SierraScape August-September 2005
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by Henry Robertson

EMG has created a new activist committee-the Energy Committee.

Energy-how it is captured and used-is the foundation of human societies and of life itself. Industrial civilization's reliance on fossil fuels has led to out-of-control growth, pollution, climate change and sprawl. Moving beyond fossil fuels, or at least slowing their worst effects, is what the Energy Committee is all about.

Exactly what we will do depends on the interests of the members. Possibilities include:

• Fight new coal-burning power plants. This is a priority campaign of the Ozark Chapter and part of a larger Sierra Club Midwestern effort.
• Promote renewable energy. One ambitious goal might be to enact a Renewable Electricity Standard in Missouri by a statewide ballot initiative campaign.
• Global warming. The Sierra Club's Jill Miller has already written local mayors asking them to sign on to the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and at least one, the mayor of Maplewood, has done so. Following up on this would be a good local activity that could yield real results.
• Peak Oil. The world's oil supply may peak and go into terminal decline very soon. It's time to start planning the transition to a future without fossil fuels.

A regular meeting time was not set before we went to press. For more information, contact Henry Robertson at hrbtsn@aol.com or (314) 647-5603.