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	<title>Sierra Club - Nebraska Chapter</title>
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	<link>http://sierranebraska.org</link>
	<description>explore, enjoy, and protect the planet</description>
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		<title>Omaha Needs Better Transportation Choices!  Participate in the City of Omaha’s Transportation Planning Process</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/16/omaha-needs-better-transportation-choices-participate-in-the-city-of-omahas-transportation-planning-process/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/16/omaha-needs-better-transportation-choices-participate-in-the-city-of-omahas-transportation-planning-process/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 12:40:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Outreach-Info Booths]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rallies-Press Conferences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missouri Valley]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2596</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Clyde Anderson – Transportation Issues Chair The City of Omaha is in the process of updating transportation and planning policies that will provide citizens of Omaha with more choices in how they get around the City. The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/16/omaha-needs-better-transportation-choices-participate-in-the-city-of-omahas-transportation-planning-process/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong><em>By Clyde Anderson – Transportation Issues Chair</em></strong></p>
<p>The City of Omaha is in the process of updating transportation and planning policies that will provide citizens of Omaha with more choices in how they get around the City. The <a href="http://cityofomaha.org/tmplan/">Transportation Master Plan</a> (TMP) will direct all future transportation projects within the City of Omaha for the next 30 years, including how our transportation dollars will be spent once it is complete.</p>
<p>I’m a member of the City’s TMP Stakeholders Committee. A group of activists on the Committee who feared that the TMP would just become another study gathering dust on a shelf somewhere organized <strong>Mode&gt;Shift&gt;Omaha</strong> <a href="http://modeshiftomaha.org/">http://modeshiftomaha.org/</a>.  Mode&gt;Shift&gt;Omaha supports choice in transportation for everyone and serves as the voice of citizens interested in seeing a more navigable and livable Omaha.<span id="more-2596"></span></p>
<p>To celebrate and publicize the rollout of the new TMP, Mode&gt;Shift, in conjunction with the City of Omaha Departments of Planning and Public Works, organized <strong>Heyday on May Day </strong>on May First. Two lanes of Harney Street from 24th Avenue to 26th Street were blocked off for an open house highlighting the TMP and options for Omaha&#8217;s transportation future. Mode&gt;Shift supporters created a mockup of the proposed Harney Street Bikeway that would connect Midtown Crossing with Omaha&#8217;s Old Market.</p>
<div id="attachment_2597" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Heyday-on-MayDay-2012-05-01-Will-Silvey-Simons.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2597" title="Heyday on MayDay 2012-05-01 Will Silvey Simons" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Heyday-on-MayDay-2012-05-01-Will-Silvey-Simons.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="206" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">View of the HeyDay on May Day mockup of the proposed Harney St. Bikeway. Photo by Will Silvey Simons</p></div>
<p>The TMP was just approved by the Planning Board by a 7-0 vote on May 2nd. The plan will go to the City Council on June 5<sup>th</sup>, and the public hearing will take place as part of the City Council meeting the afternoon of Tuesday, <strong>June 12</strong>th. Please attend if you can.</p>
<div id="attachment_2598" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HeyDay-on-MayDay-table-2012-05-01A-ModeShiftOmaha.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2598" title="HeyDay on MayDay table 2012-05-01A ModeShiftOmaha" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HeyDay-on-MayDay-table-2012-05-01A-ModeShiftOmaha.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="270" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Jane Wilson &amp; Clyde Anderson at the Sierra Club table at HeyDay on May Day - Photo from Mode&gt;Shift&gt;Omaha </p></div>
<p>Prior to June 12, please contact your <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/citycouncil/council-members">city council representative </a>to tell them you support transportation choice and alternatives in Omaha and to vote in favor of the new Transportation Master Plan. Mode&gt;Shift has compiled some <a href="http://modeshiftomaha.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/support-the-tmp.pdf">talking points </a>on why the City Council should support the TMP.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281845395243586.66509.119910211437106&amp;type=3">Click here to view Mode&gt;Shift’s photo album</a></p>
<p>Links used in the newsletter article:</p>
<p>========================================================</p>
<p><a href="http://cityofomaha.org/tmplan/">Transportation Master Plan</a> &#8211; <a href="http://cityofomaha.org/tmplan/">http://cityofomaha.org/tmplan/</a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.281845395243586.66509" target="_blank">Click here</a></em> <em>to view Mode&gt;Shift’s photo album.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281845395243586.66509.119910211437106&amp;type=3">http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281845395243586.66509.119910211437106&amp;type=3</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/citycouncil/council-members">http://www.cityofomaha.org/citycouncil/council-members</a></p>
<p>Mode&gt;Shift talking points <a href="http://modeshiftomaha.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/support-the-tmp.pdf">http://modeshiftomaha.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/support-the-tmp.pdf</a></p>
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		<title>Nebraska DEQ Meetings on XL Pipeline Route</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/nebraska-deq-meetings-on-xl-pipeline-route/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/nebraska-deq-meetings-on-xl-pipeline-route/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 19:05:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Action Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NE Chapter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2587</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Ken Winston, Nebraska Sierra Club Policy Advocate The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will conduct meetings along the propose Keystone XL Pipeline route where citizens and landowners can see the detailed maps of this new proposed route and &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/nebraska-deq-meetings-on-xl-pipeline-route/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2162" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 110px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d-e1336590606706.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2162" title="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d-e1336590606706.jpg" alt="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" width="100" height="116" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ken Winston, Policy Advocate</p></div>
<p>By Ken Winston, Nebraska Sierra Club Policy Advocate</p>
<p>The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will conduct <strong>meetings along the propose Keystone XL Pipeline route</strong> where citizens and landowners can see the detailed maps of this new proposed route and ask the DEQ staff questions.</p>
<p>Please feel free to contact me with any questions on these meetings at kwinston@inebraska.com. <strong>The meetings schedule is  below:</strong></p>
<p><strong>O’Neill &#8211; May 9</strong>, 4-7 p.m. at the O’Neill Community Center, 501 S. 4th St.</p>
<p><strong>Neligh – May 10</strong>, 4-7 p.m. at the Neligh-Oakdale High School Gym, 600 J St.</p>
<p><strong>Albion – May 16</strong>, 4-7 p.m. at the Boone County Fairgrounds, 11th and Fairview Ave.</p>
<p><strong>Central City – May 17</strong>, 4-7 p.m. at the Central City Community Room, 1515 17th St.</p>
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		<title>Maps Showing Continued Threat of XL-Pipeline to Nebraska Water Supply</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/maps-showing-continued-threat-of-xl-pipeline-to-nebraska-water-supply/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/maps-showing-continued-threat-of-xl-pipeline-to-nebraska-water-supply/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 12:40:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Conservation News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NE Chapter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2580</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Ken Winston, Nebraska Sierra Club Policy Advocate Two maps that show that Nebraska ’s water supply is still threatened by the new proposed route of TransCanada’s risky tar sands pipeline. The first one shows that the water table is &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/maps-showing-continued-threat-of-xl-pipeline-to-nebraska-water-supply/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2162" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 110px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d-e1336590606706.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2162" title="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d-e1336590606706.jpg" alt="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" width="100" height="116" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ken Winston, Policy Advocate</p></div>
<p>By Ken Winston, Nebraska Sierra Club Policy Advocate</p>
<p><em><strong>Two maps that show that Nebraska ’s water supply is still threatened by the new proposed route of TransCanada’s risky tar sands pipeline.</strong></em></p>
<p>The first one shows that the water table is still close to the surface, less than 50 feet to reach water for many miles. It is less than 10 feet to water for more than 10 miles.</p>
<p>The second one shows that there is great deal of water in the Ogallala Aquifer on the new proposed route, 100 to 300 feet of saturated depth for most of the route and more than 300 feet of saturated depth for significant portions.<span id="more-2580"></span><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/XLpipeRoute2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2582" title="XLpipeRoute2" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/XLpipeRoute2.jpg" alt="" width="657" height="658" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/XLpipeRoute1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2581" title="XLpipeRoute1" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/XLpipeRoute1.jpg" alt="" width="657" height="658" /></a></p>
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		<title>Reasons We Continue to Oppose TransCanada&#8217;s Tar Sands Pipeline</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/reasons-we-continue-to-oppose-transcanadas-tar-sands-pipeline/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/reasons-we-continue-to-oppose-transcanadas-tar-sands-pipeline/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 12:30:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Conservation News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NE Chapter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2577</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Ken Winston, Nebraska Sierra Club Policy Advocate People sometimes ask me why we continue to oppose TransCanada’s Tar Sands Pipeline. There are a lot of reasons, but here are some of the most important ones: 1.The tar sands process. &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/09/reasons-we-continue-to-oppose-transcanadas-tar-sands-pipeline/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2162" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 110px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d-e1336590606706.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2162" title="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d-e1336590606706.jpg" alt="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" width="100" height="116" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ken Winston, Policy Advocate</p></div>
<p>By Ken Winston, Nebraska Sierra Club Policy Advocate</p>
<p><em><strong>People sometimes ask me why we continue to oppose TransCanada’s Tar Sands Pipeline.</strong></em></p>
<p>There are a lot of reasons, but here are some of the most important ones:<br />
<strong>1.The tar sands process.</strong> It starts with verdant forests filled with vibrant life, and kills every living thing in its path, ending with toxic tailings ponds. Sort of like finding the Garden of Eden and converting it to hell on earth in one process.</p>
<p><strong>2.TransCanada’s dealings with landowners.</strong> They repeatedly threatened to use eminent domain against fourth and fifth generation Nebraskans<span id="more-2577"></span>, although there are serious questions whether they had the authority to do so.  Many attorneys believe it is fraud to obtain property by false representations, and TransCanada obtained easements by claiming eminent domain authority and by claiming time limits that were simply not true.</p>
<p><strong>3.TransCanada’s dealings with Nebraska public officials.</strong> TransCanada has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying the Nebraska Legislature. LB 1161, the bill that created the current siting law, had at least 10 different versions, the last one introduced minutes before it was debated in the Legislature. There was no opportunity for public input on this final version, contrary to the usual rule that all legislation receive a public hearing. LB 1161 gives TransCanada special eminent domain authority and gives Governor Heineman the authority to approve the route, the same Governor who has been saying the pipeline should be built as soon as possible. Talk about a lack of objective review.</p>
<p><strong>4.The new proposed route has many of the same problems as the original route</strong>. For three years, TransCanada said the route through the Sandhills was the best one. Now that they have been forced to change the route, their proposed route still goes for miles over areas where the depth to water is 10 feet or less and the Ogallala Aquifer contains a huge amount of water. This poses the same risks to our water supply as the previous route.</p>
<p><strong>5.TransCanada’s safety record</strong>. They had at least 14 spills in their first year of operation on Keystone I, including a 21,000 gallon leak that featured a 60 foot geyser of oil. We can’t afford to risk our resources to this kind of operation.</p>
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		<title>Analysis of &#8220;Rally for Clean Nebraska Energy&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/01/analysis-of-rally-for-clean-nebraska-energy/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/01/analysis-of-rally-for-clean-nebraska-energy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 19:32:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Conservation News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NE Chapter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2570</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Ken Winston NE Chapter Lobbyist Friday, April 27, 2012 The Rally for Clean Nebraska Energy yesterday in Lincoln was very successful. We had more than 80 people in attendance, which is great on short notice. Thanks to everyone for &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/05/01/analysis-of-rally-for-clean-nebraska-energy/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2162" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 131px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2162" title="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ken-Winston-6767-d.jpg" alt="Ken Winston, Policy Advocate" width="121" height="141" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ken Winston, Policy Advocate</p></div>
<p>By Ken Winston NE Chapter Lobbyist</p>
<p>Friday, April 27, 2012</p>
<p>The Rally for Clean Nebraska Energy yesterday in Lincoln was very<br />
successful. We had more than <strong>80 people in attendance</strong>, which is great on short notice. Thanks to everyone for coming, for John Hansen and Duane Hovorka for their remarks and to all the people who helped organize the event.</p>
<p>The <strong>rally helped people become aware of the potential benefits of tapping into and making the best of Nebraska resources<span id="more-2570"></span></strong> rather than spending billions of dollars on outmoded dirty coal plants that send millions of Nebraska dollars out of state every year. Many people stayed and attended the NPPD Open House. We need to contine the effort. This was a good beginning activity.</p>
<p>We also had <strong>good media coverage</strong>. Here are links to a sampling of the stories:</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s the<strong> ABC Channel 8</strong> story URL:</p>
<p>http://www.klkntv.com/story/17798165/nebraska-public-power-district-holds-open-house-meeting</p>
<p>And the <strong>Lincoln Journal Star</strong> story:</p>
<p>http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/coalition-urges-nppd-to-boost-its-renewable-resources/article_cb28b3bc-931d-52ba-9a39-50f9a6c3e2de.html</p>
<p>And the <strong>Omaha World-Herald</strong> story:</p>
<p>http://www.omaha.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/704279892#nppd-pressed-to-expand-wind-power</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Let’s Plant a Rain Garden!</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/30/lets-plant-a-rain-garden/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/30/lets-plant-a-rain-garden/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:50:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EcoKids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missouri Valley]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2559</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Helen Deffenbacher, MoValley Sierra Club EcoKids Coordinator  A very important message for parents Before you start digging, go to this website: www.ne-diggers.com or in Omaha, call 402-344-3565. Outside of Omaha: 800-331-5666. They’ll flag where underground utilities are located in &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/30/lets-plant-a-rain-garden/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">by Helen Deffenbacher, MoValley Sierra Club EcoKids Coordinator</p>
<div>
<h3><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A very important message for parents</span></strong></span></h3>
<p><em><span style="color: #ff0000;">Before you start digging, go to this website: <a href="http://www.ne-diggers.com/"><span style="color: #ff0000;">www.ne-diggers.com</span></a> or in Omaha, call 402-344-3565. Outside of Omaha: 800-331-5666. They’ll flag where underground utilities are located in your yard.<br />
</span></em><em><span style="color: #ff0000;">Nebraska law requires that anyone “who plans to disturb the earth for any reason needs to request a locate for doing so. This would include homeowners that want to plant bushes, trees, flowers, etc.”</span></em></p>
<p><strong>What is a rain garden?</strong></p>
</div>
<p>It’s a garden that captures and temporarily holds rainwater that runs off our roofs, lawns, and driveways and keeps it from flowing on down the street into storm drains.<span id="more-2559"></span> Rainwater that enters storm drains flows directly into our streams, lakes, and rivers, and everything picked up along the way: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other pollutants. A rain garden, in other words, is a solution to pollution.</p>
<p>There are other solutions, too, as you already know, and we’ll discuss some of them later on. But for now, let’s focus on creating a rain garden. It’s actually one of the easiest things we all can do to help improve water quality for fish and other wildlife. Humans, of course, also need clean lakes and rivers for swimming and other recreational activities, and so rain gardens benefit us, as well. Some people have two or three rain gardens in their yards, to catch storm water runoff from different sources.</p>
<div id="attachment_2561" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 519px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rain-garden2.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-2561" title="rain garden2" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rain-garden2.png" alt="Example of a &quot;rain garden&quot;" width="509" height="382" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photograph by Mary Ann Ryan, Pennsylvania State Master Gardener</p></div>
<p>A rain garden is similar to other gardens with native, perennial plants&#8211;a butterfly, bee, or bird garden, for example. Some rain gardeners also include one or more of their favorite annuals. There are benefits to using all, or mostly all, native perennials in your rain garden, which we’ll discuss later on.</p>
<p>Your rain garden can be any size or shape you want to make it. For a first rain garden, however, you may want to start small. There are some differences between a rain garden and other gardens, and we’ll identify those later on.</p>
<p>For now, choose the shape you and your family would like your rain garden to be. You may want to draw different shapes to help you imagine how it will look. When you take walks or drive through area neighborhoods, look for rain gardens in other people’s yards. Notice their shape and other features, which you may want to use for your own garden.</p>
<p><strong>Where should we plant a rain garden?</strong></p>
<p>It should be located where it will catch the flow of water from your patio, driveway, or roof, and away from the foundation of your house, at least ten feet. Otherwise, rainwater might seep into the basement. It can be along a gentle slope or on flat ground.</p>
<p><strong>Once you’ve chosen a location, do a simple soil test.</strong></p>
<p>Dig a hole 12 inches deep, and fill it with water. If the water seeps into the ground within 24 hours, the soil is suitable for a rain garden.</p>
<p>If the water doesn’t drain away in that amount of time, choose another location and test the soil there. Soil compactness varies from one part of a yard to another.</p>
<p>If the water doesn’t infiltrate the soil there, either, it may be that it contains a lot of clay. If you think that may be the case, you can ask your county extension agency or an expert from a landscaping company who specializes in rain gardening to advise you.</p>
<p><strong>If your soil passed the test, read on!</strong></p>
<p>If you’re going to plant your rain garden where grass is presently growing, an easy way to get rid it, short of spading it up, is to lay a tarp over it until the grass dies. One family I know kept their round-shape tent up for that purpose. That works, too, if you want a rain garden the shape and size of your tent.</p>
<p><strong>Get your spades and rakes out because we’re ready to dig!</strong></p>
<p>Spade up your garden site, breaking up clods as you go.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About the dirt:</span></strong></p>
<p>The soil in your rain garden should be healthy, loose, and sponge-like. Healthy dirt contains an amazing community of beneficial creatures, including fungi, microorganisms, and earthworms, which aerate the soil and add nutrients to it.</p>
<p>Avoid using pesticides and herbicides to keep these beneficial creatures residing in your rain garden and the rest of your yard. Healthy soil grows healthy plants.</p>
<p>If your soil isn’t loose and there aren’t any earthworms or other beneficial creatures in sight, you can add organic compost to improve it. You’ll need to take out the same amount of dirt as compost that you plan to substitute.</p>
<p><strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">About the shape:</span></strong></p>
<p>A rain garden is shaped like a shallow bowl or serving dish, four or more inches deep, on average. Remove as much dirt as needed to make it the depth you want, plus more if you plan to add compost. That should be done when you finish removing the dirt. Spread the compost evenly over the garden bed. Using a rake, start at the center and finish shaping it.</p>
<p>If your rain garden is on a slope, you can use some of the removed dirt to build a berm. A berm is an embankment that will help keep water from overflowing a rain garden. On the downside it should be as high as the slope on the opposite side of the garden. A berm is an optional feature, and many rain gardeners don’t include them.</p>
<p>When you finish amending the soil if needed and shaping your rain garden bed the way you want it, you’re ready for plants!</p>
<p><strong>Why use plants instead of seeds and native plant species?</strong></p>
<p>It’s better to start with plants than seeds, because seeds might wash away in a heavy downpour. Native plants are excellent choices for rain gardens because they:</p>
<ul>
<li>  Do better in a drought than non-natives.</li>
<li>  Have deep roots that help water filter down into the soil.</li>
<li>  Help prevent flooding and erosion because their deep roots aerate the soil and hold it in place.</li>
<li>  Don’t require fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.</li>
<li>  Attract and support butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife.</li>
<li>  Require very little additional watering or tending once they’re established.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Where can we find native plants?</strong></p>
<p>A number of nurseries and garden centers in Omaha, Lincoln, and other towns in Nebraska sell native plants. Also, the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum will have plant sales on:</p>
<p>May 12<sup>th</sup> – 9 am to 12 pm at NSA Shadehouse in Lincoln (Directions are posted on the website, below).</p>
<p>May 19<sup>th</sup> – 9 am to 2 pm at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Nebraska</p>
<p><a href="http://www.arboretum.unl.edu/plantsales.html">www.arboretum.unl.edu/plantsales.html</a></p>
<p>These are great opportunities to talk with experts about native Nebraska plants for your garden. A variety of native wildflowers, grasses, and woody shrubs of different colors, shapes, textures, and heights will add beauty to your rain garden. The number and types of plants, of course, will depend on your garden’s size.  Check planting instructions and recommended spacing for each plant.</p>
<p>As with any garden, it’s always a good idea to sketch out a plan on paper first and then place the plants, still in their pots, around the garden plot to see how they look. A simple plan is to put taller plants in the center and gradually arrange shorter ones toward the garden’s borders. On your planning sheet, write down the color, mature height, and recommended spacing for each plant.</p>
<p><strong>When you finish planting your rain garden, add organic mulch.</strong></p>
<p>Spread a layer of 2 or more inches of organic mulch around your plants. It will help keep moisture in and weeds out of your rain garden. Shredded mulch stays in place better than wood chips or bark, which tend to float and wash away in a heavy downpour.</p>
<p><strong>Seed the berm.</strong></p>
<p>A ground cover planting of some type will help keep the soil in place. Alternatively, you can put decorative rock on it or spread mulch over it.</p>
<p><strong>Decorate your rain garden (optional).</strong></p>
<p>Rocks of different colors and shapes will not only look beautiful in your garden, but also, strategically placed, they will help distribute the flow of water more evenly throughout it. Other ideas include putting a bench, birdhouse, or solar lights next to it.</p>
<p><strong>If You &amp; Your Family Would Like to Do More</strong></p>
<p><strong>*  You can build your own rain barrel.</strong></p>
<p>Rainwater is high quality water that will help your plants thrive. Unlike tap water, it doesn’t contain chlorine, fluoride, salts and other minerals. According to the City of Omaha’s Environmental Quality Control Department, it only takes 0.3 inch of rain from the average size home roof to fill a rain barrel!</p>
<p>To obtain a free, recycled, food-grade plastic barrel, contact Keep Nebraska Beautiful—Materials Exchange Program at 402-486-4622.</p>
<p>In Omaha you can also request a recycled barrel at the website of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Control’s Stormwater Program: <a href="http://www.freerainbarrel.com/">www.freerainbarrel.com</a></p>
<p>The City of Lincoln’s Watershed Education Program website has a “Step-By-Step Guide: How to Build a Rain Barrel.”<a href="http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/watrshed/educate/barrel/howto/index.htm"> www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/watrshed/educate/barrel/howto/index.htm</a></p>
<p>The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (NRD) also has instructions on building a rain barrel at this website address: <a href="http://www.papionrd.org/water_quality/water_shed_projects.shtml">www.papionrd.org/water_quality/water_shed_projects.shtml</a></p>
<p>To find your NRD, click here: <a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/find-your-nrd.php">www.nrdnet.org/find-your-nrd.php</a></p>
<p><strong>*  Attend a workshop on how to build your own rain barrel.</strong></p>
<p>UNL Extension for Douglas and Sarpy Counties is offering a “Make Your Own Rain Barrel” workshop on May 8<sup>th</sup> from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the UNL Extension Office, 8015 West Center Road. Class registration is limited to 15 individuals or couples, and the $30 cost for a barrel and other materials must be paid in advance. For more information, contact Bobbi Holm, 402-444-7875 or <a href="mailto:bholm2@unl.edu">bholm2@unl.edu</a></p>
<p>The City of Lincoln will hold Build-Your-Own Rain Barrel Classes at Southeast Community College on May 5<sup>th</sup>, August 4<sup>th</sup> and 11<sup>th</sup>, and September 8th. The class description is available by calling Southeast Community College at 437-2700 or visiting this website:  <a href="http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/watrshed/educate/barrel/class/">www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/watrshed/educate/barrel/class/</a></p>
<p>Metro Community College offers a Rainwater Collection workshop that includes designing and building a rain barrel. There is a $40 lab fee (which is included in the registration fee). You will get to take home a 55-gallon rain barrel ready to use. The Course Number is HOMI – 183N. To find out when the next workshop will be held, visit MCC’s website: <a href="http://www.mccneb.edu/green/">www.mccneb.edu/green/</a>  or call 402-457-5231.</p>
<p>*  <strong>Give a friend or family member a membership to the Nebraska Native Plant Society.</strong></p>
<p>First find out if he or she would be interested in learning more about native Nebraska plants. A year’s membership is $10. For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.unl.edu/nebnps/NNPSindex.html">www.unl.edu/nebnps/NNPSindex.html</a></p>
<p><strong>*  Organize a group of volunteers to put “No Dumping” discs on storm drains in your neighborhood. </strong></p>
<p>Adults and youth who are 13 years of age and older can apply the discs. Kids younger than that who are accompanied by an adult can help deliver flyers that describe the project and why it’s important.</p>
<p>Everything you need is provided in a Storm Drain Kit, including flyers and 100 discs, which have an adhesive backing, making it easy to apply them to storm drains. Cleaning leaves and litter off the storm drains beforehand is a part of the program. A mini training session is also provided for volunteers. You can read more about it here:</p>
<p>In Omaha: <a href="http://www.keepomahabeautiful.org/programs/storm-drain-awareness">www.keepomahabeautiful.org/programs/storm-drain-awareness</a></p>
<p>In Lincoln: <a href="http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/health/environ/kllcb/storm.htm">www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/health/environ/kllcb/storm.htm</a></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Buy eco-friendly household cleaners or make your own. </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The Clean Environment Company makes environmentally friendly cleaning products right here in Omaha, in a manufacturing warehouse at 13305 C Street. Their products are used in 58 national parks, including Yellowstone.</p>
<p>In Omaha you can order any of their cleaning products and pick them up at the above address. They give a credit on any bottle you bring back for a refill. For more information, or to place an order, call 402-537-0011. To check out their products, the web link is: <a href="http://www.cleanenvironmentco.com/products/index.htm">www.cleanenvironmentco.com/products/index.htm</a></p>
<p>In Lincoln, you can purchase Clean Environment products at Open Harvest, 1618 South Street: <a href="http://www.openharvest.coop/">www.openharvest.coop</a>.</p>
<p>Making your own household cleaners is easy, and it saves money. Even though they are made from natural ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, or vinegar, for example, this is generally a project for grownups or, depending on what the recipe calls for, perhaps youth participation with adult supervision.</p>
<p>Many recipes are available online for: liquid laundry detergent, dry powder laundry detergent, automatic dishwashing detergent, drain cleaners, all purpose cleaners, furniture polish, floor cleaners, and more.</p>
<p>You may want to start with two or three recipes for the types of cleaners you use most often, such as laundry soap, dish soap, and an all purpose cleaner, for example. Those will save your family the most money.</p>
<p>*  <strong>Give a “starter kit” to someone you know who wants to plant a rain garden.</strong></p>
<p>A starter kit might include one or two native wildflowers and a homemade card, for example. You may want to add a “recycled” garden ornament, which are plentiful at garage and estate sales.</p>
<h2>Nebraska’s 2012 Wildflower Week is June 2-10</h2>
<p><strong>Nebraska Wildflower Week Proclamation, </strong>by Governor Dave Heineman:</p>
<p><em>&#8220;WHEREAS, prairies, woodlands and other natural plant communities are essential to the ecological health of Nebraska and give the land its great beauty and unique character, </em><em><br />
<em>WHEREAS, Nebraska is rich in wildflowers, grasses, trees and other native plants with beauty and hardiness that commends their use for landscaping homes, businesses and community green space. </em><br />
<em>NOW, THEREFORE, I Dave Heineman, Governor of the State of Nebraska ,</em>DO HEREBY PROCLAIM the first week of June, as Nebraska Wildflower Week, and I do hereby urge all citizens to participate in events and activities during Nebraska Wildflower Week that foster understanding, enjoyment and conservation of Nebraska &#8216;s wildflowers and other native plants.&#8221;</em></p>
<p><em><strong>By planting a rain garden with Nebraska wildflowers and other native plants, you are helping to conserve them. Your rain garden should be looking beautiful by Wildflower Week! Enjoy your handiwork.</strong></em></p>
<p>The Sierra Club’s motto is, “Explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.” Planting a rain garden is just one of the many ways we can do that. Next month, which President Obama has declared the “Great Outdoors Month,” we’ll explore other fun things we can do to put our club’s motto into action in our own backyards and beyond.</p>
<p>Also, I want to thank Nancy Hawekotte for the wonderful article she wrote last month for EcoKids, <em>Keeping Song in the Air: Protecting Our Backyard Birds.</em> It includes a lot of valuable and interesting information and ideas for ways we can all help protect and conserve Nebraska’s birds and other wildlife.</p>
<p>If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Helen Deffenbacher, EcoKids Coordinator: <a href="mailto:hdeffenbacher@cox.net">hdeffenbacher@cox.net</a></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>&#8220;Connect the Dots&#8221; Demonstration at Omaha&#8217;s Old Market</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/30/connect-the-dots-demonstration-at-omahas-old-market/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/30/connect-the-dots-demonstration-at-omahas-old-market/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:23:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Action Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rallies-Press Conferences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missouri Valley]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[By Jane Wilson, MoValley Sierra Club Activist On May 5, hundreds, if not thousands, of events are being held worldwide to Connect the Dots on Climate Change. Go here to find out more: www.climatedots.org In Omaha, Guardians of the Good &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/30/connect-the-dots-demonstration-at-omahas-old-market/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>By Jane Wilson, MoValley Sierra Club Activist</strong></p>
<p>On <strong>May 5</strong>, hundreds, if not thousands, of events are being held worldwide to <strong>Connect the Dots on Climate Change</strong>.<br />
Go here to find out more: <a href="http://www.climatedots.org">www.climatedots.org</a></p>
<p>In Omaha, Guardians of the Good Life will hold an event at the <strong>Farmers Market downtown</strong> beginning at <strong>9 a.m</strong>.<span id="more-2555"></span></p>
<p>Can you Connect the Dots? That will be our question for people attending the first Farmers Market of the year. We&#8217;ll gather at 11th &amp; Howard with a sign asking that question and volunteers will each hold a &#8220;Climate Dot&#8221; with a picture of a climate change event occurring right now in our community and our country, along with pictures of the causes of that change. We&#8217;ll have a handout about climate impacts and what we can do about them.</p>
<p>And if some of us feel like it, we may wander through the crowd, carrying our dots and talking to people. Afterwards, we&#8217;ll head down to the riverfront for a Photo Op at the bronze sculpture &#8220;Salute to Labor&#8221; that was nearly underwater in the Missouri River flood last year &#8211; and we&#8217;ll have a picture of that climate event, too. Please come!</p>
<p>And we need people to hold dots. Please let me know if you&#8217;d like to, so I know how many to make.</p>
<p>Oh, and please wear either a green shirt or any shirt w/ a &#8220;green&#8221; message. Thanks!</p>
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		<title>Picnic and Prairie Walk</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/29/picnic-and-prairie-walk/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/29/picnic-and-prairie-walk/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:53:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Educational Programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missouri Valley]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[By Mary Green, MoValley Program Chair Thurs. June 28: Picnic and Prairie Walk 6 p.m Potluck Picnic at Zorinsky Lake (156th and F Streets) 7 p.m. Prairie Walk with Glenn Pollock Join the Sierra Club for a summer potluck picnic &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/29/picnic-and-prairie-walk/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_326" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/glenn-pollock3_edited.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-326" title="glenn-pollock3_edited" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/glenn-pollock3_edited-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Pollock</p></div>
<p>By Mary Green, MoValley Program Chair</p>
<p><strong>Thurs. June 28</strong>: Picnic and Prairie Walk<br />
<strong>6 p.m</strong> Potluck Picnic at <strong>Zorinsky Lake (156th and F Streets)</strong><br />
<strong>7 p.m.</strong> Prairie Walk with Glenn Pollock</p>
<p>Join the Sierra Club for a summer potluck picnic and prairie walk with amateur prairie ecologist Glenn Pollock at Zorinski Lake. We’ll have a potluck picnic—bring a dish to share, your own re-usable plates and utensils, your own beverage, and, if possible, a folding chair.<span id="more-2552"></span></p>
<p>(Note: the picnic is optional for those who want to just come for the prairie walk at 7.)</p>
<p>At 7 p.m. Glenn will lead us on an evening prairie walk on one of the trails leaving from the playground area. There should be plenty of wild flowers in bloom at this time of year, and Glenn is an extremely knowledgeable tour guide.</p>
<p>Access Zorinsky Lake from the “F” St. entrance off 156th St. Follow signs to the playground, where there’s ample parking. Sierra Club signs will direct you to our gathering spot at one of the picnic areas by the playground.</p>
<p>Please join the Sierra Club for this summer evening at Zorinsky Lake.<br />
<strong>More information</strong> at <a href="http://sierranebraska.org">sierranebraska.org</a></p>
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		<title>Clean Energy Rally in Lincoln April 26</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/24/clean-energy-rally-in-lincoln-april-26/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/24/clean-energy-rally-in-lincoln-april-26/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:36:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Action Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NE Chapter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2538</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP CLEAN NEBRASKA ENERGY That creates jobs and economic development for Nebraska and helps build a bright future for our young people OR ADDICTION TO DIRTY COAL That sends Nebraska dollars out of state and dooms us to &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/24/clean-energy-rally-in-lincoln-april-26/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-large;">OPPORTUNITY</span></strong><strong></strong></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">TO DEVELOP CLEAN NEBRASKA ENERGY</span></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">That creates jobs and economic development for Nebraska<br />
</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">and helps build a bright future for our young people</span></em></strong></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">OR</span></p>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-large;">ADDICTION</span></strong></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">TO DIRTY COAL</span></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">That sends Nebraska dollars out of state<br />
</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">and dooms us to major rate increases</span></em></strong></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">The choice is ours</span></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">ATTEND THE CLEAN ENERGY RALLY OUTSIDE THE CORNHUSKER HOTEL ON APRIL 26<sup>TH</sup> AT 5:30 P.M.<span id="more-2538"></span></span></strong></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT IS HOLDING AN EVENT ON APRIL 26<sup>TH</sup> FROM 2 TO 8 P.M. AT THECORNHUSKER HOTEL WHERE THEY WILL PRESENT THEIR PLANS</span></strong></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">WE NEED TO LET NPPD KNOW THAT WE SUPPORT CLEAN NEBRASKA ENERGY</span></strong></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Nebraska Public Power District is considering spending at least $1.5 billion to retrofit old dirty coal electric generating plants.</span></strong></p>
<p> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">If they do this, electric rates would increase dramatically</span></strong> and Nebraska ratepayers would be stuck with sending hard-earned ratepayer dollars to Wyoming to pay for coal for at least the next twenty years.</p>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Nebraska has the fourth best wind resource in the United States</span></strong>, but ranks 25<sup>th</sup> in wind development, behind all of our neighbors. NPPD’s own research shows that wind development is very popular with their ratepayers, supported by more than 80 % of ratepayers surveyed.</p>
<p> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">NPPD claims that developing renewable energy would increase our electric rates.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">This is false.</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Iowa</span> has nearly 15 times more wind development than Nebraska , but has lower residential electric rates than NPPD.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Electric rates in Nebraska have increased by more than 30 % in the last five years, mostly because of increases in the cost of producing energy by using coal.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">LET’S INVEST IN CLEAN NEBRASKA ENERGY</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Wind development can provide significant economic benefits.</span></strong> For example, farmers in Iowa received 13 times more in lease payments than Nebraska farmers and ranchers received. The health of Nebraska ’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, and having more money in rural areas would be a big help to our rural residents and to our economy as a whole.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The cheapest and most environmentally sound kilowatt is the one not generated.</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">NPPD’s own analysis shows it is far cheaper to spend money on energy efficiency than any generation option. They create jobs, reduce electric bills and reduce the need for our utilities to spend money on generation infrastructure. Expert analysis indicates that 17 jobs are created for every $1 million invested in energy efficiency. </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Solar energy represents another opportunity for Nebraska .</span></strong> Nebraska has the 9<sup>th</sup> best solar potential in the United States . Recent reports indicate that Nebraska ’s own Warren Buffett is investing in solar energy in other states. If the Oracle of Omaha believes it is a good investment, our public power districts should be investigating its potential.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The best thing about investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency is the way they protect the future for our children and young people.</span></strong> Since there is no cost for fuel for wind and solar energy, they don’t have the increasing fuel costs associated with fossil fuels. These investments would provide economic benefits to Nebraskans, keeping money in the state. They don’t require massive water usage like a coal-fired power plant. And they protect the environment because they don’t emit harmful pollution like mercury, sulfur dioxide or greenhouse gases.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">LET’S MAKE THE SMART INVESTMENT</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">GOOD FOR OUR ECONOMY</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">GOOD FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">GOOD FOR OUR FUTURE</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">ATTEND THE CLEAN ENERGY RALLY OUTSIDE THE CORNHUSKER HOTEL ON APRIL 26<sup>TH</sup> AT 5:30 P.M.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">If you want to send comments to NPPD go to GOAinput@nppd.com </span></strong></p>
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		<title>David Corbin Endorsed for OPPD Board by MVG</title>
		<link>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/16/david-corbin-endorsed-for-oppd-board-by-mvg/</link>
		<comments>http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/16/david-corbin-endorsed-for-oppd-board-by-mvg/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:53:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Albert Lierz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Action Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missouri Valley]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sierranebraska.org/?p=2523</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Michael D. McClellan, Political Chair of MoValley Sierra Club Group The Missouri Valley Group for the Sierra Club has endorsed David Corbin for the Board of the Omaha Public Power District (“OPPD”). There are two open seats on the &#8230; <a href="http://sierranebraska.org/2012/04/16/david-corbin-endorsed-for-oppd-board-by-mvg/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>By Michael D. McClellan, Political Chair of MoValley Sierra Club Group</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_2526" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 136px"><a href="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DavidCorbin.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2526" title="DavidCorbin" src="http://sierranebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DavidCorbin.jpg" alt="David Corbin" width="126" height="137" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">David Corbin</p></div>
<p>The Missouri Valley Group for the Sierra Club has endorsed <strong>David Corbin</strong> for the Board of the <strong>Omaha Public Power District (“OPPD”).</strong> There are two open seats on the Board for the Metro Subdivision.</p>
<p>Dave Corbin has been involved in public projects ranging from planting trees on public land, to helping to create a public outdoor fitness park and a public bike share program. Corbin is a retired <strong>professor of health education and public health after 31 years on faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha</strong> and now devotes his time to serving the community.<span id="more-2523"></span></p>
<p>David Corbin cares about the environment and wants an <strong>aggressive energy efficiency</strong> program that will insulate and upgrade every energy inefficient home and business in the OPPD service area. Corbin wants to move beyond retrofitting old coal plants like North Omaha that continue to burn Wyoming coal. As a public power district, as a state and as a nation, Corbin is for <strong>investing in clean, local renewable energy like wind and solar.</strong></p>
<p>David Corbin shares our values of community and environment. He is a steadfast and proven leader for protecting our cherished natural environment and taking on the challenges of delivering affordable, reliable and safe energy in the decades ahead.</p>
<p>We have an opportunity to build a better, smarter, and cleaner Omaha.</p>
<p>Please vote for David Corbin for the Board of Omaha Public Power District &#8211; Metropolitan Subdivision.</p>
<p>To learn more visit David Corbin’s campaign’s website &#8211; <a href="http://www.DavidCorbinForOPPD.com">www.DavidCorbinForOPPD.com</a>.</p>
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