NATIONAL DON'T NUKE THE CLIMATE CALL-IN DAY--THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

PICK UP THE PHONE! KEEP THOSE SENATE PHONES RINGING!

AND KEEP THOSE E-MAILS/FAXES COMING TOO!

TALKING POINTS BELOW

October 14, 2009

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow is the National Don't Nuke the Climate Call-In Day!

Please call both of your Senators offices and tell them to keep nuclear power out of the Senate climate bill. Recent events, like the John Kerry/Lindsay Graham op-ed in Sunday's New York Times calling for more nuclear power in the bill, add to the urgency of this call-in day.
Help keep the Senate's phones ringing all day long!
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121.

And keep your letters and faxes to your Senators coming, and keep forwarding the action url to all of your lists: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5502/t/5846/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2137

Post it on your Facebook pages, Tweet it, spread the word every way possible. More than 4,000 letters already have been sent to the Senate this week--but we'll need more than that to beat the nuclear lobbyists. And with 16,000+ people on this e-mail list, that means a lot of you haven't yet taken action, and haven't yet helped reach the millions more people across this country who also want to keep nuclear out of the climate bill.

So take action today. E-mail and/or fax your Senators here. Then spread the word to every list you have, everyone you can think of.

And take action tomorrow. Call both your Senators offices at 202-224-3121.
The basic talking point is simple. If you only get 30 seconds with your Senators' offices, or an answering machine, just tell them: No nuclear power in the Senate climate bill, no more taxpayer dollars to support the failed nuclear industry.

But if you get a little more time, below are some talking points you may want to use. These also will be useful for drafting letters to the editor, op-eds, blog postings and the like--all of which will be very helpful as well. The more noise and publicity we can make, the better off we'll be.

Talking Points
*Nuclear power already receives a competitive advantage when a price is placed on carbon. If the nuclear industry cannot compete with such an advantage, that's its own problem, taxpayers should not be expected to provide more help to the industry.

*Projected costs for new reactors are stratospheric. In early 2006, the Nuclear Energy Institute predicted costs for the first few new reactors would run $2,000/kw, going down to $1,500/kw over time. Instead, recent estimates include Turkey Point (Florida) at $8,200/kw and Calvert Cliffs-3 (Maryland) and Bell Bend (Pennsylvania) at about $9,000/kw, or $13-15 billion. For example, see: http://www.bellbend.com/faqs.htm

*Cost overruns have been a constant with the nuclear industry. A 1986 Department of Energy study found the average cost overrun for the first 75 U.S. reactors was 207%. Reactors coming online after 1986 typically experienced even larger overruns. The only two reactors now under construction in the West-Areva reactors in Finland and France-are currently 75% and 20% over-budget, with years to go before construction completion.

*Electricity from new reactors, as expected with such enormous costs, would make the 1980s concept of "rate shock" seem quaint. An August 2009 report from the California Energy Commission, for example, predicts kilowatt/hour costs for nuclear electricity as high as 27-34 cents/kwh-nearly a tripling from today's prevailing rate of less than 12 cents/kwh. This report is available at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-200-2009-017/CEC-200-2009-017-SD.PDF

*Nuclear power is not carbon-free. The nuclear fuel chain is responsible for fairly significant carbon emissions--at least three times those of wind power, for example. A recent study by Virginia Tech professor Benjamin Sovacool on this subject is available here: http://www.nirs.org/climate/background/sovacool_nuclear_ghg.pdf

*Nuclear reactors use enormous amounts of water, and water will become an increasingly precious resource in years to come, especially as we grapple with a warming climate. Allocating water to nuclear reactors now means less water for people and agriculture down the road. An August 2009 Virginia Tech study notes 36 states are projected to experience water shortages during the next decade. http://www.nirs.org/reactorwatch/water/sr46waterdependency.pdf

*Nuclear power is not even the only baseload alternative, as some in the industry claim. As cited in the August 6, 2009 Wall Street Journal for example, Spain is building large baseload solar thermal power plants for about $5,200/kw. While expensive, this is still $2,000/kw cheaper than the current low estimates for new reactor construction.

*Congress must not pre-judge the administration's re-evaluation of radioactive waste policy, which has not yet even begun. Specifically, no money should be spent on expensive, dangerous technologies like reprocessing, especially when the future direction of waste policy is unknown.
Tomorrow, NIRS staff will be going door-to-door in the Senate office buildings, delivering the thousands of postcards you sent to us (Thanks!) and the list of 629 U.S. organizations that have signed on to the simple statement on nuclear power and climate change. We hope to hear those phones ringing in every office we visit!
Thanks for all you do, but this week, let's all try to do just a little bit more....

Michael Mariotte
Executive Director

Nuclear Information and Resource Service
www.nirs.org
nirsnet@nirs.org

VA State Water Commission Meeting Notice

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
OFFICE OF THE CLERK
RICHMOND

October 05, 2009

MEETING NOTICE

TO:	State Water Commission
FROM:	Lori L. Roper, House Committee Operations, (804) 698-1547
RE:	Meeting Date/Time/Location

Please be advised that the State Water Commission will hold a meeting on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 2:00 PM in House Room D of the General Assembly Building.

Should you have any questions regarding the meeting agenda, please contact Marty Farber in the Division of Legislative Services at (804) 786-3591. If you are unable to attend this meeting or have questions regarding scheduling, please contact our office at (804) 698-1540.

Members:

The Honorable Harvey B. Morgan The Honorable John C. Miller The Honorable John M. O'Bannon, III The Honorable Richard H. Stuart The Honorable Mathew J. Lohr The Honorable Frank M. Ruff, Jr. The Honorable David L. Bulova The Honorable Patricia S. Ticer The Honorable Paul F. Nichols The Honorable R. Creigh Deeds The Honorable Watkins Abbitt, Jr. R. James Incenhour The Honorable Christopher B. Saxman Michael T. McEvoy The Honorable Thomas C. Wright, Jr.

cc:	The Honorable Bruce Jamerson The Honorable Susan C. Schaar Martin G. Farber, Div. of Legis. Svcs. Ellen Porter, Div. of Legis. Svcs.

Individuals requiring interpreter services or other special assistance should contact Committee Operations at (804) 698-1540, TDD (804) 786-2369. Persons making audio-visual presentations to the committee should call for specifications.

NOTICE OF MEETING

To: Members, Renewable Energy Subcommittee, of the Energy and Environment
Commission

From: Angi Murphy, Senate Committee Operations

Re:Meeting Date/Time/Location

Meeting Date: 10/22/2009

Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM

Meeting Location: Pittsylvania County Public Library--Gretna Branch at 207
Coffey Street, Gretna VA 24557



FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK -->

http://dela.state.va.us/Dela/ComOpsStudy.nsf/82965f555b18a72185256c330058a983/11D8A24A68C83B088525763C006011F1?OpenDocument

VOTE! "Is It OK for VUI to Indirectly Fund a $2 Million

state study on the benefits and dangers of uranium mining?" Click here and register your answer.

http://www.wpcva.com/chatham/

A Simple Statement On Nuclear Power and Climate Change

Sign the Statement | Invite Your Friends to Sign | View the Signers | Print the Statement

We're getting a little tired hearing nuclear industry lobbyists and pro-nuclear politicians allege that environmentalists are now supporting nuclear power as a means of addressing the climate crisis. We know that's not true, and we're sure you do too. In fact, using nuclear power would be counterproductive at reducing carbon emissions. As Amory Lovins of Rocky Mountain Institute points out, "every dollar invested in nuclear expansion will worsen climate change by buying less solution per dollar..."

The simple statement below will be sent to the media and politicians whenever they misstate the facts. We hope you and your organization will join us and sign on in support here.

"We do not support construction of new nuclear reactors as a means of addressing the climate crisis. Available renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are faster, cheaper, safer and cleaner strategies for reducing greenhouse emissions than nuclear power."

http://www.nirs.org/petition2/index.php

You're Invited! Talk to Rep. Tom Perriello!

Rep. Tom Perriello

"Tom In Your Town"

(open topic...private Q & A)

Thursday, August 06, 2009

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Chatham Middle School

11650 Highway 29 N.

Chatham, VA

"Tom In Your Town" is a chance for constituents to meet one-on-one with the Congressman to discuss policy issues, give suggestions, or to get help with federal programs like Medicare, Social Security, or veterans’ benefits. Everyone who attends a “Tom in Your Town” meeting has a rare opportunity: ten minutes, one on one, with your federal representative. (from http://www.appomattoxnews.com ) First come, first served...arrive early to get signed up!

Turn energy into new Apollo project

Keith W. Cooley

Forty years ago this past month, Neil Armstrong took that "one small step for (a) man," inspiring wonder around the world. As we remember the many people who built this country's space program -- astronauts, engineers, production workers and business leaders -- we should also note the similarities to today's program to launch a 21st-century alternative energy economy and Michigan's contributions to both.

Early on at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ed White, a University of Michigan-trained aeronautical engineer, became the first American to walk in space during the Gemini 4 flight of 1965. His commander, James McDivitt, was a Kalamazoo native and a fellow U-M grad.

The crew members of the Apollo 15 moon landing -- perhaps the most successful space mission ever -- all have degrees from U-M. And Clarence "Kelly" Johnson of Ishpeming -- who earned degrees from Flint Junior College and U-M -- founded and directed Lockheed Martin's legendary "Skunk Works" engineering shop, designing the U-2 surveillance plane, the F-80 Shooting Star fighter jet and 40 other advanced military and commercial airplanes.

The roots of Michigan's national leadership run deep. During World War II, Detroit was known as the "Arsenal of Democracy" -- the city that temporarily stopped producing automobiles to supply the Allies with the tanks, planes and trucks needed to win. After the September 11 attacks, firefighters from around the state -- including 19 from Monroe alone -- traveled to New York City to assist the search for survivors in the rubble of the twin towers.

Where the great race of the 20th century was to reach the moon, the great race today is in alternative energy. Rising fossil fuel prices and climate change have driven most major countries around the world to adopt ambitious targets for generating power from wind, solar and other alternative energy sources. The country that leads the world in this emerging industry will lead the world in economic growth through the 21st century.

Scientists, engineers, workers and businesspeople in Michigan are again serving our national interest by developing and manufacturing alternative energy technologies here. With their leadership, we are building some of the world's most technologically advanced wind turbines, solar panels, biomass gasifiers and electric vehicles. Further, we are leveraging our already established automotive component supplier network to manufacture the thousands of parts and pieces that make up these complex systems.

To compete against China and other countries that are driving hard for these new technologies, we must build on our strengths. We have many research, engineering and manufacturing resources that can be galvanized to address this challenge, but to build a new, world-class alternative energy sector, we need a federal commitment to alternative energy on the scale of the Apollo program to reach the moon. This commitment is the objective sought by the Apollo Alliance -- a national coalition of industry, labor, environmental and community leaders working to catalyze the transition to alternative energy.

Our national leaders have begun addressing the energy challenge. With new federal legislation directed at these issues specifically -- including the American Clean Energy and Security Act passed by the House of Representatives, which is before the Senate -- they are calling for research and development programs, for funding to help manufacturers retool and retrain workers for the new economy, and for policies that will drive demand for wind, solar and other clean energy technologies.

As the recognized leader of the free world -- a position won through the hard work and the sacrifice of each successive generation -- we cannot afford to stay locked into 20th-century paradigms as the 21st century unfolds around us. So let's exert some leadership. Let's take hold of the alternative energy economy before China and others beat us to it.

And as we do, let's watch as Michigan's scientists, engineers, production workers and business leaders step up once again to lead the way.

Keith W. Cooley is the president and CEO of NextEnergy in Detroit, a technology and business accelerator for alternative and renewable energies.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090804/OPINION01/908040316/1008/opinion01/Turn-energy-into-new-Apollo-project

You Are Invited!

Senator Creigh Deeds

"Meet and Greet"

Corner of Main and Market Streets

Danville, VA

Tuesday, August 4

9:00 AM

Deeds Country Tour Stops in Danville; Another Meet 'n' Greet Tomorrow

Denice Thibodeau dthibodeau@registerbee.com

Councilmember Larry Campbell introduces State Sen. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic nominee for governor, at Ballou Park on Monday.

Published: August 3, 2009

State Sen. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic nominee for governor, brought his “Deeds Country” tour to Danville on Monday, talking to about 100 supporters at Ballou Park after a stop at Short Sugar’s and a visit with supporters in Chatham.

Deeds was introduced to the crowd by Councilmember Larry Campbell, who fired up the crowd enough that Deeds threatened to “take the councilman with me on my campaign; he’ll be on my bus when I leave here.”

The candidate told the crowd Danville was special to him and his family because he learned to practice law in Danville, and his oldest daughter was born here.

“Danville will always be special to us,” he said.

Deeds said he wants to a governor for all of Virginia, not just the northern and southeastern areas that have most of the population and money.

“It’s easy to be a governor for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads — and you’ve got to be the governor for those areas, you’ve got to create success for those areas,” Deeds said. “But, frankly, we need a governor who’s going to work to create success everywhere and I promise you, as governor I’m going to get up every single morning looking to create opportunity, prosperity and hope in every single corner of Virginia.”

Deeds promised to come up with a transportation plan that will benefit everyone in the state, and though he did admit that northern Virginia and Hampton Roads have “huge problems,” he said infrastructure needs to be created that will support all of Virginia.

Higher education is another area Deeds said needs help, noting that college educations have become too expensive and not accessible enough for most people.

Having access to affordable higher education will help build the next economy, Deeds said — and he said the next economy will be based on new energy technology.

“There’s a way for all of us to participate in this economy,” Deeds said. “There’s a huge opportunity for rejuvenation of rural economic growth through the development of bio-solids technology and the creation of new energy sources.”

Since the governor of Virginia can only serve for four years at a time, Deeds said he will make the most of his time as governor.

“I’m going to focus on getting things done and creating the best long-term, sustainable future I can — for all of Virginia,” Deeds said.

Deeds’ press secretary said Deeds would talk about job creation and unemployment to supporters in downtown Danville on Tuesday at 9 a.m., at the corner of Main and Market streets.

http://www2.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/danville_news/article/deeds_country_tour_stops_in_danville/12952/

You Are Invited!

Senator Creigh Deeds

"Meet and Greet" Picnic

Ballou Park

640 West Main Street
Danville, VA

Monday, August 3

7:00PM to 8:30PM

Free food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Hold on a Minute, Mr. Secretary...Some Questions for You

This letter to Secretary Chu, and local news outlets, is in response to "Thank you Mister Secretary" written by Norm Reynolds, Virginia Energy (VUI) posted below (scroll down2 posts). As usual, Ms. Maute asks pertinent questions. We're hoping she gets full, honest responses...but we're not counting on it.

Honorable Secretary Chu,

Thank you for visiting Virginia.

Most of us in Virginia as are welcoming to federal dignitaries. However, we do not generally take kindly to their attempting to set state policy. We're even less excited to have to have an industry do it for us.

The letter from which I cite (printed in its entirty below) leads one to believe that perhaps that may be occurring.

Mr. Norm W. Reynolds has written a letter to local papers (Danville and Pittsylvania County) which appears to take liberties the purpose of your visit and President Obama's energy agenda. I am hoping you can set the record straight. I, and many others, await answers to the questions posed below.

Sincerely,

Karen B. Maute,

Danville, VA

Mr. Reynolds states, "U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu could not have picked a better spot than Pittsylvania County to sound his ringing call for “restarting” our nation’s nuclear energy program, as well as endorsing Virginia’s state-sanctioned study to assess the safety and feasibility of mining and milling uranium in the commonwealth.

Question: Was the purpose of your visit to Pittsylvania County, VA to"sound his ringing call for "restarting" our America's nuclear program?

Mr. Reynolds writes, Speaking to concerns that have been raised about mining in Virginia, Chu — a Nobel laureate in physics — explained that in “any kind of mining, whether it’s uranium, coal or nickel, or you name it, it has to be done in a way that protects the environment and protects the people. … there’s a study going on as to whether uranium mining in Virginia is going to do that. … we will wait for the results of that study.”

Question: Do you consider the coal industry as an example of mining in a way that protects the environment and people?

Question: To your knowledge where has uranium been mined and milled safely with a climate, watersheds and density of population similar to Virginia?

Question: Thousands of new uranium claims exist in historically mined areas in the US. Density of population appears less and the areas more arid.

Question: Why encourage mining in Virginia where millions stand to suffer water contamination if mining and milling of uranium occurs?

Mr. Reynolds states, "The Virginia Coal and Energy Commission is working with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an independent study to address concerns of Virginians about safety to people, livestock, crops and the environment."

Question: Has the National Academy of Sciences entered into contract to conduct the proposed study?

Question: If so, with whom did they contract and how is the study being funded?

Mr. Reynolds writes,The secretary’s position on the uranium potential at Coles Hill seemed to reflect that of his boss, President Barack Obama. When the president was campaigning in Virginia last year, The Roanoke Times carried the following report:

“According to an e-mail from his Virginia communications director, Obama supports a proposed study of the (Coles Hill) site to evaluate the potential environmental effects of mining. But, he adds, ‘Virginia has the potential to be a national leader in uranium mining, and development of uranium resources in Pittsylvania County could create hundreds of jobs in that part of the state.’”

Question: Who was the communications director who sent the e-mail stating that Obama supports a proposed study of the (Coles Hill) site to evaluate the potential environmental effects of mining?

Question: Is this President Obama's quote or from the un-named communications director, "‘Virginia has the potential to be a national leader in uranium mining, and development of uranium resources in Pittsylvania County could create hundreds of jobs in that part of the state.’”

Mr. Reynolds writes, "On the larger subject of using nuclear energy to power America, Chu told the local audience of about 275 people that the Obama administration and the U.S. Department of Energy are “very supportive of restarting the nuclear power industry,” adding that he believes it can be done safely."

Question: Does this mean that you, Secretary Chu, believe mining and milling of uranium can be done safely? If so, please elaborate reasons for that belief.

Mr. Reynolds writes, "For those of us who have worked long and hard on the Coles Hill project, it is gratifying that the nation’s highest energy official saw fit to come to Pittsylvania County and to endorse the scientific study and to state so unequivocally the Obama administration’s high commitment to getting nuclear back on track in the United States. We look forward to moving ahead hand in hand with such enlightened thinking."

Question: To what extent is the Obama administration involved with the uranium industry ?

Mr. Reynolds writes, "What Dr. Chu is talking about goes straight to the heart of energy independence for our nation. Yes, we need to move ahead on all fronts that make sense. But let us keep in mind that of the 55 million pounds of uranium needed to operate nuclear facilities for one year in this country, over 50 million pounds are imported. That is a frightening statistic in a world as unpredictable as the one in which we are living."

Question: Will the Obama administration and subsequent administrations require uranium mined at Coles Hill or in the United States to remain in the states for the sole purpose of American energy use?

Question: Can sale to foreign countries be prohibited?

Question: Why is the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission studying market trends for the uranium industry as part of its invironmental study?

"Tom [Perriello] In Your Town" Events Come to Southside

During the August district work period, Congressman Perriello will be visiting every locality in the 5^th District and hosting “Tom In Your Town” events.

"Tom In Your Town" is a chance for constituents to meet one-on-one with the congressman [Tom Perriello] to discuss policy issues, give suggestions, or to get help with federal programs like Medicare, Social Security, or veterans’ benefits.

All constituents are invited to come by anytime during the time period and sign in.

Meetings are first-come, first-served. After the constituent meets with the congressman, staff members will be there to follow up with any concerns.

This schedule can also be accessed at www.perriello.house.gov under “Newsroom,” then Upcoming Events.

Further media events will be announced at a later date.

August 3, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Martinsville: Martinsville High School (Library), 351 Commonwealth Blvd.

August 4, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Henry County: Laurel Park Middle School (Library), 280 Laurel Park Ave., Martinsville

August 5, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Danville: O.T. Bonner Middle School (Auditorium), 300 Apollo Drive

August 6, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Pittsylvania County: Chatham Middle School (Cafetorium), 11650 Hwy 29 N, Chatham

August 7, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halifax County: Halifax High School (Auditorium Balcony), 310 High School Circle, South Boston

ANTI-MINING GROUP TO STAGE SIT-IN AT CANADIAN EMBASSY IN MEXICO CITY: FAO marks Global Day of Action Against Open-Pit Mining

Anti-mining activists are marking the first ever Global Day of Action Against Open-Pit mining with a 36-hour sit-in outside the Canadian Embassy building in Mexico City. The action is being planned by the Frente Amplio Opositor (FAO), a coalition opposed to Canadian corporation New Gold’s Cerro de San Pedro open-pit gold and silver mine in Central Mexico. New Gold Inc. is based in British Columbia.

“The sit-in is a nonviolent protest to demand that the Canadian government intervene in the case of New Gold’s Cerro de San Pedro mine”, said FAO member Juan Carlos Ruiz Guadalajara. “The mine is still operating despite having lost its environmental permit in a recent court ruling. We are reminding the embassy that we will continue to raise our voices against corruption, human rights abuses and environmental destruction”.

Mexican Secretary of the Economy figures reveal that more than 70% of all mining exploration, development and production projects in Mexico are owned by Canadian corporations. Canadian mining companies have benefited from legal reforms that the Mexican government adopted in order to accommodate NAFTA
and draw foreign investment.

Open-pit mines, such as Cerro de San Pedro, have generated controversy due to their devastating environmental and social impacts.

“The Cerro de San Pedro mine has already left a legacy of irreversible ecological destruction”, stated FAO member Martha Rivera. “Aside from destroying a mountain, polluting the air and contaminating the water, the mine has created divisions in a tight-knit community and generated opposition in the entire region”.

The sit-in at the site of the Canadian embassy will begin at 8 am on July 21st and end at 8 pm on July 22nd. Parallel events are planned in Toronto, Montreal, and other cities worldwide.

http://faomontreal.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/sit-in-at-canadian-embassy-in-mexico-city/

U.S. Cabinet officials visit Pittsylvania County

By Matt Tomsic

July 18, 2009

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu stressed the importance of government support for rural Americans during the recession while in Pittsylvania County on Saturday.

The two secretaries said farmers need to explore production of alternate energy sources and that the government will financially help those taking on such innovation. They hosted a community forum, allowing citizens the chance to ask them questions. Earlier in the day, they visited Piedmont Bioproducts, which is a cooperative that is exploring petroleum replacement products and environmental enhancement.

More than 250 people packed onto Buddy Mayhew’s farm in Blairs for a community forum with Vilsack and Chu. Some sat in brown folding chairs under a tin roof held up by steel crossbeams. Others sat under a white tent behind the structure. Some residents leaned against the crossbeams or the tent’s supports after seating filled up.

A single podium stood in front of a stage.

Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District spoke first.

“I’ve been bragging about you an awful lot up in Washington,” he said. “Telling everyone that we are at the cutting edge of Southside Virginia.”

Perriello said he has learned a lot about the opportunities that are available. He said the community will survive the tough times and lead “the commonwealth and lead the country in areas that we’re frankly better at than anybody else.”

He introduced Vilsack, who spoke about federal aid and government programs that are available to rural areas.

“This has been a difficult time, and so the president was very insistent on putting together a stimulus program,” he said. “In the short term, one goal was to allow people to transition during tough times.”

He said that’s why the government extended unemployment benefits and gave tax relief to working families.

Vilsack also said the government will be installing broadband access into rural communities that lack it.

“That’s the kind of infrastructure that people want built,” he said.

He also spoke about the climate change bill that Congress passed. The bill helps farmers transition to the use and production of alternate energy forms. He said the USDA has analyzed the problem and found that increased costs will be offset by income opportunities.

“In my lifetime I have not seen this kind of investment,” Vilsack said.

He also stressed the importance of keeping rural farms in business.

“It’s about the values system that is represented in areas and communities just like this,” Vilsack said. “I think it’s at the heart of what makes America a special place.”

Vilsack then introduced Chu, who talked about energy alternatives for the country and the importance of investing in those alternatives soon.

“What this country has, perhaps more than any other country in the world, is an agricultural resource,” Chu said.

The country can use extra agricultural products to grow energy sources and decrease the dependence on imported oil, which accounts for 60 percent of the oil we use, he said.

Chu also spoke about weatherization, which would make homes more energy efficient and save consumers money on their utility bills.

The Department of Energy also is investing in centers that research the technology and science behind alternative energy sources, Chu said.

He finished his speech with a hockey analogy about Wayne Gretzky.

“He’s not a rough and tumble kind of guy,” Chu said. “He’s a skinny guy. So how is he arguably the world’s best hockey player? He said, ‘It’s how I positioned myself on the ice. I skated to where the puck is going to be, not where it’s been.’”

The United States needs to be doing the same thing. Chu said, “Let’s figure out where the world is going, let’s recognize this, use our ingenuity, use our resources, and let’s take advantage of it.”

After the secretary of energy’s speech, the three politicians took questions.

Constituents asked about ways to streamline governmental bureaucracy, the future of nuclear power, uranium mining and solar power.

The three politicians answered the questions thoroughly, saying they were trying to make interaction with their departments and the government easier. Chu and Vilsack also stressed the need for innovation and investment in nuclear and solar energy as long as both could be done safely.

Throughout the speeches and questions, a breeze blew in from the audience’s back, and a nearby rooster crowed.

Afterward, Coy Harville, the chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, gave Chu and Vilsack Pittsylvania County afghans and Jefferson cups.

The community forum marked the end of the cabinet members’ day in Pittsylvania County.

Earlier, they toured Piedmont Bioproducts. Both politicians talked about their tour during their speeches, saying that the business is doing the work of the future. Both were impressed with its operations.

Ken Moss, the president of the business, led the tour. He showed them the company’s farmland and plant. Chu and Vilsack asked Moss questions throughout the tour. And Chu even offered some advice at the end.

The men were in the plant looking at the production equipment when Chu made a comment about the silver pipes that turned at right angles. He said the sharper angles required more energy to push the contents through the turns.

“The bends cost the most amount of money,” Chu said. “Big circles reduce the resistance a lot. These are all the wrong bends.”

“They’re the only ones we could afford at the time,” Moss replied, laughing.

Residents said they were impressed with the politicians’ visit after the community forum.

Carter Elliott and his son, Tres, said they both learned a lot about energy and especially solar panels. They came because Carter, 63, is a dairy farmer in Rustburg, which is outside of Lynchburg. Vilsack devoted the beginning of his speech to the particularly tough times dairy farmers were having and what the government was doing to help. Both men said they were impressed with the two secretaries and that it was the first time anything like that had happened in the area.

Marvin Moss, 51, of Pittsylvania County, said he thought Vilsack and Chu were “absolutely great.

“I think it will have a lasting effect on the community,” he added.

President Barack Obama named Vilsack as the leader of his administration’s Rural Tour, which is visiting communities in states throughout the country. Vilsack will visit Alaska, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina and Ohio in the next few months.

The tour is an attempt by the Obama administration to tell local citizens how it’s revitalizing and rebuilding rural America. Another goal is to give those citizens a way to tell his administration their concerns.

http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/article/u.s._cabinet_officials_visit_pittsylvania_county/12552/

Top Obama Administration officials visit rural Virginia

July 19, 2009

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu were in Pittsylvania County to hear from Virginia's rural areas as part of the White House's "rural tour".

Vilsack and Chu discussed energy, agriculture and opportunities with residents at an open forum.

There were about 300 people at Buddy Mayhew's Farm in Blairs. Both Vilsack and Chu said it was a good experience to visit and say there is opportunity here.

"To be able to hear their stories, to understand their pain, particularly in rural areas, in the farming community, but I think they are pleased that we are aware of it and that we are trying to respond to it," said Secretary Vilsack.

"America has an incredible opportunity not 10 years from today or 20 years from today, but today and tomorrow to improve the wealth and the wealth in America to become our great agriculture resource," said Secretary Chu.

There are five more stops on the rural tour.

http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=10749575&nav=menu368_2

Obama administration's 'rural tour' hits Va

GRETNA, Va. - The Obama administration's top energy and agriculture officials are in Southside Virginia for a rural community forum.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Energy Secretary Steven Chu met with local residents Saturday to discuss the administration's efforts to rebuild and recharge rural America.

They pointed to funding headed Virginia's way under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding includes $94 million for weatherization programs, $70 million for renewable energy programs, and $60 million to develop and implement energy-efficient projects.

For farming, they said hundreds of millions of dollars are headed to Virginia for loans and development initiatives.

Saturday's stops include a tour of Windy Acres Nursery in Gretna and Buddy Mayhew's Farm in Blairs.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/virginia/dp-va--ruraltour0718jul18,0,6036435.story

Media Advisory: Grand Canyon Rally to Focus on Uranium Threats

A July 25-26 Gathering at the Sacred Red Butte Will Host Traditional Havasupai Ceremonies, Concerts, and Forums to Stop Uranium Mining Near the Grand Canyon and Havasupai Traditional Lands

GRAND CANYON, Ariz.— Conservation groups today announced support of the Havasupai tribe in its convening of a traditional gathering at Red Butte, a sacred site just south of the Grand Canyon. The gathering will include prayers, ceremonies, concerts, and forums focused on protecting the Grand Canyon and traditional Havasupai lands from uranium mining. Members of the public are invited to attend and add their voice in support of saying no to uranium mining. The media are invited to attend the entire event, which will include a press conference at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 25.

The rally responds to sharp increases in new uranium mining claims, exploration, and permitting to reopen old mines on public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. Uranium development threatens to damage wildlife habitat, industrialize iconic wildlands, and contaminate surface water and groundwater feeding regional seeps and springs, including Havasu springs and waterfalls near the Supai Village in Grand Canyon. The Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, and Grand Canyon Trust have mounted legal challenges against new uranium exploration in the area and have urged the Obama administration to protect those lands, which are sacred to the Havasupai and other tribes.

The Havasupai tribe and conservation groups have also been actively opposing efforts of the Denison Mine Company to reopen the Canyon Mine, an old mine located on the Kaibab National Forest near Red Butte, the site of the upcoming rally. Denison is seeking groundwater aquifer permits from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to operate the Canyon Mine and extract uranium. The tribes’ sources for drinking water, as well as sources for other communities along the South Rim and Colorado River, lie directly downstream from the site of these proposed operations.

This gathering will be held south of the Grand Canyon National Park near Red Butte, a sacred site for the Havasupai tribe. On Friday, members of the Havasupai tribe will hold a private ceremony meant to use prayers to focus positive change towards ending uranium mining. On Saturday, members of the public will be invited to join the Havasupai at a free public concert at 6 p.m. with performances by traditional Havasupai, Hopi, and Aztec dancers; bands like Burning Sky, joined by John Densmore, drummer for the Doors; Casper from Hopi Land; and Navajo songwriter Clarence Clearwater.

The media are welcomed to attend at any time during the events on Saturday and Sunday and a news conference will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the conclusion of the private Havasupai ceremony. A map to the gathering can be found at www.arizona.sierraclub.org.

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2009/grand-canyon-rally-7-17-09.html

U.S. Agriculture, Energy Secretaries to Visit Pittsylvania County Saturday, July 18th

We are taking the unusual step in publishing 2 articles in the same post because the information each contains complements the other. As always, we appreciate the reporting of both Tim Davis, editor of the Chatham Star-Tribune and Linda Goin, editor of Appomattox News.

There will be seating for 200. They should be looking for 2000! There is no way to stress too strongly just how important this meeting could be! And we suggest trying to be there way, way before 12:30 pm...this is going to be a major event!


By TIM DAVIS/Star-Tribune Editor
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 9:25 AM EDT

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will visit Pittsylvania County Saturday [July 18] as part of President Obama's "Rural Tour."

Vilsack and Chu are scheduled to talk about green jobs and a new energy economy with a focus on weatherization and carbon sequestration.

The cabinet secretaries are scheduled to fly in to Danville around 10:30 a.m. and visit Piedmont BioProducts, a biodiesel pilot project at Ken Moss's Windy Acres Nursery in Gretna.

After a quick lunch, Vilsack and Chu will hold a town hall meeting at Buddy Mayhew's farm on Carter Lodge Road in Blairs.

The town hall meeting, which is open to the public, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

"We're expecting a large crowd," said Freddie Wydner, the county's agricultural director.

A large tent will be set up and there will be seating for around 200 people.

"If you want a seat, you'd better arrive early," Wydner said.

http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2009/07/15/chatham/news/news53.txt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

White House Listening Tour Slated for Pittsylvania County

Saturday, 18 July 2009

Buddy Mayhew’s farm

1501 Carter Lodge Road
Blairs, Virginia

(Directions below)

The public is encouraged to arrive around 12:30 p.m. with an anticipated arrival by the Secretaries at 1:00 p.m. The Secretaries plan to take comments and questions until approximately 2:30 p.m.

By Staff Reports on July 15th, 2009

The White House recently announced that President Obama has directed many members of his Cabinet to begin what it describes as a “listening tour” of rural America this summer. The tour will be in Virginia’s Blairs community on Saturday, 18 July 2009. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack will be on a mission to develop “green jobs.”

The Obama administration stated they will focus on weatherization and carbon sequestration.

A town hall meeting will be held at Buddy Mayhew’s farm (1501 Carter Lodge Road, Blairs, Virginia).

Directions to Buddy Mayhew’s farm from Danville: Take Route 29 North. Turn right onto Spring Garden Road (Route 640). Go 1.7 miles, then turn left onto Carter Lodge Road (Route 825). Go 0.2 miles to Buddy’s farm.

Directions to Buddy Mayhew’s farm from Chatham: At the ‘top’ of White Oak Mountain, turn left onto Carter Lodge Road. Go 1.4 miles to Buddy’s farm.

http://www.appomattoxnews.com/2009/white-house-listening-tour-slated-for-pittsylvania-county.html

Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy to visit Ringgold Saturday, July 18

Mark your calendars and make plans to be in Ringgold on Saturday, July 18! We'll bring you more details re: time and location as they're available. This is a stellar opportunity to approach these Cabinet members, President Obama's right-hand men, and make your thoughts known on nuclear energy as well as on true alternative/renewable energy! Please don't let this chance pass you by! Everyone with a stake in the future of Southside needs to be out in force to talk to Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Chu!

By TIM DAVIS/Star-Tribune Editor
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 9:41 AM EDT

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will visit Pittsylvania County later this month as part of President Obama's "Rural Tour."

Vilsack and Chu are scheduled to be in Ringgold on Saturday, July 18, to talk about green jobs and a new energy economy with a focus on weatherization and carbon sequestration.

Details of the cabinet secretaries' visit are still being worked out. A time and location have not been announced.

Todd Haymore, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said he is aware of the secretaries' visit, and hopes to receive more details soon.

"We've been hearing about this potential visit for months and were even asked to submit some ideas for his staff's consideration," said Haymore, a county native.

"We obliged and forwarded a number of suggestions: a combination of traditional agricultural operations mixed with those that either had current or future bio-energy potential."

Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors chairman Coy Harville said the secretaries' visit is exciting news.

"This is a big plus, especially with the energy crunch we are in," said Harville.

"It speaks volumes about Virginia and speaks volumes about Pittsylvania County."

Freddie Wydner, the county's agricultural development director, agreed.

"I think the county should be proud that our advances in agriculture are being noticed," said Wydner.

Windy Acres in Gretna is producing "bio-crude" and Van Der Hyde Dairy in Chatham recently proposed installing the state's first anaerobic digester.

The county also is at the forefront in selling "carbon credits," the agriculture director said.

"All of these are a testament to the county and Virginia agriculture as a whole," said Wydner.

"Washington is taking note, and the farming community should feel pride knowing the Secretary of Agriculture wants to come here to talk about green energy and the green economy."

The president's office announced the "Rural Tour" last week, saying that over the course of the next few weeks and months, top administration officials, including cabinet secretaries, will "fan out across the nation to hold a series of discussions on how communities, states, and the federal government can work together to help strengthen rural America."

Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, and Vilsack began the tour on July 1 by visiting Wattsburg, Pa., to discuss rural broadband.

"A healthy American economy depends on a prosperous rural America," Obama said. "Rural America is vast and diverse, and different communities face different challenges and opportunities.

"That's why we're going out to hear directly from the people of rural America about their needs and concerns and what my Administration can do to support them."

Administration officials participating in the tour will hear about challenges and opportunities facing small towns and rural communities.

They also will share some of the Obama administration's ideas about how to "nurture strong, robust, and vibrant rural communities."

They will report back to the president about the state of rural America and what the administration can do to strengthen it.

The events will serve as "listening sessions" on such issues as broad-based rural health, economic development, infrastructure, education, energy, natural resources, and agriculture.

Events will be held in Alaska, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Vilsack will hold listening sessions in additional states with local and state elected officials.

The rural tour is scheduled to end in September.

"The entire tour will provide an opportunity for the Obama administration to listen to diverse voices throughout rural America, and to highlight its broader vision for growth and prosperity in these regions of the country," a spokesman said.

Midnite Mine - Cleanup

Public comment period open from May 20, 2009 to July 20, 2009.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) requests comments on its Public Health Assessment for Midnite Mine (PDF) (126 pp. 1.6MB). Comments must be submitted by July 20, 2009.

Please address comments regarding this report to:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Attn: Records Center
1600 Clifton Road, N.E., MS F-09
Atlanta, Georgia 30333

You may contact ATSDR Toll Free at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit their website at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov.

Summary

Midnite Mine is an inactive former uranium mine in the Selkirk Mountains of eastern Washington. Located within the reservation of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, the mine was operated from 1955 until 1981.

Two open pits, backfilled pits, and a number of waste rock piles and ore/protore stockpiles remain on site. In addition to elevated levels of radioactivity, heavy metals mobilized in acid mine drainage pose a potential threat to human health and the environment. The site drains to Blue Creek, which enters the Spokane Arm of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake. Contaminated water emerging below the waste rock and ore piles is currently captured for treatment in an on-site treatment system.

The final cleanup plan (Record of Decision, or ROD) for the site was issued September 29, 2006.

Record of Decision

Midnite Mine Superfund Site Spokane Indian Reservation Washington Record of Decision (PDF) - September 2006 (248pp., 6.2MB, About PDF)
Record of Decision, Revised Table 7-6 (1pp., 73K, PDF)

The cleanup plan calls for a cap over an area of pits filled with waste during mining, consolidation and engineered containment of remaining waste in the two open pits, removal of water entering the pits, and operation of a treatment system to treat contaminated water from the pits and seeps.

The Record of Decision initiates the design phase. Design of the cleanup will include data collection to support detailed construction plans and is expected to take several years.

Please read supporting Technical Documents

http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/sites/midnite