Cleaner and Greener Please

NC Warn reports:

“50-100 Percent Jump in N.C. Electric Bills Possible if Duke, Progress Build 4 Unneeded Nuclear Plants and Duke Finishes Cliffside Coal-Fired Power Plant”
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“North Carolina homeowners could see their utility bills climb between 50-100 percent if Duke Energy and Progress Energy are allowed to proceed with four nuclear plants and if Duke completes the new Cliffside coal plant. Any need for these plants could be replaced with modest increases in energy efficiency, cogeneration, and renewable power, according to a major new study produced by the former chair of the Duke University Economics Department for NC WARN (North Carolina Waste Awareness & Reduction Network).”

The Clean Smokestacks Act in NC has greatly reduced pollution, but there’s a lot of work yet to be done:

“Pollution controls at Progress Energy’s Skyland power plant have helped improve air quality in recent years, but some areas in Western North Carolina fall short or just barely meet new federal standards for ozone.”

If you want to see how we can reduce pollution and the need for more power generation facilities, check out the YDub:

“The YWCA of Asheville will hold a solar panel dedication celebration on Earth Day, April 22, at 8:00 am at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Avenue. This event, which is sponsored by Progress Energy, is free and open to the public.”
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“The 30 solar panels that have been installed at the YWCA provide energy to heat water for the agency’s pool, showers, and kitchen. The benefits of solar energy include the economic benefit of a 20% reduction in YWCA natural gas utility bills. From an environmental perspective, the YWCA’s solar panels will prevent 18 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year.”

And while we’re talking about cleaning things up, Asheville GreenWorks is calling on all volunteers to help clean up Asheville:

Asheville GreenWorks will be hosting a Great Asheville Buncombe Cleanup Kickoff Party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Terry Bellamy and County Commissioner David Gant will proclaim April Great Asheville Buncombe Cleanup month and help with the kickoff cleanup on Chamber grounds and nearby streets. Everyone in the community is invited to this event to help with the cleanup or pick up supplies for their own cleanup.
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“Volunteers are wanted Saturday for the Great Asheville Buncombe Cleanup. We’ll be meeting at six Bojangles locations listed below between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to distribute supplies and eat breakfast. Asheville GreenWorks volunteers will equip you with bags, gloves and safety vests, and other supplies as needed, and Bojangles will provide breakfast to hungry volunteers. If you already know of a spot in your neighborhood that needs work, pick up some supplies and mobilize your own neighborhood pickup.

If you want to make a difference in the greater community contact Asheville GreenWorks beforehand and we’ll set you up with a site and group. Contact allison@ashevillegreenworks.org or 254-1776 for questions or to register for this event