environment, education, onservation & events for southwest … · 2018-10-08 · • advance...
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Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Environment, Education, Conservation & Events for Southwest Washington
Sign-waving Dates Set for Endorsed Candidates Lehman Holder, Programs Chair
Two dates in October have been scheduled for sign-waving to
assist Loo Wit Group’s endorsed candidates at the local and
state levels, and the endorsement of Carolyn Long by
Washington State Chapter and national Sierra Club for U.S.
Congress. You’re invited!
Signs will be provided at both events. Times, dates and
locations include: 4-6 p.m., Oct. 17 (Wed), on the Evergreen
Blvd overpass over I-5, just west of Officers Row; and 4-6
p.m. Oct. 30 (Tues), at E. Mill Plain and Chkalov, just east of I-
205. Loo Wit members and volunteers are encouraged to join
these efforts to help elect environmental champions.
Carolyn Long’s endorsement by national Sierra Club reflects her very strong and active campaign in
the third Congressional District (SW Washington). Although Loo Wit Group cannot endorse a candidate
for federal office, Loo Wit’s political committee arranged Carolyn’s endorsement interview and supports
her subsequent endorsement.
Washington legislative candidates interviewed and receiving endorsement by Loo Wit and Washington
Chapter include Tanisha Harris, 17th District; and Kathy Gillespie and Chris Thobaben, 18th District.
County Council endorsements include Eric Holt, running for Council chair; and Temple Lentz, running
for Council, district 1. Laurie Lebowsky has been endorsed for election to City Council, after her
appointment last February to fill a vacant seat.
Loo Wit political committee and executive committee (ExCom) strongly encourage Loo Wit members
and others to vote for and support the above candidates in the upcoming, very critical election on Nov.
6. Questions? Contact Lehman: [email protected] .
Image courtesy Elect Long
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Explore—Enjoy—Protect
What Does Sierra Club Seek in Candidates for Office?
Lehman Holder, Political Chair
If you’ve ever wondered what Sierra Club is looking for in a candidate for city, county, state and
federal office, here are a few things to know: broadly put, for the past 25 years, Sierra Club members
have worked to elect leaders who will take action to protect the planet.
Sierra Club believes that our nation needs strong leaders to defend bedrock environmental and public
health protections and ensure that America keeps its commitments in the fight for environmental
justice and against climate disruption.
The challenge:
• Ensure the laws that protect clean air, clean water, land and wildlife are defended, enforced and
adequately funded.
• Secure aggressive policies to reduce carbon pollution and hold fossil fuel polluters accountable for
their pollution, including keeping dirty fuels in the ground.
• Support clean, not dirty, energy and transportation with our investments and incentives both at
home and abroad.
• Advance fair trade that puts the interests of communities, workers and the environment before the
interests of multinational corporations.
• Ensure climate solutions are just and protect workers and our most vulnerable communities.
• Protect the rights of voters and limit the power of big money in politics.
• Advance equity and justice for all Americans, regardless of race, gender or economic status.
Poll after poll has shown that voters across the country, regardless of demographics or political
persuasion, share these values. Sierra Club uses the power of our voice and our volunteers on behalf
of the candidates the Club endorses. Your help is welcomed and appreciated.
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Loo Wit Executive Committee
Members
Mark Leed—Chair
Don Steinke—Oil & Coal
Steve Foster—Treasurer/Sales
Mike Newsham— Outings Liaison
Alona Steinke—Oil & Coal/at large
Fred Suter — Vice Chair/Legislative
Liaison
David Bybee—Secretary
Emily Waters—Newsletter
LOO WIT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Tue. October 2nd, 6:30-8pm. Loo Wit Executive Committee
meeting. St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Vancouver, WA.
Wed. October 10th, 6:30-8pm. Beyond Coal & Oil Task Force
meeting. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Vancouver, WA.
Sign-waving for Loo Wit Endorsed Candidates:
Wed. October 17th, 4-6pm. Evergreen Blvd. overpass
Tue. October 30th, 4-6pm. Chkalov & East Mill Plain
intersection.
*Outings are posted on Meetup approximately 7 days in advance
of the event.
Beyond Coal & Oil Task Force Meetings are held the 2nd
Wednesday of the month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in
Vancouver. Meet & greet with pizza starts at 6:00 pm,
followed by the meeting at 6:30 pm.
Connect With Us!
If you haven't already, please give us a "like" on Facebook!
We share information about upcoming events, photos from
outings and the latest Loo Wit news. You can even share our
posts with your own Facebook friends, helping to spread the
word about Loo Wit!
All of our upcoming outings are posted on MeetUp, and
archives of our monthly newsletters on our website.
www.facebook.com/loowit.group
www.meetup.com/Portland-Vancouver-Sierra-Club-
Outings-Events
www.sierraclub.org/washington/loo-wit
You can also join our listserv for pertinent conservation
related news! Send an email to CASCADE-LOOWIT-CONS-
[email protected] with “subscribe” in the
subject line to be added to the list!
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Loo Wit ExCom Leaders 2018
(voting members)
Mark Leed – Chair
(360) 735-9451 home, (360) 356-0974
Don Steinke – Coal & Oil
(360) 892-1589 home, (360) 903-3052 cell
Steve Foster – Treasurer, Sales
(360) 607-8076 cell, (360) 892-4289 home
Mike Newsham – Outings Liaison
(360) 798-0800
Alona Steinke – At Large
Other contact info, see Don Steinke
Fred Suter – Vice Chair, Legislative Liaison
360-901-7699
David Bybee – Secretary
(360) 993-4247
Emily Waters – Newsletter Editor, Listserv
(360) 713-4281
Loo Wit Advisory & Committee Leaders 2018
(non-voting members)
Tom Forest – Outings Chair
(503) 730-7697
Lynn Stiglich
(360) 573-1396 home, (360) 921-6738 cell
Donna Schnuck – Webmaster
(360) 834-1464
Lehman Holder – Outings leader, Programs Chair
(360) 901-0861
Explore—Enjoy—Protect
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Explore—Enjoy—Protect
ACTION NEEDED!
The Zimmerly mine, located on SE 356th Avenue in Clark County and within the boundaries of the
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, has been the focus of much attention recently due to
permit and rule violations. The illegal mining operations at this site threaten neighbors, Gibbons
Creek, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and the quality of the Columbia River Gorge Na-
tional Scenic Area in general. Click here to tell the Gorge Commission to act! https://
cqrcengage.com/gorgefriendsactions/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=489129
The Zimmerly rock pit just east of Washougal, focus of the recent permit and rule violations.
*Images and text courtesy of Friends of the Columbia Gorge.
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Legislative Report
Fred Suter, Legislative Liaison & Vice Chair
The mid-term election is just 6 weeks away and this is an important election for many reasons. Some
are more obvious than others (I’m sure you have your own reasons that makes sense to you), but
here’s one reason this election is important especially to Washington voters. A favorable outcome in
November’s mid-term election brings with it the possibility that the composition of the Washington
State Legislature shifts in a way that is favorable for significant environmental legislation to be
considered.
The past few years has seen the water protections afforded by the Washington Supreme Court’s Hirst
decision significantly eroded by legislation favoring real estate developers. It has seen environmental
budgets cut that diminish toxic clean up and enforcement effort. It has seen promising environmental
legislation stalled in committee or unable to pass (a tax on carbon emissions is one such example).
Initiative 1631 which places a fee on the big carbon emitters in the state is on the November ballot
because state legislators were not able to pass the carbon tax. I urge you to vote for its passage.
There are also other pro-environmental issues that could come up for vote should the composition of
the state legislature shift.
An important one is 100% clean energy. Governor Inslee is leading a discussion that would reduce
carbon emissions by phasing out fossil fuel as a source of electricity by 2045 - an important step to
support the Paris Climate Agreement. There are other energy issues as well that would promote the
purchase of electric vehicles and energy efficient buildings or enhance building codes and appliance
efficiency.
The Puget Sound’s resident orca whales became the subject of much attention recently as a result of
their plummeting numbers. Governor Inslee called for the establishment of the Southern Resident
Orca Task Force which will bring multiple recommendations to the table. These will deal with food
source protection (ie salmon), solutions to contamination of their food and water supply, and ways to
deal with the noise from boat traffic in the Sound - and no doubt more.
Another potential legislative subject is plastics. The islands of plastic debris in the ocean are a
significant hazard to aquatic life. Plastic soda straws are currently receiving attention. In addition,
twenty-two local jurisdictions in the state of Washington have passed some kind of ban on plastic
bags. Further, China’s latest position on US recycling shipments jeopardizes recycling efforts.
There is much to address this coming year and the best way to address these issues is to elect pro-
environment candidates. Yes - it is important to pay attention to the Washington Chapter’s and the
Loo Wit Group’s political endorsements, but the single most important thing that you can do to make
sure our Club’s values are addressed is to vote on Nov 6th.
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
LOO WIT OUTINGS
2018 Outings Year Concludes in October
Lehman Holder, Outings leader
Loo Wit’s 2018 outings began in January
snow and are ending in changing colors and
falling leaves. Thanks to everyone who
participated for a great year!
As in years past, Nordic (x-c) skiing, cycling,
sea kayaking and hiking (including a
backpack outing in the Goat Rocks
Wilderness led by master hiker Mike
Newsham) were very popular. Cycling had
a fitful start, as the first two scheduled
outings in April were rained out, but picked
up momentum in May and June and
finished strong. There was good snow in Jan-Feb-Mar for x-c skiing. Sea kayak outings had good
responses with beginner/novice outings on Lake River and additional intermediate outings on
Lacamas Lake, Vancouver Lake and the southern section of Lake River and an exploration of lower
Salmon Creek.
At this writing there is still a bike outing (barring rain) and sea kayak outing remaining for this year,
before we go into “hibernation” until next spring. Keep an eye on Meetup for postings on upcoming
outings: www.meetup.com/portland-vancouver-sierra-club-outings-events . Hope to see you in 2019
for a new year of fun, active outings!
Proof that Loo Wit Outings are FUN! Photo courtesy of Terri Irland
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Explore—Enjoy—Protect
Left: Loo Wit Legislative Liason and Vice Chair Fred Suter representing Loo Wit at Ridgefield’s Multicultural Fair Right:
Visitors checking out the electric vehicles. Photo courtesy Tracy Ceravolo.
Loo Wit Involved in Two Community Fairs
Emily Waters
This month, Loo Wit members have been getting to know our neighbors a little better by participating in
two local events celebrating and encouraging community building. On September 1st, the City of
Ridgefield hosted it’s first multi-cultural event, featuring food, music, dance and art from a wide range of
vendors: visitors could try Filipino cooking classes, watch Hawaiian and Polynesian dancing, and learn
about Ridgefield’s Native American heritage, just to name a few! A week later, on September 8th, Loo
Wit was at the Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair. The fair coincided with National Drive Electric Week,
and Loo Wit was out in force with electric vehicles for visitors to check out, and even test-drive! A great
diversity of vehicles registered including the all-new, three-wheeled Arcimoto FUV (a crowd favorite)
which is made in nearby Eugene. We had both small cars like the Fiat 500e and Chevy Spark to larger
EVs like the Chrysler Pacifica and Tesla model X (another favorite). From the first model Leaf to shiny
new Teslas -- that's the way it should be!
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Climate Action on the Ballot
Don & Alona Steinke
Our statewide coalition spent nearly $2 million to organize 2,500 volunteers and paid signature
gatherers to collect 370,000 signatures for Initiative 1631. The initiative will be on the ballot in
November. Since then, the oil companies have spent $16 million to fight us.
Why do they oppose us? Initiative 1631 will accelerate the transition to zero-emission cars and buses.
Our all-electric Nissan Leaf represents $60,000 that the oil companies will never get. We’ll never need
to buy gasoline again. A conventional car is likely to use at least $60,000 in gasoline to drive 500,000
miles, which is the expected life of an electric car.
Be wary of the language used by the oil companies. They are the masters of spin. Alona and I have
repeatedly listened to their lobbyists in the legislature. Regardless of what climate policy is proposed,
they say that global warming is a serious issue, but this proposal will do nothing to solve the problem,
and it will hurt families and the economy. Or they will say, “Climate Change is too important to make
mistakes with policy that can’t be changed.” If you hear anything that makes you unsure of Initiative
1631, it likely will have come from the oil companies.
If we knock on enough doors, we will win. We have volunteers leading 2-hour canvasing events all over
Clark County and the State. Go to this website, enter “Vancouver” into the appropriate field and click
search, then scroll to the bottom to sign up.
In general, Initiative 1631 will reduce air pollution by putting a fee on the largest polluters, and will then
use the funds to incentivize job-creating projects such as energy efficiency upgrades for schools,
electric vehicles for city governments, shore power for ships, solar panels for schools, and low carbon
fuels.
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Explore—Enjoy—Protect
Climate Action On the Ballot, Continued
Don & Alona Steinke
Reasons to support Initiative 1631
Equity: Adequate funds will be set aside to make sure that the impact of the pollution fee on low
income households will be mitigated. Displaced workers in the fossil fuel industry will be protected
with a transition package.
Health: According to the Department of Ecology, the burning of fossil fuels in Clark County produces
189 tons of health-harming pollution per day. We’re all breathing this stuff every day. It washes into
the Columbia when it rains. You can see it on old snow. According the EPA, we’ll save $30 in health
care costs for each $1 invested in clean air.
Economy: We currently send $20 billion out of our state every year to purchase fossil fuels. Initiative
1631 will begin to keep that money here, to be invested in local jobs in energy conservation and
renewable energy.
Climate: Initiative 1631 will inspire other states and Congress to follow our lead.
Please take advantage of this opportunity to protect our children’s future.
Don & Alona Steinke promoting I-1631 at Vancouver’s Peace & Justice Fair.
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
In early September, Clark County Council regrettably voted not to
support stable funding for the Clark Conservation District. The
county councilors nixed a measure that would have charged property
owners just $5.00 per parcel per year to keep the conservation
district afloat. This funding would have replaced grants that are no
longer available.
Since 1942, Clark Conservation District
has provided assistance and
information to farmers and
homeowners in many areas, including
wildlife habitat improvement, erosion
control, wetland restoration, water
quality, and fish barrier
removal. Although the district is not a
regulatory agency itself, it provides
help with regulatory compliance. The
district's interim manager testified that over the last 5 years, probably 1,000
people per year have received assistance.
Clark Conservation District's board plans to meet in October to discuss the
path forward. Limited services might be available for a while, but the district really needs secure
funding. Please contact the county councilors and let them know you support keeping this vital service
alive. You can also visit Clark Conservation District’s website to learn more about the work they do and
how you can get involved http://www.clarkcd.org/
Clark Conservation District in Need of Funding
Mark Leed, Loo Wit Chair
Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
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Sierra Club.org/Washington/LooWit September 2018 Issue No. 130
Southwest Washington
Sierra Club
Loo Wit Group
PO Box 13
Vancouver, WA 98666-0013