Howdy!
Hope you’re staying warm on this cold day! Grateful for the much needed rain. Lots of events and actions to take!
December 3, NC politics: where it started, and where it needs to go
7 pm, online
Hosted by Siembra NC and Make NC Work. Join this call to learn more about the history of immigrants in North Carolina, the state of politics, and how we’ll build the power we need to make NC the safest state in the south for families, businesses and all of us. Register here.
December 3, The Value of Robust Climate Journalism to a Healthy Planet and Strong Democracy
8 pm, online
This discussion brings together leading voices in environmental reporting and activism to examine how journalists can deepen public understanding, hold power to account, and inspire meaningful climate action. Panelists include Bill McKibben, Sammy Roth, Amy Westervelt, and Adam Mahony. Register here.
December 4, North Star Interventions: Using Policy as an Organizing Tool in Our Data Center Fights
1 pm, online
Launch of the toolkit, featuring a panel of local and state organizers, who will discuss how they’ve used policy interventions as an organizing tool to both fight individual data center developments and to advance statewide change. Registration here.
December 4, Climate Cafe
6:30-8 pm, 910 Broad Street, Durham
A climate cafe is a 90-minute facilitated conversation in which participants share feelings and reflections about the climate crisis. As people listen, connect, and notice commonalities and differences, they feel less alone. Climate cafes do not focus on action or strategy, though people often feel more able to act after processing their emotions and connecting with others. We recognize that the climate crisis is not impacting all equally and welcome all to attend free of charge. Facilitators Miriam Brodersen, LCSW, and Allison ZIrkel, LCSW. Register here.
Two screenings of The True Cost of Power: Duke Energy’s Climate Deception
Join NC WARN and co-sponsors for screening and Q&A. “The True Cost of Power: Duke Energy’s Climate Deception” outlines how, for decades, Duke Energy leaders have misled the public about the dangers of its fossil fuel use while also positioning itself as a clean leader and harming our local communities.
December 11, 6-7:30 pm, Durham Friends Meeting, Fellowship Room, 404 Alexander Ave, Durham
Register here
December 15, 6-7:30 pm, RUMAH, 415 Hillsborough St Suite 101, Raleigh
Duke Energy wants to merge their two NC utility subsidiaries — DE Progress and DE Carolinas. There are two opportunities to make comments.
December 15, Duke merger in-person public comment session
7 pm, Dobbs Building, Room 2115, 430 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh
December 16, 6:30 pm, Duke merger virtual public comment session. Register to make comments by Dec 9th here.
December 16, Pipeline Fighters’ Celebration
5:30-8 pm, etc.gso community collective, 1333 Grove St, Greensboro
The NoSSEP Coalition will be hosting a gathering for all those who have been involved in the collective efforts to keep the SSEP and MVP Southgate pipelines out of our state. Meet impacted landowners, organizers from across the state, and other community members who are plugged in as we reflect on the victories of the past year and discuss our next moves as a coalition. Potluck style!
Register here.
ACTION
MVP Boost — would expand the capacity of the existing MVP mainline. More info from POWHR here. Toolkit to make comments to FERC by December 19 here.
Sign Petitions for a Solar Energy Bond! 
Let’s solarize public buildings like schools, libraries, and EMS stations; as well as facilities like community centers, water treatment facilities, and fire stations. Sign the corresponding petition below depending on where you live.
Wake County here
City of Raleigh here
Durham County here
City of Durham here
Orange County here
Hotlines to Report Boarder Patrol/ICE activity
Siembra NC Defense Hotline: 336-543-0353 (State-Wide)
Carolina Migrant Network Hotline: 704-740-7737 (Charlotte)
RADARSAFE Hotline: 800-559-8714 (Raleigh/Triangle Area)
Stay Connected and Informed
Check out Siembra NC’s new map, OJO Obrero, which tracks verified ICE and Border Patrol activity throughout our state here.
Sign up for updates from Siembra NC and Defend and Recruit here.
Know your Rights & Risks here.
Update on Duke Energy rate hikes and Carbon Plan
Duke Energy filed a request for a 15% rate hike over two years recently. UGH! Be on the lookout for opportunities to make public comments at hearings.
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For Duke Energy Carolinas customers, their bills would increase by $17.22 a month in 2027, followed by another $6.34 increase in 2028.
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For Duke Energy Progress customers, their bills would increase by $23.11 per month starting in 2027, followed by another increase of $6.59 a month in 2028.
Public hearings scheduled for Duke’s carbon and resource plan here.
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Feb. 4: Durham County Courthouse at 7 pm.
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Mar. 4: New Hanover Courthouse at 7 pm.
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Mar. 16: Virtual via Webex or YouTube
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Mar. 17: Buncombe County Courthouse at 7 pm.
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Mar. 18: Mecklenburg County Courthouse at 7 pm.
FOLLOW UP ON COP30
Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) very thorough report back from COP30 here.
COP30’s Three F-Words: Failure on Fossil Fuels by Amy Goodman and Dennis Moynihan here.
Another Cop wrecked by fossil fuel interests and our leaders’ cowardice – but there is another way by Genevieve Guenther here.
ARTICLES
NC DEQ approves water permit for MVP Southgate pipeline — press release here.
How North Carolina Rose Up Against Trump’s Latest Anti-Immigrant Crackdown by Chris Kromm here.
NC Environmental Justice Network has just designed a helpful new flyer on data centers in NC. Check it out here.
North Carolina’s data center boom is reshaping the state’s energy environment. What now? by Catherine Wiles here.
Behind AI Hype, Climate Consequences by Jean Sue and John Fleming here.
A Company Eyes What Would Be North Carolina’s First Commercial Natural Gas Well by Lisa Sorg here.
The Quick and Shameful Death of Biden’s Biggest Policy by Kate Aronoff here.
It was far too easy for Republicans to kill the Inflation Reduction Act. Where did those who crafted it go wrong?
Thanks so much for reading and for taking action. Take care of yourself!
Peace and love for our beautiful Earth, Karen