Welcome to the Bluestem Group

On the third Thursday of each month, the Group Executive Committee (ExCom) meets to conduct group business and planning. All those interested are welcome to attend.

On the fourth Thursday of each month (with a few exceptions, such as November), we hold General Membership Meetings with programs open to the public. If you have a special interest for a program, please suggest that interest to any member of the ExCom.

Noteworthy

Urge the Lincoln City Council To Support Energy Conservation

On Monday, Feb. 4th at 1:30, the Lincoln City Council will hold a public hearing and propose to spend $1 million (or half a percent of the total budget) to assist residential and business customers become more energy efficient. Renewable energy will also be part of the program.

There is support in many quarters for this step, but the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA), has opposed it.

We need to let the Council know that we support making things that use electricity more efficient—the cheapest and fastest way to curb global warming pollution.

There are several things you can do:
1) Send an email to council@lincoln.ne.gov, which will go to all of them.

2) Call the city council office at 441-7515. You can address the message for all council members or find your representative at http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/council/district.htm

3) Come to the hearing, even if you don't plan to speak - just being there is a way to show the Council that you support sustainable energy

LES is a model for energy conservation and efficiency, so this is very important because Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the Nebraska state legislature will have something already in existence to point to that encourages conversation and efficiency. It's is a teaching example for future efforts.

Example phone script:
Hello, I have a message for the Council Members that I would like to pass on.
My name is _________ and I 'm calling to ask that you allocate $1 million to assist residential and business customers to become more energy efficient.
I encourage you to start the program this year, and after learning from this experience, expand it substantially in later years.
I support the efficient use of electricity - the cheapest and fastest way to curb global warming pollution.
Thanks for your time.

You can call during the day to speak to someone or call in the evening to leave a message. Make sure to say your name.

The following is an email you can cut and paste.
Feel free to edit as you see fit, and make sure to add your name at the end.
Please blind carbon copy (bcc) me at sierra.club.leg.network@gmail.com so I can keep a tally of the people who helped out.
You can also contact me at 402-730-3289 with any concerns or questions.
Thanks for your help.

Best regards,
Matt Gregory
Sierra Club network organizer

To: council@lincoln.ne.gov
Subject: Support Energy Conservation

Dear Council members,
I am writing to you to ask that you allocate $1 million to assist residential and business customers become more energy efficient.

I encourage you to start the program this year, and after learning from this experience, expand it substantially in later years.

I support the efficient use of electricity - the cheapest and fastest way to curb global warming pollution.

Sincerely,
Your Name