Protest at Chevron refinery in Richmond, Calif., in 2013. Photo by Carolyn Morrisroe.
About Me
I bring 25 years of experience creating and implementing successful strategic communications plans and leading the editorial operations of publications.
How I Work
I believe that through narrative
power-building, supporting grassroots organizing, and fostering generative coalitions, we can create real change.
My Vision
I am working to build a world where every person can live a healthy, safe, just, and equitable life.
What's Here
Below please find highlights of my work in media relations and journalism. More samples available upon request.
Earned Media
Examples of some of the media hits that have resulted from my communications efforts
TVA prepares to end coal generation in Kingston
What has Louisiana’s governor done his first month in office? Boost fossil fuels
D.C. Circuit grills FERC in LNG export fight
Kentucky utility regulators approve a cleaner energy future for LG&E/KU
E&E News: DOE weighs approval of delayed Louisiana LNG project
Report: Major TN utility lags in clean energy transition
‘Stop polluting the communities of Black folks’: A Memphis resident reacts to TVA's latest methane gas proposal
Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Omits Big Climate Measures (Published 2021)
Progressives Introduce Huge Climate Bill That Rivals Biden Infrastructure Plan
Democrats Are Releasing a Massive Green Jobs and Justice Plan
Biden’s infrastructure and climate plan emerges as congressional wrangling begins
Are Climate Progressives Organized Enough to Force Biden’s Hand?
Democrats Prepare To Push Biden For A $10 Trillion, Decade-Long Green Infrastructure Plan
The New Economy Will Be Built by Movements
Press Releases
Federal Rules and Funding Help the South Prioritize Pollution-Free Energy
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Today, the EPA issued new rules to reduce pollution from power plants that will impact the Tennessee Valley Authority service area. These include the finalized federal carbon pollution standards for new gas-fired power plants and — for the first time ever — existing coal-fired plants, coal combustion residuals known as coal ash and solar generation access. These critically needed standards will slash carbon pollution and improve air and water quality for families and communiti...
Duke Must Rethink Gas Buildout with New Federal Carbon Pollution Rules
CHARLOTTE, NC — Today, the Biden administration finalized federal carbon pollution standards for existing coal-fired plants and new gas-fired power plants. These critically needed standards will slash carbon pollution and improve air quality for families and communities across North Carolina. The EPA estimates the carbon pollution standards will avoid over 1.4 billion metric tons of CO2 pollution through 2047. This action will also improve air quality by cutting harmful pollutants, including smo...
Groups Petition D.C. Circuit to Review Decision to Extend MVP Southgate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Late yesterday, a number of conservation groups filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision to extend the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Southgate Project.MVP radically altered its plans for the project almost immediately after the extension was granted. In December 2023, Southgate developers announced their new proposal to increase the amount of g...
Deadly Kingston Coal Plant to Be Retired
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Today, after years of dedicated community advocacy and activism, the Tennessee Valley Authority finalized its plan to retire the 1,700-megawatt Kingston coal plant in Roane County, Tenn. The federal utility issued the final decision to decommission all nine units in 2027. This is the 382nd coal plant to announce a retirement since the start of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. When completed in 1955, the Kingston coal plant was the largest in the world. It is also the source...
Dirty Truth Report: TVA Worst in the Nation for Planned Methane Gas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The results are in and for the third year in a row, the Tennessee Valley Authority is failing to transition to clean energy, according to a report released today by the Sierra Club. Instead, TVA is planning an enormous amount of new fossil gas infrastructure that will increase the cost burden to customers and negatively impact local communities.TVA received an F in this year’s edition of “The Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges,” showing no improvement over the past two...
MEMO: Real-World Benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Historic Climate Investments
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes more than 100 programs that will invest about $369 billion in climate action, clean energy jobs, and environmental justice. Collectively, these unprecedented investments will put us on a path to cutting climate pollution by 40 percent by 2030 while creating over 9 million family-sustaining jobs over the next decade and advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice. The act also includes funding to track its labor, equity, and e...
Inflation Reduction Act Marks a Turning Point in History
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the House passed the largest investment ever in climate and clean energy, sending the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) to President Biden’s desk for signing. This historic legislation directs $369 billion to over 100 programs that together will chart a path to reducing emissions by 40 percent by the end of the decade.
See our detailed analysis on the crucial investments included in this bill.
In response, Ramon Cruz, President of the Sierra Club released the foll...
See our detailed analysis on the crucial investments included in this bill.
In response, Ramon Cruz, President of the Sierra Club released the foll...
MEMO: Sierra Club Analysis of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
A deal to advance historic investments in climate, care, jobs, and justice was reached on July 27, 2022, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. It lays out $369 billion directed to over 100 programs that will bring down everyday costs for families, drive job creation, and reduce pollution in our communities.
Below is a breakdown of a number of crucial investments in the bill as well as investments that do not appear. Sierra Club policy staff and l...
Below is a breakdown of a number of crucial investments in the bill as well as investments that do not appear. Sierra Club policy staff and l...
News Writing
Duke sparks debate with request for 15% rate hike
As society’s preference for energy sources shifts from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives, utility companies endeavor to cover the costs of an evolving business model. That effort could mean higher electric bills for Duke Energy customers in Western North Carolina.
On June 1, Duke Energy Progress filed a request with the N.C. Utilities Commission to raise rates an average of 14.9 percent, to take effect Jan. 1. Residential customers would see an average increase of 16.7 percent, and commercial...
On June 1, Duke Energy Progress filed a request with the N.C. Utilities Commission to raise rates an average of 14.9 percent, to take effect Jan. 1. Residential customers would see an average increase of 16.7 percent, and commercial...
WNC residents rail against Duke rate hike
A huge banner drop across from the Buncombe County Courthouse signaled Asheville’s rejection of Duke Energy Progress’ plan to raise rates almost 15 percent.
“Go 100% renewable. No rate hikes for Duke’s dirty energy,” read the banner activists dropped from the roof of the Buncombe County parking deck on College Street prior to a Sept. 27 N.C. Utilities Commission public hearing on the proposed rate increase. A lineup of 44 speakers echoed those sentiments over the course of a nearly four-hour hea...
“Go 100% renewable. No rate hikes for Duke’s dirty energy,” read the banner activists dropped from the roof of the Buncombe County parking deck on College Street prior to a Sept. 27 N.C. Utilities Commission public hearing on the proposed rate increase. A lineup of 44 speakers echoed those sentiments over the course of a nearly four-hour hea...
Council candidates come out to support LGBTQ community
Asheville, N.C. — Candidates for City Council called into question how progressive Asheville really is when it comes to rights and protections for those in the LGBTQ community at an Oct. 25 forum. Representatives from four sponsoring organizations — Tranzmission, the Campaign for Southern Equality, Blue Ridge Pride Center and the Western North Carolina AIDS Project — pushed the six Council candidates for ideas on how they plan to support queer and transgender youth, individuals experiencing home...
Hydroelectric project falls: Company withdraws plan after Highlands residents speak out
A plan to use the flow of the Cullasaja River to generate hydroelectric power dried up this month after the company behind the project discovered the financial aspect did not hold water.
City releases new details in investigation into police use of force
After a closed session of Asheville City Council on March 5, the city released more information on the timeline and investigation into the Asheville Police Department’s use of force against resident Johnnie Jermaine Rush shortly after midnight on Aug. 25.
The incident came to the public’s attention on Feb. 28 when the Asheville Citizen Times published leaked police body camera footage of the APD’s interaction with Rush.
On March 5, Council went into closed session to consult with the city attorn...
The incident came to the public’s attention on Feb. 28 when the Asheville Citizen Times published leaked police body camera footage of the APD’s interaction with Rush.
On March 5, Council went into closed session to consult with the city attorn...
City Council prioritizes equity, environment, economy at annual retreat
With two newly elected members and an evolving political landscape, Asheville City Council’s annual retreat at The Collider Feb. 15-16 reflected a shifting mindset about what issues the city should tackle in the coming years.
The stated purpose of the retreat was: “To enhance the ability of the Asheville City Council to work together and make effective policy decisions through team building, a review and renewal of its vision and three-year priorities, and a discussion of governance roles.”
The stated purpose of the retreat was: “To enhance the ability of the Asheville City Council to work together and make effective policy decisions through team building, a review and renewal of its vision and three-year priorities, and a discussion of governance roles.”
Diversity, experience win Asheville City Council contest
By Carolyn Morrisroe, Able Allen and Virginia Daffron
ASHEVILLE — Rain didn’t keep Asheville voters away from the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7, as they turned out in relatively high numbers to re-elect two incumbents and increase the diversity of City Council.
Mayor Esther Manheimer easily secured a second term with 80.8 percent of the vote, while challenger Martin Ramsey garnered 18.6 percent. Vijay Kapoor and Sheneika Smith racked up enough votes to snag two of three open spots on Asheville City...
ASHEVILLE — Rain didn’t keep Asheville voters away from the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7, as they turned out in relatively high numbers to re-elect two incumbents and increase the diversity of City Council.
Mayor Esther Manheimer easily secured a second term with 80.8 percent of the vote, while challenger Martin Ramsey garnered 18.6 percent. Vijay Kapoor and Sheneika Smith racked up enough votes to snag two of three open spots on Asheville City...
Same-sex weddings could mean economic gain
A ruling allowing same-sex marriage in North Carolina could boost business in popular wedding destinations such as Highlands.
On Friday, Oct. 10, a federal judge cleared the way for counties in the state to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Two couples in Macon County obtained marriage licenses on Monday, Oct. 13, according to Register of Deeds Todd Raby.
On Friday, Oct. 10, a federal judge cleared the way for counties in the state to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Two couples in Macon County obtained marriage licenses on Monday, Oct. 13, according to Register of Deeds Todd Raby.
City stands against white supremacy
In the wake of the violence that erupted earlier this month at a white nationalist rally in Virginia, Asheville City Council approved a resolution condemning the actions of white supremacists and racial violence in Charlottesville.
The resolution also tasks Council’s Governance Committee with reviewing “the relevant General Statutes and other applicable laws related to historical markers and monuments on city property.” Mayor Esther Ma...
The resolution also tasks Council’s Governance Committee with reviewing “the relevant General Statutes and other applicable laws related to historical markers and monuments on city property.” Mayor Esther Ma...
Feature Writing
Preserving Tradition: The sweet taste of Appalachian heritage
Lara Chew plucks ripe raspberries off a bush in her sunny garden, the sound of cicadas and chickens providing harmony for her impromptu harvest. The berries could be eaten fresh during these waning warm days of summer, or they can be preserved as jam to be enjoyed on a cold winter’s day to come, calling up this sunshiny moment.
Chew lives in a log cabin built in 1829 in a green nook in Otto — green because her lush permaculture garden produces enough fruits and vegetables to sustain her throughout the year
Chew lives in a log cabin built in 1829 in a green nook in Otto — green because her lush permaculture garden produces enough fruits and vegetables to sustain her throughout the year
Brother Wolf prepares for transition to sanctuary
On a warm autumn day, cows lounge in the sunshine, and pigs squabble over pumpkin pieces. They are the vanguard of creatures, both companion animals and farmed animals, that Brother Wolf Animal Rescue hopes will reside at its new sanctuary in Leicester once it’s fully up and running. Halfway through what the organization is calling its transition year, grand plans and fundraising continue at BWAR, while some in the community question what they see as a realignment of the nonprofit’s mission.
Den...
Den...
Rock shops embrace Earth’s aesthetic and energy
Wrap your hand around a crystal. Feel the cool smoothness. Perhaps it reminds you of your childhood, digging around in your yard for shiny rocks. Maybe it pulses with energy that feels healing to you. Or possibly you just figure it would look good on your windowsill.
Asheville’s a crystal town, and rock shops flourish here. In the Grove Arcade, Enter the Earth sells stickers declaring “Crystal Toting Tree Hugger,” and many locals and tourists alike take pride in that characterization.
“It’s like...
Asheville’s a crystal town, and rock shops flourish here. In the Grove Arcade, Enter the Earth sells stickers declaring “Crystal Toting Tree Hugger,” and many locals and tourists alike take pride in that characterization.
“It’s like...
The wellness movement: Practitioners in Highlands look at the big picture of health
In the quest to achieve health and well-being, many people believe it’s helpful to seek training, advice and care from a combination of fields.
Dr. Sue Aery has been providing chiropractic care and acupuncture in Highlands for more than nine years, and she sees the holistic approach as increasingly vital.
Dr. Sue Aery has been providing chiropractic care and acupuncture in Highlands for more than nine years, and she sees the holistic approach as increasingly vital.
Fanciful retreat for friends & family
At Perivale Lodge, the visiting grandkids leave treasures they find in the woods in a “fairy post office” in a tree as offerings for the local mystical folk. The “fairies” leave trinkets in return — all part of the magical experience that Fred and Jeanie Raffa have created for their family at their summer home in Highlands.
“Everything we’ve done here since we added onto the cabin was done with the family in mind, with the idea of our children and our grand- children — someday when we had them — being able to use this place,” Jeanie Raffa said.“It’s very much about entertaining friends and family.”
“Everything we’ve done here since we added onto the cabin was done with the family in mind, with the idea of our children and our grand- children — someday when we had them — being able to use this place,” Jeanie Raffa said.“It’s very much about entertaining friends and family.”
The magic of Horse Cove: Valley provides a window into the resilience of nature and colorful times past
Main Street in Highlands meanders to the east as Horse
Cove Road, dropping down hairpin turns on a route
older than the town itself to a valley rich in history
and biological diversity.
Cove Road, dropping down hairpin turns on a route
older than the town itself to a valley rich in history
and biological diversity.
Video Projects
Videos for which I worked on writing, production, and/or promotion.