Nate Geisler

Many of you may know, Mayor Carlos Alvarez vetoed the entire package of UDB and non-UDB development applications. There were not enough votes to sustain the Mayor's veto for now, therefore, the applications will go forward as originally approved to the state. In April 2006, these UDB applications will be back before your County Commission for a final vote.

The following five Commissioners should be recognized for their original opposition to "transmittal" on many or all of the proposed developments to move the UDB:

Katy Sorenson (District 8)

Carlos Gimenez (District 7)

Rebecca Sosa (District 6)-

Sally Heyman (District 4)-

Barbara Carey-Shuler (District 3)-

Mayor Carlos Alvarez mayor@miamidade.gov

Please send them a little Holiday thank you to these leaders! It would mean so much if these commissioners heard from you.

Often times we hear negative stories from the media concerning our elected officials. It is heartening to know that the individuals listed above are choosing to do the right thing on this issue.

Please be aware that officials in Collier County, Sarasota COunty, and other places are experiencing similar pressure to promote SPRAWL development in their areas. Isn't it time Miami-Dade demonstrate its forward thinking vision by voting to HOLD THE LINE?

Mike Robinson

I could not agree more with Governor Bush and 2005 Energy Forum participants that we need energy diversity for our state's energy supplies. Unfortunately, future DEP projections for renewable energy will drop from 1 % to ZERO while our reliance on natural gas will skyrocket to 80 % from 39 %.

This dominant fossil-fuel forecast is a result of providing nuclear, oil, and natural gas, energies with generous governmental subsidy programs that guarantee market dominance. Nuclear energy will receive around 600 million dollars reimbursement per nuclear power plant each year. Gas and oil fuels receive from 150 ? 250 billion dollars in yearly subsidies. Solar Energy electricity incentives are capped at a $2000 tax credit (not reimbursement) per residential unit. As one can see, the differences in incentives are quite extreme.

Florida should follow California's example of providing renewable energy subsidies to level the playing field. Through SB 1038 and SB 1078, they spend over 135 million dollars/ year to subsidize 50 % of the capital cost of renewable energy systems. Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's bold goal is to have 20 % of California's electrical energy from renewable energy sources by 2017. The program has been so popular, that it has a waiting list for subsidies.

Before Industry pundits write off the value of renewable energy in the Florida's future energy portfolio, they need to level the playing field for renewable energy by providing governmental subsidies on the same magnitude as the fossil fuel industry. California is well on its way to achieving energy diversity. Will the "Sunshine State" one day follow the recommendations of studies written in the 1970's by finally providing renewable energy subsidies for our future?

Jonathan Ullman and Mike Robinson attended a Florida Department of Transportation Scoping Meeting at Kendall Regional Library.

We presented FDOT with the reasons why we feel FDOT should consider partnering with the Department of Interior to help defray the cost of the superior Skyway project.

The Skyway project is a proposed 10.7 mile bridge rated as a best buy by the Army Corps of Engineers. Their final recommendation is a 2 mile - 1 mile split bridge that is cheaper in the short run but only provides 50 percent rehabilitation.

Future maintnenance costs were not calculated in the total cost. Perhaps this is why Mike Hatcher, Chairman of the CTAC (Citizens Advisory Tranpsortation Committe-MPO Advisory Board) explained to FDOT at this meeting;

"It is time to think outside the box to get the most bang for the buck. Perhaps FDOT can work with the Army Corps of Engineers to make the Everglades Skyway a reality".

TAKE ACTION BY CLICKING ON THE SKYWAY PICTURE

The Fall Fundraiser originally scheduled during Hurricane Wilma has been set for March 24, 2006 at the Rusty Pelican.

A Special thanks goes to the Maria Papazian and the Fundraising Committee for their Herculean efforts... Feel Free to make your reservations if necessary. All Old Reservations wilol be honored... I even hear that Mr. Defede may still be around..... I hope his hot water is fixed....

PLease click on the picture to provide comments to the DEP on what you think about Florda's Energy Future.

Do you think we should provide energy subsidies for renewable energy like other states? Email DEP at energyforum2005@dep.state.fl.us.

January 7 Hells Bay Canoe Orienteering- Enjoy a challenging day leanrning how to use a map and compass while canoeing through mangrove-line channels of the Everglades National Park STRENUOUS Cost: $35/$40 members/nonmembers Leader: Jim Gross 305-665-2401 c james.m.gross@noaa.gov

January 7th Everglades National Park Day Hike- Hike three different habitats- Ahinga, Gumbo Limbo, and Pinelands trail. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with kindred spirtis. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with kindred spirtis. Cost: $15/20$ members/nonmember, Contact Kaatje Bernabei c bernabei@braddock.dadeschools.net 305-223- 6551

January 14-16 Myakka Backpacking Hiking in Florida's Largest State Park. 6-9 miles / day for three days STRENUOUS. Limit 8 Meet at Black Point in South Dade, bike 12 miles to Homestead Bayfront Park, swim, then bike back to Black Point for a Sierra Lunch Cost: $35/$40 non member Leader: Dan Cruse (305) 661-2975 or Pat Lopez (305) 279-5354

January 21 Outing Leader Workshop ONe day workshop for leaders and potential new leaders. Sharpen and learn new skills for running outings. Lunch included 15$/$50 members/ nonmembers Leader: Jim Gross 305-665-2401 c james.m.gross@noaa.gov

December 12, 2006 The Holiday Party was a BLAST! We had over 60 people in attendance!

January 9, 2006 Monica Woll From Florida Bay Outfitters discusses her Grand Canyon Trip.

February- May , 2006 open but filling up fast.... Do you know someone who wants to speak?? Contact mike at miamisierra@gmail.com.

email: miamisierra@gmail.com

web: http://florida.sierraclub.org/miami/