Utah Valley Earth Forum

Latter Day Saints and the Environment: Download the Presentation

2012-01-17T15:07:00.009-07:00

From Don Jarvis:
Too many of our LDS neighbors don't think that they have any religious responsibility to protect the environment, and a few of them look with great suspicion on environmentalism as a nefarious big-government conspiracy. Of course, LDS leaders have spoken about our sacred stewardship of the environment, some quite recently. George Handley and others have helped draw attention to these teachings with several useful publications, including Stewardship and the Creation (Provo: Brigham Young University Religious Studies Center, 2006).

Drawing largely on these sources, I assembled a succinct pictorial presentation entitled "Latter-day Saints and the Environment," which is suitable for a lesson or discussion in a small group or family. Click HERE to download a PDF of the presentation. Feel free to use the presentation wherever it will do some good.
Thank you. Don

Let's drive less in Utah County

2012-01-10T13:58:00.002-07:00

From an Op-Ed in the Daily Herald: January 2nd. Click on the title above to view the original article.

We love petroleum-powered cars because they offer convenience, speed, power, prestige, and fashion. They are essential for the handicapped. However, they ...

• are expensive. About a fourth of a suburban family's budget is gobbled by cars' purchase price, licensing, fuel costs, repairs, and insurance.

• raise our taxes, because they need expensive roads. Cars have allowed us to build houses in suburbia, but that results in urban sprawl that devours our best agricultural land and requires lots of detested commuting, which requires expensive roads. Adding a mile of a single lane to a superhighway costs about $5 million.

• shorten our lives: Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young people and kill plenty of the rest of us. Furthermore, cars facilitate a sedentary life style, which contributes to our pandemic of obesity and diabetes. As if that weren't enough, petroleum-powered vehicles cause pollution in our cities, causing enormous health damage, equivalent to every resident smoking several cigarettes daily. And commuting eats into every week day.

• devour real estate: Roughly 50 percent of the land in American cities is devoted to them: roads, parking lots, service stations, car sales lots, repair shops, and auto parts stores.

• get us into wars. Our petroleum addiction has not only transferred too much of our wealth to oil-producing countries that hate us, but when those sources are threatened, we launch wars to maintain our access to oil.

Our addiction to petroleum-fueled cars is a big problem. Are there any remedies? Of course. We should ...

• Walk a little more. It's in our blood. The pioneer ancestors of many of us walked here from Omaha. The Mormon Battalion made one of the longest marches in military history. Many of us walked a lot on our missions.

• Bike a little more. We thought it was great when we learned to ride as kids, and some grown-ups still think it's fun. A few even commute to work, feel sorry for those in cars, and don't need to pay big gym fees for great aerobic exercise.

• Carpool more. It's cheaper and lets you use the much faster HOV lanes.

• Use public transportation more. Buses and trains with Wi-Fi can turn that hated car commute into office time, email time, game time.

• Drive our kids to school less if they can walk, bike, or take public transport. Hooking kids on cars is not doing them any favor.

• Move closer to work. Not always easy, but you could save a ton of money even if the new place costs more. While you are at it, look for a walkable community near public transport.

• Get an alternative-fuel, electric, or hybrid vehicle. They are cleaner, are getting cheaper, can save a bundle in the long run, and let you drive in HOV lanes.

• Idle less. Idling pollutes a lot. Never use drive-thrus. Get out and walk in.

• Elect leaders who understand all this. Vote for officials willing to put more money into alternative transportation and walkable communities and less unto the usual roads and zoning.

And think about choosing one or more of the above as a New Year's resolution.

• Don Jarvis is the sustainability advisor to Provo City Mayor John Curtis. His views do not necessarily represent the views of Provo city or the mayor.

STOP THE BRIDGE

2011-10-11T10:31:00.001-06:00

The proposed private bridge bisecting our public treasure, Utah Lake, is a very bad idea that is being evaluated by an inadequate, flawed process. The bridge is neither needed nor wanted. It’s designed to benefit a few developers at the expense of our health, our well-being and the lake’s viability. The proposed seven-mile-long concrete structure will damage the lake’s ecology, pollute its waters, add congestion and air pollution and create a permanent ugly scar on our valley. It will foster urban sprawl on the west side by replacing dwindling open spaces and natural areas with pavement, cars, crowding and fowl air that will in turn damage the valley’s economy by making it harder to attract and keep families and business concerned with their health and quality of life. Much better alternatives exist to relieve traffic congestion and prevent urban sprawl. Utah Lake has been exploited and treated as a sewer for too long. It’s time to stop the exploitation and pollution. It’s time to start respecting the lake and helping restore it to a natural healthy state, for the enjoyment and betterment of all Utahns, for now and for all generations. No thanks. No bridge.
middle photo of Utah Lake © JNWestwater

• not needed -- the bridge is not needed and better alternatives exist. The population on the west side of the lake is at the north end where two major new no-toll thoroughfares (Pioneer Crossing and the Mountainview Corridor) are being constructed to relieve congestion. With these new thoroughfares, auto travel from Eagle Mountain, Cedar Valley and much of Saratoga Springs to the Orem area will be shorter, safer, and cheaper than using the proposed toll bridge.

• approval process is flawed -- the current process is not-impartial and is beyond the capability of the FFSL. The FFSL’s impartiality has been compromised since key FFSL employees serve at the pleasure of the Governor and since the Governor has indicated he is in favor of the project if the FFSL approves it. The state does not have the resources to conduct a thorough, rigorous impartial study of the consequences of this massive environmental-impacting project.

• unknown impact -- because no NEPA level EIS is being done, the information to make sound judgements on the impact of the bridge proposal will not be available. The Utah public is being asked to buy a “pig in a poke.”

• critical habitat -- Utah lake is a critical habitat for millions of migratory birds and the endangered June Sucker, found nowhere else in the world. A bridge across Utah Lake would harm this critical habitat.

• exploitative -- bridge development is really about developing the west side side of Utah Lake, exploiting a pubic treasure for private gain of the few.

• murky finances -- the developer refuses to identify the “offshore interests” he claims are providing the funds to construct the bridge.

• expensive to taxpayers -- the public will be forced to pay for the improvements to highway 68 on the west side necessitated by the proposed bridge.

• permanent ugly scar -- the bridge will permanently scare and despoil the beauty of the lake. The bridge is not a piece of beautiful architectural sculpture, it’s a straight six-lane seven mile long concrete toll bridge.

• toxic sediments stirred up -- the bridge will harm the ecology of the lake--construction will stir up toxic sediments (principally phosphorus) that will migrate to other parts of the lake causing unknown damage to aquatic life.

• toxic runoff -- runoff from the bridge will add pollution to the lake’s waters and harm fish, birds and aquatic life in the lake.

• bridge noise, light and air pollution -- auto exhaust, traffic noise and nighttime illumination will add to air, noise and light pollution.

• urban sprawl air pollution -- the urban sprawl this bridge is designed to facilitate on the west side will significantly increase vehicular air pollution as more and more automobile-dependent communities are built.

• loss of federal funds for highways, etc. -- as air pollution increases, Utah County will risk loosing all federal funding since it does not now comply with the US Clean Air Act, and more cars will make the air quality even worse, not better.

• more congestion -- increased traffic across the bridge would add to the traffic congestion problem already occurring on the east side of Utah Lake.

• added stress to our water supply -- the urban sprawl developments on the west side that would be facilitated by this bridge will place even more stress on our valley’s limited supply of fresh water for residential use.

• damage to quality of life, harm to the economy and property values -- the value of new and existing homes will decrease as the very things that made living here so attractive are lost. by adding to the accelerating the rate of development in the county--converting open spaces to homes, pavement and pollution-generating vehicles further degrades the natural beauty of this area and its air quality--making it less and less attractive to new residents and new businesses. Who will want to live in a congested bowl filled with toxic brown smog?

• damage to Native American sites -- bridge construction may damage ancient Native American village and burial sites.

• harming what is sacred to Native Americans -- Native Americans most likely held and may still hold Utah Lake to be spiritually sacred to them. To bisect it with a massive concrete highway bridge most likely would be seen as violating what they hold to be sacred. They are an earth based belief system where the earth is their mother and the sky their father. It is deemed disrespectful to exploit it.

• not for sale -- Utah Lake should be protected and helped to become more naturally healthful. It is a natural, public treasure that should not be sold to the highest private bidder. “Utah Lake is Not For Sale.”

• destroying the peace and quiet of the lake -- A massive concrete structure loaded with noisy vehicles and headlights at night will significantly diminish the peaceful, quiet of the lake now enjoyed by many fishermen, sailers, boaters, duck hunters and shore-side anglers, and by the many people of present and future generations that find pleasure and inspiration in the uninterrupted beauty of the lake.

• better alternatives -- much better alternatives exist to the urban sprawl this bridge is intended to spawn. Rather than paving over more and more open spaces, natural areas, wildlife habitat and agricultural areas, why not create parkland preserves and green spaces while clustering population in existing developed areas and connecting them with public transit that is much more fuel efficient and much less polluting. And by having people live near their jobs, services, schools and shopping they become less car dependent and what’s left of the valley’s beauty can remain for present and future generations to enjoy.

Provo moves toward better stewardship

2011-04-06T09:43:00.006-06:00

On Tuesday, Provo Municipal Council unanimously voted to ban mining and quarrying in Provo, thereby protecting Slate Canyon and other environmentally sensitive areas from degradation or further destruction. Our hats are off to Provo Municipal Council for this progressive move that supports good stewardship of the environment. We understand Provo is moving toward adopting an opt-out citywide recycling program to replace the current and less desirable opt-in program. This would be a good move in the right direction of promoting good stewardship.

Natural Gas and Polluted Air

2011-02-27T19:24:00.004-07:00

Or click HERE to see the video at another site.

TAKE ACTION: support the EPA to limit carbon emissions

2011-02-26T10:56:00.007-07:00

Right now, there are no limits on the amount of carbon pollution power plants and refineries can emit. The EPA is proposing new standards to keep big polluters from spewing unlimited carbon pollution into our air. Please support the EPA's efforts to cap carbon emissions from these major sources.

Check it out: http://action.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=5815

Summary of UVEF Accomplishments

2010-12-24T18:57:00.005-07:00

Speak out for good stewardship: Join the new UVEF online discussion group

2010-11-11T17:45:00.011-07:00

Please click on the orange title above or click HERE to join our new Utah Valley Earth Forum online discussion group. On this site, everyone can voice their concerns about making the environment in Utah Valley and it cities better, smarter and healthier for all. Not only can you "voice your concerns" and offer your suggestions, you can engage with others and hear their concerns and suggestions, too. Together we can try to build consensus and move this Valley and its cities in better stewardship directions.

We hope that eventually this site will greatly increase constructive and civil discourse leading to helpful actions that make Utah Valley and its communities better, smarter and healthier places to live, learn and do business.

The rules of site use are simple and explained at the site.

Let your voice be heard! Join the conversation... leading to constructive action. Join the Utah Valley Earth Forum online discussion group today.

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Oil from Oil Shale in Utah?

2010-08-31T13:25:00.000-06:00

New Film on Utah Air Quality

2010-07-06T16:21:00.000-06:00

Recent Professional Study Shows Bridge is Not Viable

2010-06-05T07:18:00.005-06:00

"Myths" about the proposed bridge across Utah Lake

2010-05-28T22:04:00.006-06:00

Source: http://www.fightthebridge.org/

ALBUM: The Utah Clean Air Conference

2010-04-12T21:40:00.008-06:00

Click on photos to see enlargements.

All photos are © 2010 JNWestwater

Snowshoe and Wildlife Hike 2/20/10

2010-02-20T10:02:00.005-07:00

Our UVEF Snowshoe adventure was really fun. Good fellowship and beautiful nature were the highlights. We also met up with some trackers that had treed a cougar with their hounds.

all photos © JNWestwater

Two men recieve the UVEF Earth Stewardship Award

2010-02-10T18:36:00.001-07:00

The Utah Valley Earth Forum believes it is helpful to honor those who do extraordinary work to help the greater good and the good of the earth, especially here in Utah. We presented our 2009/2010 Earth Stewardship Award to Jim Kennon and Dick Cumiskey on Wednesday, February 10th. These two men have struggled for over 8 years--against great odds--to prevent a proposed coal power plant from dirtying the air of Sevier County and thereby inflicting suffering and even death on some of its inhabitants. Jim is in failing health, but he, Dick and their neighbors fight on to help the greater good and the good of the earth. We wish Jim and Dick and their colleagues at Sevier Citizens for Clean Air every success in the ongoing efforts to work for a healthy, sustainable environment.
Past recipients of the Earth Stewardship Award include BYU Professor Arden Pope and Brian Moench, M.D. Both were honored for their important work to improve the quality of the air we all breathe. photos © by James Westwater

FEBRUARY 18th MEETING: Sustainable Architecture

2010-02-05T09:19:00.008-07:00

Click on calendar above for Feb. 18th meeting time and place.

Jörg Rügemer, Dipl.-Ing. M.Arch. Architect AKNW, Assistant Professor

Jörg Rügemer graduated with a master’s degree of architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. Additional studies include his architectural diploma at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, Germany, as well as meteorology at the University of Cologne. Mr. Rügemer is a licensed architect in Germany and Europe. He has taught in Germany at the University of Karlsruhe, as well as the Brandenburg University of Technology, where he was the chair of Architectural Design and CAD. Other assignments include Florida International University in Miami, where he served as the Director for Digital Design. He now teaches sustainable architecture and urban design theory at the College of Architecture and Planning, at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. Jörg Rügemer has received numerous awards and scholarships; exhibitions include displays at the BEA International Gallery in Miami, the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museum in Mannheim, Germany, the Art Museum of Western Virginia, the Bauhaus University Weimar, and the 2001 Forum of Current Architecture in Cologne, both Germany. Among other things, Jörg Rügemer’s portfolio includes 12 placements in international competitions, 3 built projects, several scholarly publications, and many international lectures on sustainable architectural and urban design, design strategies, and virtual design.

Breathing Easy in Rock Canyon

2010-01-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

UVEF takes ACTION on behalf of Utah Lake and the Valley

2009-12-02T16:06:00.010-07:00

On Monday, 11/30, a number of UVEF members met with Tim Garcia, Deputy Dir. of the FFSL. We made it very plain that we fully expect there to be a thorough, rigorous, impartial EIS (environmental impact statement) equivalent to a full NEPA-required EIS on all the effects to the environment that any bridge project might have BEFORE any decision is rendered as to approving or disapproving a bridge. We also indicated that we will carefully monitor the process to help ensure that the Lake and its ecosystem are protected and not exploited.

The event was covered by the TRIB, the DesNews and Channel 2. KUER did a 45 minute interview with the UVEF Chair related to the event.

photos © 2009 JNWestwater

360 view north of Pelican Point showing all the homes of the people demanding a bridge across Utah Lake

2009-11-21T12:31:00.008-07:00

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If you can't view this video, try hitting the refresh button on your browser. Then I hope you can view it. At least that works for me.

This video was made standing on highway 68 just NW of Pelican Point (seen in the background on the shoreline) where the proposed bridge is proposed to touch land.

UVEF Position Paper: A Private Toll Bridge Across a Public Utah Lake -- draft

2009-11-19T07:01:00.015-07:00

Basis for Our Thinking
For all life to be healthy and sustainable it must have a healthy, sustainable environment. The Utah Valley Earth Forum is committed to working for a better, healthier, sustainable Utah Valley and world. Our motivation is helping the long-term common good and the good of the environment rather than promoting the short-term personal advantage of individuals, corporations or governments.

Multiple Harms to the Ecosystem
With this in mind, we believe that constructing a bridge across Utah Lake (toll or otherwise) would harm the health and sustainability of the Utah Lake ecosystem, including its watershed, airshed, viewshed and soundshed. Constructing a bridge across the lake would have several detrimental consequences: the loss of significant open spaces and natural area on the west side and a substantial increase in homes, pavement, cars, vehicular traffic and corresponding increases in congestion and harmful air pollution. Utah Valley is already among the worst communities in the nation in spikes of harmful air pollution—especially during inversions and in the winter. The valley is also in “non-attainment” of federal PM 2.5 air quality standards and runs the risk of losing all federal funding if it does not reduce its PM 2.5 pollutant levels. Adding many more thousands of vehicles to our overcrowded roads will increase—not decrease—harmful air pollution and congestion. Would allowing a few private developers and investors to construct a toll bridge across Utah Lake that leads to an increase in automobile caused air pollution be worth the risk of losing all future federal funding for projects in Utah Valley (including I-15 extensions and improvements)? We think most people in Utah Valley would agree with us that the answer is a resounding “NO!” Furthermore, adding many thousands of people on the west side of the lake will undoubtedly place unnecessary stresses on already limited supplies of fresh water available to valley residents and businesses and will add significantly to harmful wastes that are emptied into the lake.

Damage to the Lake
Constructing a bridge across Utah Lake will most likely damage the lake’s fragile ecosystem. The lake is home to the June Sucker, a federally protected endangered species that lives only in Utah Lake. Aside from stirring up excessive levels of phosphorus and other harmful chemical pollutants that have been dumped and flow into the lake, vehicular wastes from traffic on the proposed bridge will be washed into the lake during periods of rain and snow. Aquatic life is sure to suffer from the construction and operation of a bridge across the lake. A heavily used bridge across the lake will reduce the aesthetics of the lake and negatively impact waterfowl use and the nature-related experiences of hunters, anglers, sailors and visitors.

Aesthetic Problems
A bridge across Utah Lake will harm the aesthetics of the lake. No longer would there be an uninterrupted large natural lake in this beautiful valley. If constructed, a bridge would bisect the now open water with a four lane (?) roadway of cars and trucks rumbling across it at 70 mile per hour, generating that freeway-like din of exhaust spewing engines. The prospect of a possible future market in eco-tourism to the lake will be greatly diminished by the presence of trans-lake bridge and the traffic it may facilitate.

Not Needed
Currently there is no need for a bridge across Utah Lake. There is no large population center living on the west side of the lake that does not have access to the east side or to Salt Lake County. At the northern end of the lake the citizens of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain are using existing arteries that are planned for improvement and expansion in the near future. Where are the impartial, in-depth, comprehensive, rigorous projected-traffic studies that show the predicted use of the proposed bridge? Perhaps such studies have not been done or they show predictions that the bridge developers do not want the public to see. Would you invest $600M to $1Billion to finance a toll bridge in Utah Valley that may not be used enough to pay off the investment?

Better Alternatives: Smart Growth
There are better alternatives to a bridge across the lake and the resulting urban sprawl that is likely to take place. The Utah Valley Sierra Forum does not support environmentally unfriendly growth of sprawling, low density, automobile-centered developments that can make a relatively few people wealthy at the expense of the environment and future generations. We do, however, approve of sensible, sustainable, environmentally-friendly growth that permanently protects and preserves nearby open spaces and natural areas, is powered by clean, safe, renewable, domestic energy and relies on highly efficient forms of transit and energy-conserving higher-density housing, plus bicycling and walking to nearby jobs, shopping, services and schools. The UVEF believes that future growth in Utah Valley should be limited to smart, sustainable and environmentally friendly growth. Unrestricted growth is not sustainable, generates problems and harms present and future generations.

Flawed, Troubling Process
Two of the most troubling aspects of this entire bridge proposal situation are that the process allows the parties pushing for the bridge to not fully disclose their identities and worse—that Utah law could permit the construction of a bridge across the Lake without requiring a rigorous, comprehensive, completely independent environmental study (equivalent to a full NEPA required EIS--environmental impact statement) to determine just what impact such a project would likely have on the Lake and its ecosystem and its watershed. If this were to happen--State bridge approval without the kind of fully independent study just mentioned--we believe this our be a violation of the public trust on the part of the State of Utah and would lead to the prospect of serious environmental harm to present and future generations.

Shirking Responsibility, Exploiting the Common Good for Personal Gain
Why should the state of Utah permit the building of a for-profit bridge across a great natural feature that has been entrusted to the state for protection? Doing so would seem to exemplify the exploitation of a public treasure for personal gain? Why don’t we allow private companies to build toll bridges across Zion Canyon, or the Grand Canyon, or private toll roads across Yellowstone or into the heart of Bryce Canyon or Yosemite? Because these places are important, valued natural features which deserve to be protected from commercial development and personal exploitation. Preserving the natural beauty of the region and the health of its ecosystem are more important than allowing a small group of individuals or corporations to make a lot of money. Preserving and protecting our natural heritage and the well being of the ecosystem on which the quality of all our lives depend (both present and future generations) is more important than the short term personal advantage of the few. That’s why we have national and state parks. That’s why we should not allow a private toll bridge to be built across Utah Lake.

What if the private toll bridge fails as a commercial venture?
Suppose the undisclosed private financiers of the toll bridge change their minds and back out of the deal, or they decide that the toll bridge becomes too expensive to build or too costly to operate, either before or after the bridge is completed? Who will pay for the removal of the bridge? A bankrupt group of investors may not have the resources to pay for the cleanup? We could have a quasi “superfund” site blighting the lake for a long time to come. Will the taxpayers be asked to “come the rescue” and buy out a financially defunct toll bridge of be forces to live with a ugly scar across an otherwise unobstructed natural fresh-water lake?

Slippery Slope: If one bridge, why not many bridges?
If the state of Utah permits a private toll bridge to be built across Utah Lake (especially with no requirement to do a thorough, independent scientific study of the possible and likely consequences to the ecosystem of the lake) what will deter other interests from building their own private toll roads across the lake or prevent the state from building a north-south toll way through the lake?

What if the bridge and its consequences harm the environment?
There have been no thorough, legitimate scientific studies of the effects bridge construction and its operation will have on the lake and its ecosystem. Suppose building and operating a toll bridge across the lake produces harmful effects on the lake and its ecosystem, such as increased pollution of the lake, harm to the aquatic life in the lake, harm to the bird populations that use the lake, harm to the air quality of the valley owing to the increased urban sprawl that is planned to follow (not precede) the deployment of the bridge? Who will pay to correct the problems, especially if that entails removing the bridge? Will the bridge proponents pay? What assurances do we have that that will happen? Will Utah Valley taxpayers be asked to foot the cleanup bill?

Summary: A Very Bad Idea
A private toll bridge across Utah Lake is unnecessary and would harm the ecology of both the lake and the valley for current and future generations and generate perhaps irreparable damage to the environment. In essence the proposed private toll bridge is a scheme to exploit the long term common good for the short-term personal advantage of the few. The health of a great natural ecosystem is being put at risk for the expectation of large profits from the sale of undeveloped land on the west side. A bridge across the lake would also permanently scar the pleasing appearance of this beautiful natural feature. To permit the construction of a private, for-profit, toll bridge across a public lake, especially without an independent, high-integrity, rigorous, complete, scientific study of the possible and likely environmental consequences, would be a violation of the public trust to protect the health of Utah Lake and the people, animal and plant life which rely on the health of both its water and air sheds for their well being. In short, it is a harmful, bad idea and should be dropped from consideration.

Food for Thought: "Cap and Trade" vs. "Carbon Fees with Rebates"

2009-11-08T19:32:00.002-07:00

UVSF to recognize UV cities that help the environment

2009-09-30T09:03:00.003-06:00

The UVSF is asking all UV communities to help us recognize those cities and towns that are trying to help the environment. By October 1st we hope to have their lists of their positive actions to make their communities healthier, sustainable, better places to live.

We plan to recognize all such communities through an award process to be made public as circumstances permit. We beleive that recognizing good, responsible behavior can only help the common good and the good of the planet.
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Recent Decesions of the UVSF

2009-08-30T10:31:00.009-06:00

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The UVSF core leadership group recently made a number of important decisions. Here are the results:

1) In order to recognize and honor the communities in the Utah Valley area that are doing the most to help the environment, we will be sending out letters to about 25 area cities asking them to provide a list of what they are doing toward that end. We will then present an award/s accordingly.

2) The UVSF has decided that, as appropriate, we will make public our stances on a number of environmental issues affecting the valley and the planet. The way we will go about this is to be determined.

3) As a community service, we are looking into joining the adopt-a-highway program where the UVSF will be responsible to pick up litter along a 2 mile stretch of federal highway 3 times a year.

4) We are looking into creating a environmental education media program (film, video, YouTube, powerpoint, etc.) to share with schools, clubs, groups and organizations wanting to know more about the UVSF and what we all can do the help the environment.

5) We are proceeding with the process of becoming a non-profit organization under the 501(c)3 section of the IRS code.

6) We have established a membership fee structure of $25/year for adults and $10/year for active students and people facing unusual financial challenges. Membership is not required to attend our meetings or receive our e-mailouts. Membership will be necessary to vote.

7) We are planning to conduct a fund-raising garage or yard sale in the near future.

8) After we become a 501(c)3 organization we will hold elections for officers and appoint committee chairs.

9) We are seeking volunteers to organize fun hikes and educational outings in this area and to other parts of Utah. Anyone interested should contact Jim at uvsf@uvsf.us.

10) We will be making one or more 2009 UVSF "Earth Stewardship Awards" in the near future and welcome your suggestions for candidates for this award. Please submit your suggestions for the person or persons that deserve to be recognized for their contribution/s to helping the environment--along with a statement of explanation--to Jim at uvsf@uvsf.us.

11) We are coming close to selecting a new logo design for the UVSF.

12) We now have a Facebook group page. It is "Utah Valley Sierra Forum (UVSF)."

13) If you have a topic for a future UVSF monthly meeting, and are willing to help organize that meeting, please send your idea/s to Jim at uvsf@uvsf.us.

14) We are planning to publish a UVSF bi-monthly newsletter. The first issue is targeted for 2 months from now.

15) The UVSF is supporting the "350" event in SLC set for October 24th. "350" events will be held around the world on the same day.

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Kayaking on the San Raphael

2009-07-18T13:57:00.005-06:00

We had a great time kayaking on the San Raphael River through the "Little Grand Canyon." It's located east of Castle Dale. It took about 6.5 hours to cover the 16 miles from Fuller Bottom to the Swinging Bridge. This included a stop for lunch and a siesta.

Next time, I'd like to get out and hike up some side canyons and explore and photograph some more. If you'd like to see a gallery of photos from the trip, click HERE.

If you go, we were told by the BLM office that the water flow rate needs to be above 150 (?units) otherwise you'll ground at many of the rapids. The river is pretty shallow and the rapids are quite small. There seems to be very little danger in floating or kayaking this pretty river.

So this is "clean coal?"

2009-07-13T17:27:00.002-06:00

Check this out for fun:)

2009-06-18T22:50:00.001-06:00

UVSF helps bring World Famous Climate Scientist to Utah Valley

2009-04-28T07:49:00.000-06:00

With the help of the UVSF, the UVU College of Science and Health hosted a talk ("From Science to Action") by the world renowned scientist, Dr. James Hansen. Dr. Hansen has done a great deal to call the world's attention to the serious treat of climate change and global warming, and the pivotal role of human-produced greenhouse gasses (chiefly from the burning of fossil fuels) in that dynamic. Dr. Hansen skillfully laid out the science related to global warming and added his perceptions of the future course of events for the planet. Photo©2009JNWestwater

UVSF presents 1st UV Outstanding Green Business Award

2009-04-21T21:29:00.003-06:00

To help mark Earth Day 2009 and to recognize and encourage good earth stewardship, the Utah Valley Sierra Forum (UVSF) Tuesday (4/21) presented its first "Utah Valley Outstanding Green Business Award" to the South Utah Valley Electric Service District (SESD). The UVSF intends to present this award quarterly in the future and invites business and individuals in Utah Valley to nominate green practicing business in the Valley for consideration of this award. Send nominations to uvsf@uvsf.us.

PHOTO CAPTION: The attached photo (below) is of the presentation today of "The Utah Valley Outstanding Green Business Award" being presented to Mr. Blair R. Hamilton, Board Chairman of SESD (L) by Mr. Ernie Rogers, Energy & Transportation Chair of the Utah Valley Sierra Forum (R). The presentation was made at the SESD offices on 4/21, to coordinate with Earth Day 2009. Photo ©2009 JNWestwater

Gobal Warming Doubts Remain in Utah Valley

2009-04-17T08:30:00.019-06:00

BYU Associate Prof. Richard Gill, a noted climatologist and biologist, laid out the case underpinning the current scientific understanding of global warming at last night's Utah Valley Sierra Forum at the Provo Library. Dr. Gill said that according to the science, global warming is not a hoax, a fabrication or merely part of a natural cycle. Global warming is real and highly likely caused by greenhouse gases resulting from our burning of fossil fuels. The record crowd of 80+ people was definitely not the environmental "choir." Most of the audience believed that global warming was mainly or totally part of a natural cycle of global heating and cooling. A show of hands after the forum event suggested that deeply held beliefs were not changed by Dr. Gill's presentation of the science of climate study. None the less, the doubters heard a straight forward presentation of the current scientific understanding by a distinguished BYU professor who has studied this issue for the past 15 years.

None of Professor Gill's assertions were refuted by doubting audience members. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that deeply held beliefs are not easily changed even in the face of clear scientific peer-reviewed evidence to the contrary.

Photos ©2009 JNWestwater

Dear Daily Herald (an open letter to the editor)

2009-02-25T19:21:00.001-07:00

Dear Daily Herald:

It continues to be amusing and then simply frustrating to read your irresponsible articles debunking global warming and your lack of support for environmental initiatives. The one-sided and extreme positions that you continue to publish only continue to embarrass Utah County and foster the opinion that we are truly a back-water, anti-intellectual environment.

Perhaps it would be in your best interest to present a more balanced tone; something more reasonable and representative of the current discourse about global warming taking place both nationally and internationally. Perhaps you need to remove the editorial board and re-examine your purpose in this marketplace.

Being consistently reckless with science and moral reasoning can only hurt your circulation as more "normal" folks start to view your paper as a caricature. These current economic times call for newspapers around the country to be vital; to play an important role in providing cutting edge information and reporting the facts and opinions that represent all sides of the issue.

Al Manzi, my friend and former publisher, tried to bring the Daily Herald into the 21st century. Please don't erase that effort with ridiculous commentary by a few ignorant extremists who next may try to argue that the earth is flat after all!

Respectfully submitted,
Lakshmi

Lakshmi Johal-Dominguez, ABR,CRS,CSP,GRI,RRC
Aspen Real Estate & Development, L.C.

Meeting and Discussion with Tim DeChristopher

2009-02-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

The February 19th meeting of the UVSF featured a talk and discussion with Tim DeChristopher, the individual who bid on Utah oil & gas leases without the intention of paying, in order to make a statement, set an example, protect natural areas and disrupt what some believe was a "last minute fire sale" of invaluable public lands. We had a very informative and useful discussion of Tim's actions and the implications and consequences.

UVSF December Meeting

2008-12-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Faith and the Land

Are we here to "subdue" the earth... or to be its good stewards? Does God care if we pollute the air, the land and the water? Is it immoral to poison the earth? These and other questions were addressed at the December 18th meeting of the Utah Valley Sierra Forum, when BYU Professor George Handley led the discussion on how faith relates to the land. The discussion was sponsored in part by the Utah Humanities Council.

photos©JNWestwater

What YOU can do to help clean the air

2008-12-19T14:45:00.006-07:00

To see 50 steps YOU can take to help clean the air in Utah, please visit this SITE at the Utah Mom's for Clean Air. All those who breathe will thank you for helping.

photo©JNWestwater

The Repower America Equation

2008-11-07T07:46:00.006-07:00

100% Clean Energy in 10 years.
This makes great sense to me.
Click on the graphic below or on the title above for more info.
Here is the Repower America Equation:

Energy Efficiency + Renewable Generation + National Unified Grid = 100% Clean Electricity + Clean Plug-In Cars

Earth Friendly Dishwasher Detergent: It just makes sense

2008-10-05T09:20:00.008-06:00

Earth friendly automatic dishwasher detergents are widely available at grocery and home improvement stores in Utah County. Besides being phosphate free and better for our streams and lakes, they are also safer for people too. Most phosphate free dishwasher detergents are biodegradable, bleach and caustic free and safe for greywater systems- compare the labels. Why use anything else?

There is currently much concern in Utah Valley about the phosphorus levels in Utah Lake and the debate may go on for years. By voluntarily making a conscious choice not to use this unnecessary ingredient in our dishwasher detergent we will be making a positive difference in the quality of our water resources.

Repower America

2008-09-27T11:19:00.000-06:00

Living Green Expo makes the SC's national website

2008-09-11T20:29:00.006-06:00

Image

Link

The National Sierra Club has posted this article on the UVSF's Living Green in Utah Valley Expo 2008. It's in their Grassroots Scrapbook web site. Click HERE or on the image at left to see the whole article. Nice work Marsha!!

UVSF's Second Annual Living Green Expo

2008-09-09T20:06:00.007-06:00

The UVSF held its Living Green in Utah Valley 2008 Expo on September 6th. The "main event" was our awarding the first annual Earth Stewardship Award to BYU Professor Arden Pope for his pioneering work linking air pollution (PM 2.5) to human health problems and to Dr. Brian Moench and the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment for their work in combating air pollution. This is our second annual Living Green expo. We expect to do this again next September. And again, our deepest appreciation to Marsha McLean for her tireless efforts to make this Expo happen. We also thank the community sponors of this event.

All photos ©JNWestwater

Aug Meeting of the UVSF

2008-08-14T14:21:00.004-06:00

On August 21st, the UVSF hosted a public discussion of two topics: "Troubled Bridges Over Troubled Water" (Utah Lake) and "Oil Shale or Snake-Oil Shale" in Utah. The Forum examined the environmental impacts of both proposed undertakings.

Don't Drill... SWITCH to Free, Clean, Safe, Renewable, All-Domestic Energy Sources

2008-08-10T13:32:00.004-06:00

UVSF member, Ernie Rogers, drove 3,000 miles to Alaska averaging 65 mpg!

2008-07-24T10:42:00.010-06:00

On Thursday, July 24th, UVSF member, aerospace engineer, physicist and gas mileage expert, Ernie Rogers, began his 3,000 mile driving trip with his grandson to Alaska. Ernie's goal was to reach Palmer, Alaska (north of Anchorage) on 42 gallons of fuel. That's averaging better than 70 mpg! Did he do it with is consumer model VW Beetle TDI? Ernie was confident--having won a national mileage contest two years running, getting 75 mpg each time.

How did he attempt to do it? By applying the simple basic principles for saving money on gas--things that can work on any car--that he shared with our forum recently. As the sign behind Ernie suggests, he is truly a maverick, working to help the planet. Ernie's fuel saving challenge drive to Alaska is sponsored by the Utah Valley Sierra Forum.

Helping Ernie achieve this incredible mileage is the drag-spoiler he designed for his Beetle. Ernie's current work is building a very efficient engine that will allow a car to get at least 100 miles per gallon, using any fuel—ethanol, biodiesel, or gasoline could be used.

UPDATE: Ernie got a whopping 65 mpg overall on his trip. He's confident he could have beat his goal of 70 mpg if it had not been for unanticipated drag-increasing factors he encountered including headwinds, prolonged periods of rain and rough road, recently re-surfaced with "spray and chip."

photos©JNWestwater

A Challenge for America: Carbon-Free Electricity within 10 Years

2008-07-17T15:46:00.003-06:00

June Meeting on Consumerism

2008-06-26T10:30:00.003-06:00

Dr. Jeff Torlina of UVU leads our June meeting discussion on the impact of consumerism on society and what can be done about it.

photo © JNWestwater

UVSF at work at the Provo Farmer's Market

2008-06-26T10:12:00.005-06:00

Marsha mans the UVSF booth on Saturdays at the Provo Farmer's Market. She's helping to spread the word about the UVSF, environmentalism, Visions of Utah Lake and Living Green in Utah Valley. Marsha is also helping generate new friends of the UVSF. Thank you, Marsha!

photo © JNWestwater

UVSF Tree Planting Project

2008-06-22T21:11:00.011-06:00

The UVSF, under project director David Paulsen, sponsored a tree planting in conjunction with the Provo City Parks Department. The volunteer tree planters were primarily Native American kids and parents from the Learning For Life program. We planted over 20 trees and 50 shrubs to help Mother Earth.

Many more photos of this event can be viewed by clicking HERE.

All photos are ©2008 JNWestwater

SuperHike above the "G"

2008-06-08T15:52:00.003-06:00

We had a great time hiking up Cove Creek Canyon, across the meadows above the "G" and back down Battle Creek Canyon. Kathy French led the hike and did a great job. Thank you Kathy for a glorious outing in the beauty around us.

Many photos of the hike can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Photos © 2008 JNWestwater

We Can Solve the Climate Crisis

2008-06-04T23:13:00.003-06:00

Telling bumper sticker

2008-06-01T10:55:00.001-06:00

"We are on a collision course with reality."

The Shift

2008-05-29T06:56:00.001-06:00

"Faith and the Land Dialogue" REPORT

2008-05-08T18:40:00.003-06:00

The following was submitted by George Handley, Professor of Humanities at BYU:

On April 10, 2008 a gathering of LDS spoke together about LDS belief, stewardship, and wild lands. It was an evening for personal reflection and thoughtful exchange around questions such as: What do Utah's wild landscapes mean to you spiritually? How do LDS beliefs and teachings call on us to care take the natural world? How might we join with people from other faith traditions to foster better stewardship of our wild land heritage? Guided by a trained facilitator, we talked and thought together in small groups and then "harvested" what was spoken and heard in order to make visible the stories, insights and learning that has been shared. This evening of dialogue was part of a larger initiative (sponsored by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, and in this case also by the Utah Humanities Council) that brings people together within different communities of faith and also across faith traditions to talk about why our state's wild land heritage is important spiritually to Utah citizens. The initiative is based on the belief that Utahns from all religious traditions, as well as Utahns of no particular faith tradition, value Utah's wild lands as places of spiritual inspiration, connection, renewal and solace. It is also based on the belief that coming together to share what is important to us individually and collectively will reveal collective wisdom that can guide our stewardship of the wild lands we love.

To download a more complete document on this event, please click HERE.

Utah Valley gets an "F"

2008-05-02T11:51:00.008-06:00

On May 1st, the American Lung Association released its “State of the Air: 2008” report awarding Logan, Salt Lake City and Provo with “F’s” for short-term air quality where spikes in pollution make it especially harmful for lungs and submerge us and our beautiful mountains in a fog of health-damaging smog. According to the report, these Utah communities (including their surrounding areas) rank among the dozen worst cities for spikes in air pollution. Logan ranks 6th, Salt Lake City 7th and Provo 12th. Who is to blame for this appalling situation? We are. Our population is growing fast and with it come urban sprawl and its harmful effects. Unfortunately we’re way too dependent on fossil-fuel vehicles that pollute. We get most of our power from dirty, harmful, coal-burning power plants. Equally disturbing, we continue to elect community, state and national leaders that are failing to adequately protect the air, our health and cannot even protect our view of the beauty around us.

There are better, smarter, healthier and sustainable ways of living, transporting ourselves and obtaining our electrical power. We need to elect representatives and governmental officials who will mandate that we move away from dirty, harmful unhealthy practices and toward clean, safe sustainable practices and sources of energy, such as wind, solar and geothermal, all of which are abundant here in the West.

Until we get smart, change our ways and elect better leaders, we will continue to fail as the “good stewards of the earth” we are charged to be. -- Jim Westwater, Chair, UVSF

photo © JNWestwater

Gov. Huntsman opposes importation of nuclear waste

2008-04-23T15:13:00.001-06:00

Click HERE to read the Herald article.

Progress is coming to Spanish Fork

2008-04-01T14:18:00.009-06:00

The Spanish Fork Wind Farm is taking shape! It's the 1st urban wind farm west of the Mississippi and only the 2nd urban wind farm in the US. The turbine towers are nearly 300' high and each propeller blade is about 148' long. Each of 9 turbines will generate about 2.1 megawatts of electricity. Like solar and geothermal, wind power is "free," safe, clean, renewable and a source of energy independence. Unlike coal, wind power does not poison the air, the water and human beings, it does not contribute to global warming or black lung disease, it does not result in the the deaths of thousands of miners every year or destroy the surrounding environment, as is often the case with "mountain top removal" and strip mining. The world will be much better off if it moves quickly toward clean, safe, renewables and away from dirty, polluting, harmful, hazardous, diminishing fossil fuels. Recently, a tour for Sierra Club members took place where we were introduced to these clean white giants. It was quite impressive.

Photos ©JWestwater

BACKPACK OUTINGS

2008-03-20T10:36:00.011-06:00

For a long list of Utah Sierra Club hikes and outings click HERE.

Bob Own (left) who did our "Art of Backpacking" presentation in February, is proposing several fun backpack outings for us. Here they are! If you go, you will need to sign a release for so please let Bob Owen know asap if you are planning to go. Thanks. PLEASE NOTE: These backpacking trips listed below are not UVSF outings but are opportunities for UVSF members and the public to enjoy nature first hand with a good friend of the UVSF, Bob Owen.

FALL BACKPACKING

HIGH UINTAS, Fri-Sun, August 22 through 24th.
We will meet at the Highline trailhead above Mirror Lake and follow the Highline Trail into the designated wilderness. Day one will take us to Pinto Lake to set up camp. Day two will be fun hiking without packs along different trails to other lakes. Fishing and swimming would be an option as we enjoy the beautiful environment. Day three would be packing up and hiking out. The hike is not strenuous but is at about 10,000 elevation.

FENCE CANYON/ EGYPT TH, Fri-Sun, September 12 through 14.
If participants wish, we could spend an extra day at the river and come home Monday. Day one we will meet at Devils Garden and then hike a few miles down the slickrock to the Escalante River to set up camp near a spring (but still need to filter water). Day two will be hiking without packs a few miles down river which requires wading. We will have plenty of time to spend at the Golden Throne, which is a photographers paradise. The final day will be moderately strenuous hiking back up the slickrock.

LITTLE DEATH HOLLOW, Fri- Sun, Sept. 26 through 28.
Day one we will meet in Boulder and follow the scenic Burr Trail with a stop or two to hike a little without packs in some of the best sandstone hiking in Utah. We will have a 13 mile dirt road to reach the trailhead where we will camp. Day two will be hiking down Little Death Hollow which has several miles of narrows and slots with a dozen or so choke stones to negotiate over, around or under. Perhaps a little mud and a pool or two to wade. We will camp on the sand under some beautiful Fremont Cottonwood trees. Day three we will pass by a mother lode of black petrified wood as we hike out Wolverine Canyon which has some more narrows. Perhaps a 5 hour hike out. This is not a strenuous hike (total 14 miles).

GRAND CANYON, Thur-Sun, October 16 through 19.
We will need to travel and camp in the area of the trailhead on Wednesday night. Day one will be the big drop to some level sandstone, then another drop to Surprise Valley where we will set up camp for the trip. Day two will be a third drop past the roaring Thunder Falls and down the resulting river to Tapeats River and on to the Colorado, then return to camp. Day three will be hiking the other direction to Deer Creek to enjoy the falls and beautiful green canyon. It will still be summer there. Day four will be the very strenuous hike out.

About these hikes: There is no cost other than about $25 permit fee for the Grand Canyon. All we request is a love for nature and a respect for the environment and willingness to abide the rules the Park Service has set, which we will discuss the first day of each trip. None of these trips have exposure and no ropes are needed. There is usually a 12 person limit. Fires are usually restricted so you will need a little propane stove and water filter. Get in shape ahead of time for these trips. These trips will not be a foot race to the other end, but rather a slow pace to enjoy beautiful nature.

Trip leader: Bob Owen --•-- beowen@sisna.com --•-- 435-527-1099

For a long list of Utah Sierra Club hikes and outings click HERE.

"Clean Coal"...? Don't think so.

2008-03-06T11:39:00.003-07:00

Please sign the petition to congress: NO NEW COAL PLANTS

2008-03-05T21:06:00.005-07:00

Dear UVSF members and friends,
I have just read and signed the petition: "No New Coal Power Plants!"
If you'd care to add your voice for the sake of the environment, just click on this address http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/647540902
Thanks! Chair

February Meeting Summary

2008-02-22T13:56:00.021-07:00

Ivan White, member of the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition, says the BLM is stonewalling efforts to protect the Canyon's ancient and valuable Native American rock writing. According to Mr. White, the BLM values business interests (gas drilling and extraction) above protecting Native history and the ecology of this beautiful area. The BLM was invited to present its position but declined.

At left, Mr. White stands behind a panel of photos showing damage to the ancient rock writing caused by dust kicked up by hundreds of gas drilling truck-trips that often travel the dusty Nine Mile Canyon road during the day. White's group proposed a truck by-pass route to protect the internationally famous site. The proposal was rejected the BLM. Photo ©JNWestwater

Watch 'Sierra Club Chronicles' on Sundance Channel

2008-02-18T19:38:00.006-07:00

"Sierra Club Chronicles" airs as part of THE GREEN, Sundance Channel’s weekly primetime destination focusing on environmental topics. A new episode will air every Tuesday at 9:00pm, February 5 - March 18.

The series features the dramatic efforts of committed individuals across the country united in common cause — the fight to protect their families, communities and the lands and livelihoods they love from pollution, corporate greed and short-sighted government policies. Read more.

Sierra Club Outings

2008-02-16T10:19:00.003-07:00

Click HERE to go to the home page of Sierra Club Outings.

Victory: Coal Plants Must Cut Mercury

2008-02-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

In a huge victory for public health, a federal court ruled on Friday that an Environmental Protection Agency policy allowing coal-fired power plants to evade mandatory cuts in toxic mercury pollution was illegal. The ruling came as a result of efforts by the Sierra Club, 14 states, dozens of Native American tribes, and public health groups to close the EPA's special interest loophole.

Coal-fired power plants, which are one of the largest sources of mercury pollution in the United States, will now have to dramatically reduce the amount of mercury they spew into our air.

Find out how much mercury is in your body and what you can do to fight mercury pollution!

We had a BLAST

2008-02-10T20:43:00.001-07:00

What a great time snowshoeing! The weather was perfect. Lunch on the trail. Great exercise and wonderful fellowship. Hope to see you at the next outing!

Click on photos to see ENLARGEMENT.

Duke to Offset 100% of Emissions from New Coal Plant

2008-02-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Coal: Duke to Offset 100% of Emissions from New Coal Plant
Today, for the first time ever Duke Energy will be required to address carbon dioxide emissions before its new coal-fired power plant can be built. North Carolina granted the air quality permit for Duke Energy's Cliffside coal-fired power plant, on the condition that the carbon emissions from the plant -- up to 6 million tons per year -- are completely offset.

This decision reflects the growing sentiment that the United States should be actively fighting global warming, not building new coal plants that will make the problem worse. States like Kansas and Florida have already said no to new coal, focusing instead on cleaner energy solutions like wind, solar and energy efficiency.

Urge UTAH to Join the Clean Car Lawsuit!

2008-01-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

Thirteen states, representing over a third of the U.S. auto market, have already adopted clean car standards to reduce global warming pollution from vehicles. But Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson rejected the advice of his staff, directives of two federal judges, and the Supreme Court, and denied the waiver states need to implement these crucial standards.

On January 2, California filed a lawsuit to compel the EPA to grant the waiver. Sixteen other states have already joined this lawsuit, including three states that have yet to commit to the clean car standards.

Please tell your Attorney General to join the California lawsuit and stand up to this dangerous attack on our states’ legal rights. A copy of your letter will also be sent to your governor. States only have until February 1 to join this lawsuit, so please send your message today!

Sincerely,

Scott Nathanson
National Field Organizer
Clean Vehicles Program

Subject: Defend Our State's Rights Against EPA Attack

Chart & VoterGuide compare all the candidates

2008-01-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Click on charts at left to ENLARGE.

To download the League of Conservation Voters extensive VoterGuide, click HERE.

New York Times Editorial, Jan 8

2008-01-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Nature Overrun

Nearly 40 years ago, President Richard Nixon issued an executive order calling for a national strategy to protect wildlife by restricting off-road vehicles to carefully designated trails. President Jimmy Carter later gave the interior secretary the authority to ban such vehicles from sensitive lands. Unfortunately, except for a brief and encouraging crackdown during the Clinton administration, nobody has paid much attention to these directives since.

There are now nine million off-road vehicles, meaning all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes (snowmobiles are a separate category). And their owners, with little resistance from the authorities that ought to be policing them, are transforming some of America’s most sensitive public lands into their personal playgrounds.

As Felicity Barringer and William Yardley wrote in The Times recently, there are responsible owners who stick to designated trails as well as renegades who go “off trail” with grave consequences for animal habitat, fragile desert soils and historical artifacts. The real problem, however, is that the important decisions about where off-road vehicles can go are not being made by the federal Bureau of Land Management, which is supposed to protect these lands and regulate these vehicles, but by the owners, user associations and rural county officials who are under their thumb.

Utah is an alarming case in point . . . (the editorial continues)

TO READ THE COMPLETE TIMES EDITORIAL CLICK HERE.

Green Tip: Think Globally, Eat Locally

2008-01-08T08:17:00.001-07:00

Click on image to enlarge. Click on title above to visit that website.

How Crude

2008-01-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Gasoline Consumption: Crude Miles Per Barrel (MPB)

Ever wondered how many barrels of crude oil you as an individual consume?

There are 42 gallons of crude oil in a barrel, and each barrel makes 20 gallons of gasoline.

If it takes 20 gallons of gas to fill your tank, you use a barrel of crude each fill up.

If you car gets 28 mpg, that's 560 mpb (miles per barrel.)

If you drive 19000 miles in a year, you will use apx. 34 barrels of crude a year.

Now is the time to curb crude oil use and turn to clean, renewable fuel alternatives.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/oil.html#Howused

How the '08 Presidential Candidates stack up

2007-12-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to one site that compares the candidates on environmental issues.

http://pewforum.org/religion08/compare.php?Issue=Environment

Normally, I don't have much faith in the two party system, but there really is a big difference between the candidates on the issue of what they would do about Global Warming etc. Some candidates don't even believe its happening!

Daily tips to help the Environment

2007-12-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Utah: Sleeping Giant of Clean, Safe, Renewable Energy

2007-12-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Utah is apparently blessed with extremely abundant sources of clean energy: chiefly geothermal, wind and solar.

An article in the SL Trib on Dec 1 says that Utah is estimated to have enough clean energy capacity from these three sources to supply well over 1.4 billion people with clean renewable energy.

So let us move away from dirty, harmful, environmental damaging, climate changing, non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal ... and toward clean, SAFE renewables such a geothermal, wind and solar. (Nuclear energy is apparently neither safe nor renewable and leads to many problems associated with uranium mining, hazardous radioactive waste storage, national security, nuclear proliferation and is extremely expensive to bring online.) Read the article and please join us to work for clean air, clean water and a better, smarter, healthier, sustainable Utah Valley and Planet. Thank you.

The Sky Is Falling

2007-12-01T15:28:00.001-07:00

LDS Earth Stewardship

2007-11-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Friends,
I would like to invite anyone interested in joining a newly formed Google group, called LDS Earth Stewardship. We are trying to gather resources, facilitate conversations, and stimulate better stewardship for those of or interested in the LDS faith. Please pass the word along to anyone you know who might be interested.
Click this link to join: http://groups.google.com/group/lds-earth-stewardship

All my best,
George Handley
Humanities College Professor
Department of Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature
3032 JFSB, Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
Tel: (801)422-7151, Cell: (801)616-6441, Fax: (801)422-0305

Provo Wetlands Development Concerns

2007-11-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Provo Northwest Connector and New Southgate Shopping Center Concerns

Provo City announced the Northwest Connector this month in the November Community Newsletter, which can be viewed online at:
http://www.provo.org/mayor.mayor_s_update_main.html.
The proposed road will run from Geneva Road in the 2000 North area to Center Street to the Provo Airport.
This area is very environmentally sensitive. The Provo River, wetlands and the Despain Ranch and Bird Refuge will all be impacted if this road is built. As a concerned resident of the area I voiced my concerns about this project at the Provo City Council meeting Nov. 20, 2006. The meeting is replayed on the Provo City channel 17 daily at 12.00 noon until the next meeting on Dec. 4th.
This road is partially a ripple effect of the Geneva Road expansion which will only be three lanes through Provo because of historic buildings along Geneva Road including the old tithing building on the west side of the street. The EIS on Geneva Road has already conducted traffic studies with the Northwest Connector and the Lakeshore Drive connectors already included in the traffic model. This road will not run through residential areas and will connect to the airport through the wetlands.
Provo City has also recently announced a new retail development to be located in East Bay, the Southgate Shopping Center. This new shopping development will be built over the Provo City Wetlands in this area. The city announcement addresses the wetland environmental issues associated with the develpment and can be viewed at http://www.provo.org/current_issues.southgate.html.
Here are the concerns I have about the proposed shopping mall regarding the wetlands:
I feel we are being shortchanged in the total amount of wetlands in our community by the new Southgate Shopping Center.
The Despain Ranch Bird Refuge was created in 2000 by the Utah Quality Growth Commission. The new shopping center has just been announced and the city is saying that they are replacing those wetlands with the Despain Ranch Wetlands.
The wetlands that are currently in the East Bay area on Kuhni Lane are locked, gated and fenced. You have to call for an appointment to visit this area, and I don’t want to see the wetlands locked up in the Despain Ranch wetlands area. Residents should be allowed to enjoy the natural beauty of the wetland without scheduling an appointment.
The proposed Northwest Connector and Lakeshore Drive Connector would make two new bridges over the Provo River in a very short area, approximately one mile or less apart. This would impact both the river, which is very fertile in these areas, and the river trail. The June Sucker fish and native trout would also be impacted. We are currently able to enjoy two miles of trail here without having to contend with automobile exhaust fumes, and I am concerned that we will lose the clean air here as a result of these roads. As a frequent visitor to the river trail I suggest that one bridge be built for both roads. Another suggestion regarding the bridge is that it be made high enough for canoeing, which is a favorite pastime here. The bridge should also allow birds and other wildlife to travel through it as well.
As far as the wetlands are concerned, the road would dissect this area and encourage development. This area should not be built on because Utah Lake and the Provo River can reclaim these lands for a number of reasons. We have seen this happen in the past and we need this area for a buffer zone. There is also Peteetneet soil in this area, which is rare and takes many years to form.
I am concerned that if airport truck traffic is allowed on this road, if it is built, we could possibly have fuel or chemical spills that would devastate the wildlife, groundwater and Utah Lake.
As far as both projects are concerned, Provo City is sending mixed messages. On one hand we are being told the wetlands will be improved and on the other we are being told that a road will have to be built through the wetlands for airport traffic. The EIS for the Northwest Connector should begin soon although a date has not yet been announced. The agency that will be building the road has not yet been announced yet however preliminary information indicates that it will not be UDOT, and it will most likely be Provo City.

Coal Q & A's

2007-11-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

If we don't build all these [150 proposed] new coal-fired power plants now, won't we be setting ourselves up for rolling blackouts and jeopardizing our energy future?
Coal is a very inefficient source of energy. In fact the average coal plant in the U.S. is only 33% efficient-that's a lot of wasted resources. There are many, more efficient alternatives to coal-fired power plants that can both guarantee our energy future and provide cleaner, healthier options for meeting our energy needs. Instead of wasting more resources on coal, we can invest in efficiency technologies and renewables that don't cause serious health problems and global warming pollution.
What role can coal play in a cleaner, healthier energy future?
There is nothing clean about coal-fired power plants-from being the largest source of toxic mercury pollution to releasing 40% of our nation's total carbon dioxide emissions every year, coal-fired power plants are the dirtiest source of energy we use today. While we won't be able to wean ourselves off of coal tomorrow, we should be moving away from coal energy and cleaning up the existing plants that are the worst polluters. A truly cleaner and healthier energy future relies on smart solutions like efficiency and renewables, not on dirty coal.
Isn't coal the most affordable energy choice, providing energy at half the cost of other fuels?
Wrong. Coal is very expensive. The cost of coal prices has skyrocketed over the past year, and the cost of building coal plants has escalated more than 50 percent in some instances. And consider other costs associated with coal: From lung disease to the loss of mountaintops because of irresponsible mining to health care and environmental destruction, the hidden costs of coal are immense. Future carbon dioxide regulations may also increase the cost of coal. With the cost of efficiency and renewables like wind dropping to competitive levels, building new coal-fired power plants is a poor investment for our pocketbooks and our future.
Can't coal help reduce our reliance on oil?
Even though coal-to-liquids plants have been around since World War II, the truth is that liquid coal is not a practical way to lessen our dependence on oil. Liquid coal plants are costly and complex, requiring huge investments to produce even the smallest amount of synthetic fuels. Replacing a mere 10% of our fuel with liquid coal would require an increase in coal mining of over 40%, increasing the already devastating effects of mining on communities across the country. Burning liquid coal creates almost double the global warming emissions as the petroleum-based gas we use now. Instead of wasting our tax dollars on these plants, we should be investing in proven ways to cut our oil dependence like increasing fuel efficiency standards.
Don't we have a 250 year supply of coal right here in America?
Although the coal industry claims that we have a near endless supply of coal right here in America, the truth is that it is already becoming increasingly harder to mine, leading to the increased use of destructive techniques like mountaintop removal mining. Much of our nation's coal reserves are so hard to access that it simply doesn't make economic sense to mine them. Coal is a limited resource, and it will run out even sooner if we double our consumption by building a new rush of coal-fired power plants.
Isn't clean energy too far away and too expensive to be practical?
No, in fact many states across the nation are already investing heavily in efficiency and making the switch to renewable energy. California's aggressive efficiency programs have held per capita electricity use constant for over 10 years, while other states have seen energy use more than double. Over 20 states already require a percentage of their energy to come from renewable sources. Minnesota recently adopted a 30% renewable energy standard by 2020, while New Jersey has a 22.5% by 2020 requirement and New York is poised to get 24% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2013.
Not only is clean energy good for the environment, it is good for the economy, too. Wind is already competitively priced and is cheaper than coal in many places. The cost of efficiency is as little as half the cost of new coal-fired power plants. A greater investment in renewables and efficiency would not only help lower our energy prices but would also help local economies. A recent study by the Apollo Alliance found that renewable energy generated 40% more jobs per dollar invested than coal.
What about "clean coal" technologies, like IGCC?
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology has gotten a lot of attention because it can emit lower amounts of soot and smog pollution than traditional plants. However, while IGCC can lower some emissions, it emits just as much global warming pollution as other coal plants. There is no such thing as clean coal. It is an oxymoron. Although the coal companies have promised future technological innovations that will allow us to generate electricity from coal with less pollution somewhere down the road, that technology does not yet exist. And, even though technologies do exist that can make coal plants cleaner, coal companies have been dragging their feet on installing these modern pollution controls. Not surprisingly most of the proposed new plants are the same pulverized coal plants that were built in our grandparents' era-only bigger and more polluting.
Can replacing light bulbs really reduce the need to build new coal fired power plants?
Yes, it is a start. A study by McKinsey and Company found that by increasing energy efficiency we could cut our energy consumption by more than half. Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75% less electricity than regular bulbs, better insulating our homes, and buying Energy Star appliances are small actions that can make our energy savings really add up. Of course, light bulbs alone won't solve the entire problem-but they are a step in the right direction. We also need states to take action and provide incentives for our utilities to help us save energy, instead of rewarding utilities when they sell more electricity. The energy saved by reducing waste will actually add-up to be America's greatest, least tapped power source. By thinking of efficiency as another fuel at our disposal we can lower energy demand, which will keep energy prices low and combat global warming-all while eliminating the need for dirty and expensive new coal plants.
Click HERE for more coal info. Tim Wagner (801-467-9294) is the Utah Sierra Club's Smart Energy Campaign Director.

Sierra Club (national) does article on UVSF

2007-11-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2007

It's been awhile since the Sierra Club has had much of a local presence in Utah Valley. Nestled between Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains about half an hour south of Salt Lake City, the fast-growing valley centers on the cities of Provo and Orem in Utah County, sometimes referred to as "the reddest county in the reddest state in the union."

But for the last year the Utah Valley Sierra Forum (UVSF), some members of which are pictured above at an outing to the endangered wetlands of Utah Lake, has been meeting monthly at the Provo Public Library. Comprised largely but not exclusively of Sierra Club members, the UVSF isn't an official Sierra Club group, but it operates with the blessing of the Utah Chapter office in Salt Lake City. In addition to its monthly meetings, the group conducts outings, organizes rallies, hosts panel discussions and speaking engagements, and sponsors a variety of green events. ....

.....CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article.
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More Nuclear Reactors?--Why not $50B for clean, SAFE renewables instead?

2007-11-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

"Congress is set to pass the energy bill this Fall. We'll get more solar and wind and even better fuel efficiency for our cars. There's just one thing: one line in the new energy bill provides up to $50 billion for the nuclear industry.

We've already got the safe, viable alternatives to replace the dirty energy we're using now. Building new atomic reactors in an age of terror threats is not only scary, but the toxic waste from nuclear power threatens our health and our planet.

Please sign the petition, watch the video, and pass it along to friends. [The petition says, "America's new energy policy needs to focus on safe and economic fuel sources. Congress must strip the nuclear tax subsidies from the energy bill before they pass it."]

For more information, please go to www.nukefree.org."

Engage the 2008 Presidential Candidates

2007-11-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

What You Can Do n(from the Union of Concerned Scientists website)

Over the next year, presidential candidates will be crisscrossing the country trying to gain public support. The 2008 presidential election presents an important opportunity to ask the candidates questions about issues that affect our health, safety, and environment. This is your chance to educate and engage the candidates and other voters on the issues you care about most!
There are many ways to express your views. You can attend candidate events, call local campaign offices, submit questions on the candidates' websites, write letters to the editor of your local newspaper. We encourage you to engage the candidates and demand answers.
To help you get started, here are sample questions for the candidates:
Global Warming: We're already feeling the effects of global warming. Scientists tell us that we can avoid much more dangerous levels of warming by reducing U.S. heat-trapping emissions 15 to 20 percent by 2020 and at least 80 percent by 2050. What's your plan to meet these targets? More...
Nuclear Weapons: As president, would you re-affirm that it is the policy of the United States to work with other nations toward the elimination of all nuclear weapons? More...
Political Interference in Science: What will you do to assure the independence and integrity of federal advisory committees, protect federal scientists from political interference with their work, and to stop the censorship and suppression of their research results? More...
Food and Farming: As president, what measures would you take to encourage modern, sustainable forms of agriculture that promote better human health and a cleaner environment? More...
Renewable Energy: To reduce our global warming pollution, would you support legislation to dramatically increase our use of renewable energy sources—like the sun and wind—to at least 15 percent? More...
Vehicle Fuel Economy: According to the National Academy of Sciences, the technology already exists to make today's automobiles average 40 miles per gallon without sacrificing choices in size, performance, or safety. Where do you stand on the Senate's compromise proposal to make America's passenger vehicle fleet average 35 miles per gallon by 2020? More...
Your questions will be most effective if you make them personal. Use your own words and tie the issue to your personal expertise or experience, or to the community you live in. Click HERE for more info.

Students from 300+ colleges & universities join forces for the environment

2007-11-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Global Warming: Power Shift 2007
This weekend, almost 6,000 students from across the country converged on Washington, D.C. for the first-ever national youth climate summit. The summit built on successful student efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of over 300 colleges and universities, coalescing local movements into one vision for the future, which includes 80 percent reductions in carbon emissions by 2050, the creation of 5 million new green jobs and investment in clean energy solutions, not new coal plants.

Be inspired by our future - LEARN MORE!

TAKE ACTION: Please ask Senators Hatch and Bennett To Strengthen the New Climate Bill

2007-11-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Over the last year, Union of Concerned Scientists supporters across the country have sent thousands of letters to state and federal lawmakers urging them to reduce global warming pollution. While we’ve laid important groundwork and celebrated some concrete victories at the state and regional level—the United States still needs national comprehensive climate legislation.

Soon, Congress will be consumed with 2008 presidential election activity. We need them to take action now on a strong policy that helps prevent dangerous warming. We have a small window of opportunity—and we must act now.

Last week, Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) introduced America’s Climate Security Act (S. 2191). The bill’s bi-partisan support and strong framework for reducing global warming pollution will help build momentum for real congressional action. However, the Senate must act to strengthen a few elements of the bill. Please urge your senators to ensure that the bill helps avoid the worst effects of global warming.

Sincerely,
Kate Abend, National Field Organizer, UCS Climate Program

CLICK on link below to TAKE ACTION.

Coal Defeated in Monumental Victory!

2007-10-24T12:28:00.001-06:00

In a monumental victory last Thursday, the Kansas Department of Health rejected a permit to build two 700-megawatt coal plants near Holcomb, Kansas due to global warming emissions. Roderick L. Bremby, Secretary of the department stated that "it would be irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the potential harm to our environment and health if we do nothing." He also cited the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year in Massachusetts vs. EPA, in which the court found that the EPA could regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act.

Thanks in large part to the Sierra Club's efforts to rally public support and file two lawsuits against the project, this is a huge success for Kansas and the entire nation. But the events in Kansas are only the beginning of a growing movement against coal and other dirty forms of energy production. Ranchers, farmers, teachers and countless other Americans are taking up the cause throughout the country, calling for clean, renewable energy sources in their states.

Learn more about the hazards of coal, and take action to urge your Senators and Representative to pass forward-thinking energy legislation this fall that will reduce our dependence on dirty fossil fuels.

Flip the Switch

2007-10-24T11:43:00.001-06:00

Read This: Our Most Important Story This Year
Sure, 2007 still has a ways to go, but we've already reached a critical moment in what newly minted Nobel Prize winner Al Gore has called the "moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity." Yes, global warming is a challenge to all of humanity, but meeting it starts with each and every one of us as individuals. And right now, you can do something that will make a huge difference.

The U.S. Congress must pass an energy bill. This time around, though, they have a chance to pass one that actually will make a real difference in stopping global warming. It's simple: We need a bill that raises fuel-efficiency standards while also adopting a renewable electricity standard. Both of these are on the table as the House and Senate work to reconcile their competing versions of the bill. And if we can get both in this bill, we'll eliminate 20 percent of our global warming emissions by 2030 and make significant progress on long-term reductions in global warming pollution.

And get this: Doing your part won't win you any prizes, but it will make America stronger, create jobs, and save you money. Check out our updated "I Want My MPG" calculator to see exactly what a 35-mpg fuel-efficiency standard could save you every year.

Then, tell Congress it's time to "Flip the Switch" by signing our petition to the House and Senate leadership. Because this is one fight we have to win.

Needed: a Utah Valley chapter of Utah Moms for Clean Air

2007-10-20T14:27:00.000-06:00

Utah Moms for Clean Air is a savvy new player in the movement to clean-up Utah's dangerously contaminated air. We are a non-profit, grassroots organization of Utah mothers and allies who share a concern about the health impacts of Utah’s dirty air. Our mission is to use the power of moms to clean up Utah’s dirty air. We are working to accomplish this by a combination of individual action, education outreach, and the shaping of policy and legislation.

Our organization was launched in May 2007, and while we are less than 5 months old, we have been bolstered by the groundswell of support for our message. We would now like to get this message out to folks in
Provo, a city that suffers from some of the worst acute spikes in pollution in the nation.

To do so, we would like to establish a chapter of Utah Moms for Clean Air in Utah Valley. We need at least one person to spearhead this effort, so if you are interested in motivated moms and other concerned citizens in your area, please send us an email to: supermoms@utahmomsforcleanair.org.

The more chapters we can establish across Utah, the more powerful we will be. The founder(s) of a Mom's chapter in Utah Valley can decide how much they want to be involved and what actions they would like to take. Actions can range from just signing on to letters that we write to elected officials, to meeting with your elected officials, to holding educational talks, etc. The most important aspect of establishing a chapter in Utah Valley is to demonstrate that concern for clean air is not just a "liberal" Salt Lake City concern. So please join our efforts and make a difference for not only the children of Utah, but all citizens of this beautiful state.

With Warm Regards,

Cherise Udell
Founder and President
Utah Moms for Clean Air
utahmomsforcleanair.org
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Trib Article

2007-10-11T15:40:00.000-06:00

Greenhouse pollution: Utah warming faster than global average
To read this informative article in the SL Tribune, click HERE.

Tell Congress to Flip the Switch

2007-10-11T08:11:00.000-06:00

Help the Sierra Club Flip the Switch and bring America's New Energy Future to Life. Send your petition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today.

This August, the Senate and House of Representatives both passed landmark bills that - if combined, will put America on the path to energy independence and solving global warming.

Right now, members of the House and Senate are working to create a final version of the bill - which could and should include the best of both measures - that raises fuel efficiency standards to 35 miles per gallon and requires that 15% of our electricity be generated by wind, solar or other renewable power.

To turn this legislation into real progress we need you to tell Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to include both the Senate Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) provision and the House Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) in the final energy bill this fall.

TAKE ACTION

2007-10-09T21:53:00.000-06:00

Take Action: Fund Progress, Not Nukes.
"The recently-passed energy bills in both the Senate and the House contain forward-thinking provisions like a Renewable Electricity Standard and increases in fuel economy. But they could also open the door for unlimited funding for dangerous and costly nuclear energy technology.

Nuclear energy is a bad investment, from outrageously huge subsidies to potential meltdowns to toxic waste that continues to accumulate without any permanent storage facilities. Take action now and urge your members of Congress to remove this provision that would give the nuclear industry a blank check to build new nuclear reactors across the country." -- A Sierra Club "Take Action" request. There are better, smarter, safer, healthier, sustainable energy alternatives such as solar, wind and geothermal the we should be supporting instead.

Tell your Senators and Representative to Refuse Unlimited Loan Guarantees to the Nuclear Industry!

Powerful UVSF meeting gets coverage in the Herald, the Tribune and online

2007-09-21T15:45:00.000-06:00

<- Click on photo to ENLARGE.

Our September 19th meeting was a big success. With 35 people in attendance, the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment and the Utah Moms for Clean Air greatly impressed the audience with the critical state of Utah Valley's air quality, and the serious threat it faces from coal-burning power plants and vehicle exhaust.

The event was well covered by the media. Articles about the event appeared both in the Provo Daily Herald (click HERE to read) and the Salt Lake Tribune (click HERE to read). KSL radio also called for an interview with the presenters. In addition, a film crew from Your Environmental Roadtrip Tour (YERT.com) was present to film the high impact presentations. They plan to post an extended clip from the presentations at their website, visited by contemporary viewers interested in the environment.

It is amazing how far the Utah Valley Sierra Forum has come in a matter of 10 months. We owe it to those who are supporting and contributing to what we do. We owe very special thanks to Bepe Kafka who recently resigned as our hard-working Vice Chair of the UVSF, and to Marsh McLean who tirelessly directed and helped bring into being the "Living Green in Utah Valley" Expo which recently took place in Provo. Hats off to you both!!
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Living Green Comes to Happy Valley

2007-09-21T13:17:00.000-06:00

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Living Green in Utah Valley Expo is Born

(Click on photos above to ENLARGE.)

On Saturday, September 15, the Living Green in Utah Valley Expo came into being. The product of a herculean effort by Marsha McLean and others, with limited resources and put together in a short period of time, the Expo had 20 green exhibitors and 4 presenters, from Dr. Diane Neilson, Governor Huntsman's Energy Advisor, to experts on transportation, water conservation and community cohousing. The expo was designed to help educate, equip and inspire Utah Valley residents to live better, smarter, healthier and sustainable lifestyles–ways of living in better harmony with the environment of this beautiful valley.

Another Living Green Expo is planned for about the same time next year. We hope this will become an annual and important event for Utah Valley.

Contributing sponsors of the event and Expo advertising were UTA, Central Utah Water Conservancy District, MCR Recycling, Rocky Mountain Printing, Historic Downtown Provo and By Right Sell Right Powerhouse Realtors. The Director of the Expo was Marsha McLean. Photos ©JWestwater.

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Global warming impact like "nuclear war" says report

2007-09-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Please read this news article and make your suggestions as to what we can do.

no more plastic bags

2007-09-11T22:14:00.000-06:00

photo source: delight.com

One of the easiest changes to make when becoming more environmentally aware is discontinuing the use of plastic bags. We know that one person can make a difference by not using plastic bags and there's a lot of personal joy that comes from knowing that you are doing your part, albeit small.

I love these envirosax. Not only are they beautiful and eco-friendly, but each bag holds the equivalent of two plastic grocery bags! Envirosax is an Australian company and they sell these bags in a variety of styles and designs. They now have a USA store online and the website is a lot of fun to look at. For $35 you get 5 bags rolled up in a larger bag that you can keep in your car or you can keep a bag or two in your purse as well. Other fun bags I've seen around online are from Carry A Bag and I'm Not a Plastic Bag and others seen over at Tangled and True.

Whenever I use these bags or bags like them, everyone notices mainly because they are so attractive, but almost everyone stops and says, "I never thought about doing that!" or "What a great idea!" or "I want to start doing that!" Even if their motivating factor is because the bags are so cute, or because it's trendy to be green, who cares, right? They notice that I am not going to use plastic bags. Most people are unaware of their own impact on the environment and sometimes all it takes is to see one thing. That's how it happened for me.

Bags like these can also be homemade or be bought for practically pennies at health food stores and other places. I love these beautiful alternatives to plastic bags. They make me happy.

Oposition Vocal at Coal Plant Hearing

2007-08-24T13:13:00.000-06:00

Click on photo to ENLARGE.
The overwhelming majority of speakers spoke out in opposition to a new coal plant planned for Sevier County at a public meeting held on August 24th. In attendance and speaking in opposition to the plant were several members of the UVSF. Numerous parents with asthmatic children joined many others in condemning the proposed plant. The plant would produce toxins that will further harm Utah's air quality which in places like Utah Valley has already reached a health crisis point.

Photos ©JWestwater

Which Choices Are You Making?

2007-08-16T21:17:00.000-06:00

<–– Click on the graphic at left to ENLARGE.

YOUR SUGGESTIONS are requested

2007-08-08T21:00:00.001-06:00

Please give us your suggestions for:

how we can function better as a group
ideas for speakers and subjects for our meetings
things we can do to help the environment
green events that are coming up
helpful web sites to visit that relate to our objectives
suggestions for fun outings, hikes, get-togethers and the like
ideas for educational outings and service projects
any other suggestions or ideas

You may give us your suggestions by clicking on the "comments" link immediately below this posting, or by emailing Bepe or Jim.

Utah's Red Rock Areas Need Wilderness Protection

2007-08-08T07:07:00.000-06:00

Legislation to designate over 9 million acres of Utah's world class redrock natural areas is now before congress. For many years this legislation has not passed. With the new congress we now have the best chance in years to enact this bill and protect this land from mining and other impacting activities. But we must let our congressional representatives know that we support this important legislation. Click HERE to learn more about ARWA and how to help protect these great parts of Utah.

All lands proposed for wilderness designation in America's Red Rock Wilderness Act are owned by the American public and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The bill is supported by SUWA, the Wasatch Mountain Club, the Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and more than 200 other national and regional conservation organizations belonging to the Utah Wilderness Coalition.

Our thanks to the photographers supplying these images (see site above for their names).

Are compact florescents good for the environment?

2007-08-07T16:57:00.000-06:00

Fox news has recently slammed the use of compact florescents as a replacement for traditional incandescent bulbs. What to know the "rest of the story?" Click HERE to read what Mr. Green of the Sierra Club has to say about this.

Via BBC News "Ozone has 'strong climate effect'"

2007-07-25T05:55:00.000-06:00

Our friends across the pond seem to be far less skeptical about climate change than those of us here in the USA. That is why it doesn't surprise me to see this report from the BBC.

Ozone could be a much more important driver of climate change than scientists had previously predicted, according to a study in Nature journal.

The authors say the effects of this greenhouse gas - known by the formula O3 - have been largely overlooked.

Ozone near the ground damages plants, reducing their ability to mop up carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

As you may or may not know, one of the major sources of ground level ozone is tailpipe emissions from cars. Another reason to encourage public transportation, walkable communities, and a safer environment for bicycling. Look for a future forum event on the subject of using the bicycle for daily transportation needs, including getting the groceries and hauling the kids around! Click on the title above for a link to the whole article.

Encouraging article in the Deseret News

2007-07-21T12:36:00.000-06:00

"Utahns back alternative fuels
Polled residents want to fight global warming"

A very encouraging article appeared recently in the Deseret Morning News. I strongly encourage you to read it. At left is a graphic that summerizes some of the findings of an important recent poll.

<<-- Click on the graphic to ENLARGE it. And click HERE to read the rest of this informative article.

A Deseret Morning News Article about UVSF

2007-07-21T12:01:00.000-06:00

Sierra Club forum is blossoming in valley
By Amy Choate-Nielsen
Deseret Morning News

OREM — After 10 years of dissolution, the Sierra Club is slowly being resurrected in Utah County by a group of environmental enthusiasts.
It's been about six months since the environmentally conscious group re-activated the Utah Valley Sierra Forum, but already the organization is growing in number and purpose. The county is seen as one of the most conservative in the state, but Mapleton resident Bepe Kafka, a leader in the county group, which counts some 200 people among its ranks, says the group's monthly discussions have been piquing the interest of people from all kinds of backgrounds.

"I think we're on the cusp of a wave because everybody's starting to be worried about global warming," Kafka said. "People from all over come to our meetings, from Lehi on down. ... Our membership has the full spectrum of people."

Please read the rest of the article by clicking HERE.

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UVSF Cleanup Team Strikes Diamond Fork Hot Springs: takes many "prisoners"

2007-06-30T21:28:00.001-06:00

Seven UVSF members hiked up to beautiful Diamond Fork Hot Springs and bagged 5 trash sacks full of junk. After lunch and a refreshing soak in some delightfully cool pools (the springs have both hot and cool pools, and it was about 96˚ in the shade), we hiked back the 2.25 miles to the trail head before carpooling it to Spanish Fork to deposit the "goods" in proper receptacles.

A really good time was had by all while we did a little deed to help the environment and Mother Earth. As it turned out, the majority of us were Native Americans.

It should be noted that Earl Owen, one of a stalwart members, who is pictured in the "pool," passed on in September of this year. See the other postings in tribute to this quiet, gentle, caring spirit.

Photos ©2007JNW

Protect our Kids From New Freeway Pollution!

2007-06-20T10:45:00.000-06:00

Help get the word out on the dangers to children from the health risks of the Mountain View Corridor. Click on the poster at right to ENLARGE. -->>

As several recent scientific studies have shown, children living near freeways are at extreme risk for severe health problems. For example, children within 250 yards from a freeway are 8-times more likely to develop leukemia and 6-times more likely to develop other cancers. In addition, children aged 12-18 living within 500 meters from a freeway are at highest risk for permanent deformities in lung development. There are also many other studies.

The proposed 8-lane freeway of the Mountain View Corridor (MVC) would travel along 5800 West in Salt Lake County. It will place several neighborhoods and schools in this deadly zone of distance next to this new freeway. Whittier and Hillside elementary schools and Hunter high school specifically would be inside this zone. [MVC would also split Lehi yet again, pollute the air, create health problems, create noise pollution and hurt residential property values. -Chair]

In the beginning of planning, UDOT appeared to be looking at new rail transit along 5600 West with the Mountain View Corridor studies. However, we have recently found that they have scrapped any new transit plans for this area until over a quarter of a century from now and have proposed the freeway to be even wider. Transit and non-freeway road expansion is the only solution to keep our children safe from these concentrated pollution threats.

Please contact me with any questions.

Marc Heileson, Sierra Club, (801) 467-9294, marc.heileson@sierraclub.org