Speak Up For Endangered Florida Panthers

 

Get the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to stop the unnecessary killings of Florida panthers by providing them with the critical habitat designation they so desperately need.

Why This Matters

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced that a record-breaking number of Florida panthers were killed in 2014. Right now, fewer than 180 Florida panthers remain.

 
Each year Florida panther habitat has continued to shrink, but we can put a stop to it now. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the power to grant "critical habitat designation" to the lands that are essential to the continued existence of an endangered species. This will halt federal permits that aid developers who want to take over the panther’s dwindling habitat and give them their best chance of survival.

 Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/speak-up-for-endangered-florida-panthers

Protect Birds, Babies, Bees and the Bay!

 

We must have a way of knowing that the plants we buy at nurseries are harming our bee population. Plants must be labeled so consumers can make the right decision.

Why This Matters

Bees pollinate 71% of the 100 crops that make up 90% of the world's food supply. In recent years, Maryland’s bee population has declined drastically. Bees must be protected from harmful chemicals that destroy entire beehives. Without bees, our world will not be able to supply enough food. The chemicals used on some nursery plants are also dangerous to birds and humans as well. Consumers need to know the plants they are buying were treated with toxic neonicotinoid pesticides.

Learn More: http://maryland.sierraclub.org/sites/maryland.sierraclub.org/files/documents/2015/02/Pollinator%20Protection%20Act%20fact%20sheet%202015.pdf

Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

 

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/protect-birds-babies-bees-and-the-bay

Save Red Wolves from Extinction

Get the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide protection for red wolves under the Red Wolf Recovery Program.

Why This Matters

Endangered wild red wolves are at risk of going extinct unless the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service takes action.

The Red Wolf Recovery Program protects the country’s only remaining 90 to 100 red wolves that now live in and around a federal wildlife refuge in North Carolina. 

Despite its success, federal officials are actually considering a proposal to end the program soon.

We almost lost the red wolf once. We can’t risk losing it forever again.

Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to save red wolves from extinction. Send your message now!

Image: Robert Dewar

Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/save-red-wolves-from-extinction

Protect the Inyo National Forest

Protect the Inyo National Forest

 

We need a strong, protective plan for the Inyo National Forest that protects water, wildlife, recreation and special places!

Why This Matters

The Inyo National Forest is a wildland gem in the Eastern Sierra. This beautiful forest’s high-quality fish and wildlife habitats, protected wildlands, and diverse recreational opportunities attract local residents and far-away visitors alike. 

Right now the Forest Service is deciding how the forest will be managed and protected for the next twenty years. With careful management, the Inyo can continue to support healthy natural habitats, clean water, and wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities for generations to come to explore and enjoy. 

After all, it is these things that draw us all to the forest and these things that need to be preserved in the face of climate and other changes for future generations!

 Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/protect-the-inyo-national-forest

Take Action: Protect Public Lands from Fracking!

We must keep at least two-thirds of our fossil fuels in the ground to prevent climate disaster. Tell President Obama to start by stopping dirty fuel sales from our public lands!

Why This Matters

The Obama administration has issued new rules that govern fracking on public lands. These rules were a small step forward, but when it comes to protecting our wild places and stopping climate change, we need bold action that keeps dirty fuels in the ground where they belong.

Sign the petition below to urge President Obama to protect our climate by ending fracking and other dirty fuel leasing on public lands.

Learn More: http://content.sierraclub.org/naturalgas/

Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

 https://www.addup.org/campaigns/take-action-protect-public-lands-from-fracking

Take Action For More Renewable Energy in TVA’s Long-term Plan!

TVA is drafting its long-term energy plan and accepting public input. Submit a comment to TVA to show public support for more solar, wind and efficienc and less gas, nuclear and coal.

Why This Matters

Although TVA is shifting away from coal, the utility still makes too much of our electricity by burning fossil fuels, polluting our air, water, and climate. TVA’s new draft plan for how the utility will provide energy for the next 20 years continues to rely primarily on dirty, expensive coal, gas, and nuclear instead of clean, affordable solar and wind and improved energy efficiency.

However, the plan is not final. You can help accelerate Tennessee's transition to renewable energy sources like wind, solar and efficiency by submitting a public comment on TVA's energy plan.

Learn More: http://action.sierraclub.org/TVA_EnergyEfficiency

Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/take-action-for-more-clean-energy-in-tvas-long-term-plan

Seize the Grid For 100% Clean Energy By 2030

 Seize the Grid For 100% Clean Energy By 2030

Transition 600 campuses and communities nationwide to 100% clean energy by 2030.

Why This Matters

Continued reliance on fossil fuels makes our communities sick and furthers impacts of climate disruption.Young people especially are impacted by pollution from coal plants and other fossil fuels and will face more threats from climate disruption. 

The good news is that campuses and communities can choose clean energy. And their demand for 100% clean energy will put significant pressure on utility providers to start buying more wind and solar and less dirty coal. 

Sign now to support campus administrators and community leaders in standing up to the self-interest of utility and fossil fuel companies and taking back our energy.

 

Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/seize-the-grid-for-100-clean-energy-by-2030

HEY YOU?! Want to Take Action?

HEY YOU?! Want to Take Action?

Here is a good place where you can Take Action and Join Campaigns to Protect the Environment! :)

https://www.addup.org/

Earth Day protestors call for Clean Jobs Bill & Alton Group Lobbies For Clean Jobs

Earth Day protestors call for Clean Jobs Bill & Alton Group Lobbies For Clean Jobs

Earth Day Lobby/Rally - Illinois Earth Day Lobby/Rally For Clean Jobs and Climate Action - April 22, 2015!!!

1ST OFF I (RAE BUG) WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON THIS -

 Had an amazing time today with many amazing and inspiring people!!! I would love to thank the Sierra Club and the amazing speakers, and all of the amazing people who participated. ( Which was 500 people!) - (And I will get around to adding/tagging names in the future - kind of wore out for today. LOL. I will update this more later.)

This gives me hope!!! You can take action, too!! Learn more at: www.ilcleanjobs.org ! (Like this is you agree that we need more clean energy in Illinois! Please Share! Spread the word!!! Please support the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill!!!! Please, Interact with your Representatives and Senators! Thank You!
There is so much more that I want to say about all of this - but I will have to get to it and update it later..

BUT - Here is a little about what we were lobbing/rallying for today.. ( I just copied this from an information packet that was handed to me by the wonderful Piasa Palisades Sierra Club - Because this sums it all up better than I could on my own. Lol.)

-THE ILLINOIS CLEAN JOBS BILL (SB1485/HB2607)-

*JOBS* This bill will create 32,000 jobs per year! (source: Illinois Science Technology Institute)

*IMPACT ON CUSTOMERS* Saves customers at minimum $1 Billion in net present value through 2030 through energy efficiency alone. That translates into minimum savings of 7.9%, or $8 -$9/month, by 2030 for average residential customer in current dollars. (source: Citizens Utility Board)

*ENERGY EFFICIENCY* This bill will raise energy efficiency standards to 20% by 2025, building on successful energy efficiency programs that have saved customers more than $1 billion since 2007 and helped create a new industry in Illinois.

*RENEWABLE ENERGY* Fixes the state's flawed RPS, and raises the standard to 35% by 2030, helping Illinois compete for capital and investment being captured by surrounding states. A commitment to priories like rooftop solar, community solar and solar for low-income communities and for residents who lack roof access..

*IMPACT ON COMPETITIVENESS AND INNOVATION SOURCE OF INVESTMENT* Encourages investments from capital markets. By ramping up renewables, will help Illinois attract investments currently being lost to other states; will allow for expansion of energy efficiency industry, and help increase local clean energy supply chain that currently includes 400 Illinois firms.

*SUPPORTED BY* The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, including more than 70 companies and 30 organizations, plus, 40+ House co-sponsors, 20+ Senate co-sponsors, the most of any pending energy-related bill.

*PREVENTS FUTURE FUND SWEEPS* Yes, through a fix of broken RPS.

*REDUCING CARBON POLLUTION* Recommends a competitive, market-based approach to complying with proposed EPA carbon standards, to reward innovation and reduce pollution at lowest possible cost!!!

Happy Earth Day Mother Earth! And Happy Earth Day to everyone else as well!! Let's Get Active!!! 

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL ALBUM OF THIS EVENT -EARTH DAY LOBBY/RALLY APRIL22,2015
   ‪#‎ActOnClimate‬ ‪#‎CleanJobsIL‬ ‪#‎twill‬ ‪#‎BeyondCoal‬ ‪#‎Alton‬ ‪#‎Wood‬ River ‪#‎ILLINOIS‬ ‪#‎MotherEarth‬ ‪#‎EarthDay‬ ‪#‎LoveHope‬

https://www.facebook.com/PiasaPalisadesSierraClub?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PleaseHelpOurMotherEarthMission/

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Alton Group Lobbies For Clean Jobs

 A group of Alton residents are joining other faith leaders, environmentalists, students and clean energy companies in Springfield today to call on legislators to support the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill.  The bill would increase the state’s renewable standard by requiring 35 percent of energy consumed in Illinois to be generated by clean renewable sources by 2030.

 

The group held a rally at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Upper Alton this morning before heading to the state capital.  Pastor David Crowley explained support of the bill from the faith-based angle.

 Read More: Source:

http://www.riverbender.com/news/details/alton-group-lobbies-for-clean-jobs-172281.cfm

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Earth Day protestors call for Clean Jobs Bill

ILLINOIS -- Wednesday is Earth Day. Hundreds of people, from as far away as Carbondale and Chicago, made their way to the Capital City. It was all in an effort to turn this day about the planet into a call for action.

People from all around the state are turning a grassroots issue into a political one. Many marched demanding clean air and clean jobs. Lawmakers say they have a plan to give them both.

Earth Day in Illinois was celebrated with a message to lawmakers. Cindy Shepherd made the trip to the Capitol. She says protecting the future of our planet starts with everyone, including legislators.

"We're really excited about the possibility for having more renewable energy and energy-efficiency in Illinois."

Shepherd and hundreds of others used this significant day to demand action from the General Assembly.

"A busload of people up here to let our legislators know that we support this Clean Jobs Bill."

Shepherd says she's here to encourage members in the House and Senate to pass a Clean Jobs Bill.

"This is the only bill that's before the legislature to deal with the carbon pollution. It does have jobs for Central Illinois and also, of course, the environmental benefits."

The bill will strengthen policies to ramp up renewable energy like wind and solar to 35% by 2030 and cut energy use through efficiency by 20% by 2025.

"We need clean air and we need jobs. We need good union jobs."

Legislators say this bill is not just jobs, but preserving the earth for more years to come.

"The bill would allow us to leave a healthier, safer environment for our children and our grandchildren."

It's action like this which keeps Shepherd faithful a Clean Jobs Bill will pass out of this Capitol.

"We are so happy from the support that we've gotten, especially Representative Ammons is co-sponsoring this bill, so she's really been a leader in this and we're proud of it. We're proud of that."

If passed, the proposal would add 32,000 new jobs to the state every year.

Copyright 2015 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 

Source: Read More:

 http://www.illinoishomepage.net/story/d/story/earth-day-protestors-call-for-clean-jobs-bill/28825/C6S_wHD1GEOB9Z5ID9VPUg

Earth Day April 22, 2015!!! ♥

Happy Earth Day Mother Earth!!! I LOVE YOU!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ·

Tell Your Representatives to Support the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill

Tell Your Representatives to Support the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill

Our goal is to support the IL Clean Jobs Bill - 32k jobs, 35% renewable energy

Why This Matters

Your support can help energy policy take center stage in Illinois in 2015, presenting an opportunity for lawmakers to not just make do with the old ways of generating electricity but build an innovative, diverse, and clean electricity system that costs less, delivers reliable power and creates thousands of good paying jobs. The Illinois Clean Jobs Bill, SB1485/HB2607, will bring 20% energy efficiency, and a 35% renewable energy standard. At the same time, we can generate an estimated 32,000 new jobs per year in Illinois. That's on top of the 100,000 clean energy jobs in Illinois today.

But we can’t do it without the support of advocates like you—neighbors, families, and activists who want to help Illinois lower carbon pollution, lower electricity costs, and leave Illinois a better place for our children and grandchildren. 

Tell your senators and representatives to sign on to the Clean Jobs Bill, then join us in Springfield for the Climate Rally on Earth Day, April 22nd! 

Learn More: http://ilcleanjobs.org/

 

 Source: Read More: Get Active! TAKE ACTION:

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/tell-your-representatives-to-support-the-illinois-clean-jobs-bill?s_src=715DSNFB07&s_subsrc=addup&fb_action_ids=10203850607367514&fb_action_types=og.shares

It’s Time to Reject Keystone XL Once and For All

President Obama has vetoed Congress's bill that tried to force approval of the Keystone XL pipeline! But the president still has to make his final decision on whether KXL is in our national interest.

Why This Matters

The president has made it clear that Keystone XL can't be in our national interest -- and thus must be rejected -- if it increases carbon pollution and makes climate change worse. The EPA recently advised the State Department that KXL would do just that.

President Obama has all the information he needs to reject this pipeline. The facts are clear: Keystone XL fails his climate test, puts future generations at risk, and is all risk and no reward for America.

TAKE ACTION: Thank President Obama for vetoing Big Oil's Keystone XL bill, and urge him to finish this by rejecting Keystone XL once and for all!

Learn More: https://content.sierraclub.org/beyondoil/keystone-xl

Source:Read More: TAKE ACTION:

https://www.addup.org/campaigns/its-time-to-reject-keystone-xl-once-and-for-all?s_src=715DSNFB07&s_subsrc=addup&fb_action_ids=10203850614647696&fb_action_types=og.shares

Take Action to Save Wolves

Tell your senators and representative to oppose any anti-wolf legislation introduced in Congress.

Why This Matters

Members of Congress are working on legislation to remove existing or future Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in four states.

Thanks to these federal protections, wolf populations are recovering in the northern Rockies and the Midwest. Unfortunately, wolves are still missing from the vast majority of their former range due to centuries of ruthless hunting, trapping and poisoning.

Now, the House may consider HR 884 -- legislation that would permanently strip wolves of their federal protections in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If anti-wolf legislators get their way, the result will be more threats to wolf recovery and a blow to the Endangered Species Act.

 

Source:Read more:TAKE ACTION:

 https://www.addup.org/campaigns/take-action-to-protect-wolves?s_src=715DSNFB07&s_subsrc=addup&fb_action_ids=10203850619807825&fb_action_types=og.shares

Keep 350 Million Tons Of Coal in the Ground!

Stop the Forest Service from giving the second largest coal company in the U.S. access to 19,000 acres of public forest and 350 millions tons of taxpayer-owned coal.

Why This Matters

The Arch Coal Loophole would grant Arch and one other coal mine access to 350 million tons of publicly-owned coal and unleash more than half a billion tons of carbon pollution into our climate so one coal company can reap huge profits.

We have a chance to stop this destructive mine expansion before it starts and keep the coal in the ground by making it clear this plan will do irreparable damage to our environment.

Take action now to tell the Forest Service to stop climate disruption at its source by keeping the coal in the ground!

Source: Read More: TAKE ACTION:

 https://www.addup.org/campaigns/keep-350-million-tons-of-coal-in-the-ground?s_src=715DSNFB07&s_subsrc=addup&fb_action_ids=10203850624247936&fb_action_types=og.shares

Picking Up Litter - March 23, 2015 - THANK YOU! :).

Picking Up Litter - March 23, 2015 - THANK YOU! :).

I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Tiffany, Kristen, and Lance!! You all are amazing! Mother Earth and I thank you very much... We filled about 5 or more full trash bags today.. !! Thank you guys so much!! Very appreciated!!! Keep on being awesome!!! - I also want to give props to the guy at the Store who watched my trash bags to make sure that they wouldn't blow away while I went inside to get water.

Picking Up Litter - March 22, 2015.

Picking Up Litter - March 22, 2015.

I'm trying.. It's just unbelievable... I will not give up on this. I'm sorry Mother Earth. I love you.