities but in rural areas - regional transit. So, please attend! Find your county's location t the link. The La Crosse forum will be at 7 p.m. at the County Highway Garage, 301 Carlson Road, West Salem.

On WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, the Sierra Club will host a La Crosse Area Transportation Forum which will include information about current transportation options, information about local and state budget issues, and suggestions for getting more involved in advocating for equitable and sustainable transportation options in the future. The info fair starts at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 S. 6th Street. You can get there on the #1 MTU.

Unfortunately, you can NOT get to the September 29 event from La Crosse by public transportation, according to the Trip Planner at the MTU site. However, I believe that you CAN get there by public transportation (though returning will definitely be a problem). Here's how:

1. Some time before 6 pm, contact the Onalaska/Holmen/West Salem shared ride service at (608) 784-0000 and tell them you will need to go to the event address from the Valley View Mall MTU stop at 6:33 pm.

2. Take the #5 bus that leaves at 6:12 p.m. from the La Crosse Transit Center to Valley View Mall. The fare will be $1.50 for an adult < age 65 and $0.75 for elders (65+)  and those with disabilities. College students with IDs and those who have passes = no fare required. GET A TRANSFER which you can use for your OHWS fare.

Thankfully, college is in session so the Valley View Mall bus goes every 1/2 hour in the evenings. If there were no college classes in session, you would need to leave 1/2 hour earlier.

The real problem comes in the return trip because the OHWS Shared Ride Service ends at 7 p.m. So, you will need to find some way to get from the county garage to Valley View Mall.

If you are a bicyclist, you could take your bike on the bus to Valley View and hope that there's space to throw it in the back of the OHWS Shared Ride van (there are no bike racks on those vehicles), then ride your bike back to Valley View either taking your life into your own hands along Highway 16 (5.3 miles according to Google Maps) OR using the La Crosse River State Trail (about 8 miles) which might be a nice jaunt for a sunny afternoon, but maybe not so feasible for a night time ride in possible rainy weather on a trail that has been known to have some washouts from heavy rains.

Here is why we need to make sure that transportation planners get the message that NOT EVERYONE HAS OR CAN OR WANTS TO DRIVE A CAR. Then what? You must either pay a high cost in time, often, taking public transportation, or in money if you can find a cab in a rural community at night. Or, probably, you will just not attend, shop, visit, or otherwise engage in the world.

This doesn't even touch on the environmental problems caused by relying on private vehicles for transportation or on the costs to communities, especially hub communities like La Crosse, to pay for infrastructure needed to service all these private vehicles.

So, please attend if you can the September 29 meeting AND the Wednesday, October 5 Transportation Forum sponsored by the Sierra Club, 10,000 Friends of Wisconsin, WISPRG, and other environmental groups. And please contact your local and state legislators and urge them to start considering other methods of local and regional transportation besides private vehicles.

Who will heed these warnings?

Years of citizen action, testimony, scientists' warnings, facts, studies, papers and other blatant warnings have not been enough to stop the transportation of hazardous substances, especially dangerous Bakken crude oil, by rail along our sensitive environmental centers, through our cities, and next to our precious clean water resources. Our so-called liberal president does nothing to stop it and the railroads' robotic response whenever a disaster occurs, "Safety is our highest priority."

Yet another warning has come in the form of a BNSF derailment near Ferryville. Tell me if any of the highlighted phrases below sound familiar, like you've heard them before from citizens telling governments and railroads that we need to stop these dangerous shipments.

"A BNSF freight train derailed Thursday morning on a washed-out bridge ...}

"One of the locomotives spilled about 2,500 gallons of fuel, with some making its way into the Mississippi River ..."

" ... access to the site is difficult because of damage from two days of heavy rains."

"... high water levels in the Mississippi are preventing crews from deploying booms ..."

What if these trains had been loaded with millions of gallons of even more toxic Bakken crude oil? What if those trains had leaked into the river with access blocked by flood waters?

This may not be our final warning, but it's surely one we must heed.

 

From La Crosse Citizens' Climate Lobby

 

 The Pentagon ordered its officials in January to start incorporating climate change into every major

 consideration, from weapons testing to preparing troops for war. Photograph: Charles Dharapak/AP

September La Crosse CCL Meeting

Tuesday, September 20th, 6:30 p.m.
Basement Meeting Room
UU Fellowship of La Crosse
401 West Ave S, La Crosse, WI
Parking behind the UU Fellowship building

Listen to the September International CCL Call:

• Playback options for the September call: Listen to or download the call from CCL's podcasting channel or iTunes.

In the News

Military experts say climate change poses 'significant risk' to security
The Guardian

"A coalition of 25 military and national security experts, including former advisers to Ronald Reagan and George W Bush, has warned that climate change poses a “significant risk to US national security and international security” that requires more attention from the US federal government.

The prominent members of the US national security community warned that warming temperatures and rising seas will increasingly inundate military bases and fuel international conflict and mass migration, leading to “significant and direct risks to US military readiness, operations and strategy". READ MORE

IF THIS TIMELINE DOESN'T CONVINCE YOU CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL, NOTHING WILL
Popular Science

"In this xkcd comic, Randall Munroe tackled human-caused climate change, illustrating how Earth's average temperature has changed in the last 22,000 years, since the last glaciation — when glaciers were as far south as New York.

Munroe's comic beautifully illustrates the idea that while climate has changed before, it hasn't changed so suddenly. Four degrees Celsius warming over 22,000 years due to natural variations like changes in the Earth's orbit, or changes in the circulation of the oceans is one thing. Warming by two degrees Celsius over 100 years because of excessive greenhouse gas emissions is quite another."... READ MORE

CCL'S CLIMATE GUEST FOR SEPTEMBER
Former Congressman Bob Inglis

As we gear up to introduce and pass legislation, this is good time to look at the nuts and bolts of the legislative process, and who better to guide us than former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis. Inglis, who introduced his own carbon tax bill in 2009, left Congress in 2011 and founded RepublicEn, which is working to build support among conservatives for a market-based solution to climate change.

We look forward to seeing you at the September 20th meeting. Email lacrosseccl@gmail.com with any questions.

All the best,
Larry Sleznikow
La Crosse CCL Co-leader
lacrosseccl@gmail.com