Acadian Sierran Newsletters
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July 2011
With the safe passage of the 2011 Mississippi River Flood there is a need to determine and evaluate how the system worked. Items like weak and low spots in the levee system, current height of the levees, alternatives for diverting floodwaters, impacts on coastal restoration, fish and game, water quality, and navigation are all issues in dire need of being addressed. There are perhaps many issues that could be added to this list. To address these issues the Sierra Club would like to have a public hearing in the next few months. In line with this, Representative Jeff Landry has agreed to be part of this hearing.
The Outings Program of the Acadian Group is an important outreach. The June canoe trip on Bayou Teche was an outstanding success with 34 people participating in the 8 1/2 mile ride paddle. July brought the Club to the Cameron Parish beaches with 12 people hiking 5 miles, enjoying a wiener roast, good conversation, and a magnificent sunset. The Outings Calendar is a part of this newsletter and we welcome you to participate in these fun and informative events.
The issue of energy is vital to the economy of Louisiana and our nation. We have outstanding prospects for renewable energy in our region and state. Amongst those are the river power opportunities with the Atchafalaya and Mississippi. Louisiana Offshore Wind is one of the most outstanding wind resources in America, and we have the infrastructure and know-how to harness this important energy. Biomass in this state from waste sugar cane, rice, wheat, forestry, and yard waste as collected in Lafayette is a very significant renewable resource. Yard waste collection produces energy, compost, and saves valuable landfill space. Gas-to-liquids (Fischer-Tropsch) produces high-quality, high-energy, very clean burning gasoline and diesel. It can be made from fossil gas, landfill methane, or manure-derived methane--all of which Louisiana has in abundance. This process is the best opportunity for this nation to deal with our dependence on foreign oil.
We welcome you to join us in our efforts to resolve these important issues. The Sierra Club meets every 2nd and 3rd Wednesday at 6:30pm. Note new meeting place is at the New Lourdes Hospital on Ambassador Caffrey Parkway.
~Harold Schoeffler, Chair
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All views and opinions expressed in the Acadian Sierran Newsletter are those of its contributors and don't necessarily reflect the views of the Sierra Club, Acadian Group, Delta Chapter, or any other entity of the Club.
Copyright 2011.
