February 19, 2016

Minutes, WNC/PSR Meeting,
February 19, 2016

Attendees: Lew Patrie, Steve Gilman, Stan Dienst, Bert Crain, Phil Bisesi, Terry Clark

I.   The group Approved the minutes January 15, 2016 as written

II.   Treasurers report: balance, $1,703.96

III.   Business:
The Union of Concerned Scientists encourages organization to encourage presidential candidates to address nuclear weapons issues.
Action: Bert Crain will prepare a letter

The NC Utilities Commission is considering the Duke-Progress Energy proposal to build a third natural gas generator at the Arden Plant, Action:
Terry Clark will write a letter on behalf of WNC/PSR to the Utilities Commission, requesting that they deny the request to build a third generator and encourage the commission to request Duke-Progress Energy to focus on development of renewable energy sources.

Stan Dienst gave us an update on his presentation on Global Climate Change.

Report Nuclear Weapons committee
* From Oct. 2015 to present we have had 5 Guest Articles plus 1 Letter to Editor published in AVL C-T.
* Terry attended Rep. Meadows Open House, posed question, followed up with letter to Meadows.
* A letter re the Dec. 15, 2016 letter from 7 U.S. Senators is in preparation by Bob H.
* A State of the Chapter letter to all WNCPSR supporters is in draft preparation by Terry.
* Lew's current draft , takes off on Brita's Guest Article.
* Stan's Climate Change presentation scheduled for April 15, 2016 (if he doesn't mention it).

Chapter grant request – Terry will complete

Executive Committee:
Noted that WNC/PSR signed-on to Senate Coal Ash bill opposition letter, initiated by Earth Justice, 1 28 16
Noted that WNC/PSR signed-on to PSR letter to governors regarding Clean Power Plan

Membership committee, no report due to time constraint

One PSR report: Noted that the Clean Power Plan has been suspended, by action of the DC district court. The Supreme Court is a year away from hearing the case. Some states are moving forward and implementing components of the plan, others states including North Carolina are suing. Action; Noted that several PSR Chapters are participating in a program, “Clean Energy Saves Lives”. WNCPS can consider participating in this program. Plan: Further discussion

Meeting with Legislators, need to set. Further discussing and planning
Meeting ended at 2 PM

Next Chapter meeting: 3/17/16

February 19, 2016

PREVENTING WHAT WE CANNOT CURE: Physicians for Social Responsibility is the medical and public health voice working to prevent the use or spread of nuclear weapons and to slow, stop and reverse global warming and the toxic degradation of the environment.