Clean Energy

Clean Energy

In our urban areas, warming will increase the frequency of heat waves and the amount of heat-related illnesses and death. Hotter weather will also increase the number of high ozone days and corresponding health impacts to sensitive populations and those with asthma. Global warming is believed to be increasing the strength and intensity of tropical storms and Tennessee often receives much of the rain, flooding, and aftermath of serious hurricanes such as Hurricane Katrina that struck New Orleans earlier this fall. All of these impacts and more will affect tourism and our way of life here in Tennessee.

In light of the serious impacts Tennessee faces, we plan to create our own success story similar to that of North Carolina. At this crossroad, we can prepare for the impacts and at the same time search for ways to curb the impacts to Tennessee and benefit economically from this transition to a warmer climate. We can work towards a state-level pollution reduction goal. We need a strong coalition of stakeholders to make this goal a success.

Actions to Take
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is working throughout Tennessee to build support for state level global warming action. We have organized global warming citizens groups (including folks from ORNL, UT and various companies in the state) in east and middle Tennessee that could work as a network of support for informing folks on the issue of global warming in Tennessee. State government, many companies, schools, universities and environmental groups are involved with the Tennessee Pollution Prevention Roundtable and Pollution Prevention Partnership.

As citizens we can act now to make energy efficient choices. When buying new appliances, look for Energy Star, and purchase cars that use gas more efficiently. TVA offers renewable energy via their Green Power Switch Program – this program supports wind and solar power. TVA will even pay you for solar power you generate from new solar panels you place on your home. You can make a difference and we must!

We are obliged to educate ourselves and our representatives on global warming issues and the importance of Tennessee staying ahead of the economic curve as new markets emerge. Global warming is about more than just the environment—it is a matter of new economic opportunities as well. SACE, working with the Sierra Club, has begun the push for awareness on global warming in Tennessee. But much more work is needed! This is an exciting time and we have an opportunity to make the best of global warming impacts while also working to minimize the impacts.

SACE is a non-profit, non-partisan membership group supporting responsible energy choices in the Southeast. We work at all levels of society and government to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and to prevent present energy sources from creating more pollution. For more information visit our website at www.cleanenergy.org or contact Stephen Smith at 865-637-6055 ext. 12 or sasmith@cleanenergy.org if you are interested in working with us.