The Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2169) would reverse the Bush Administration’s 2002 decision that the toxic “waste” created by mountaintop removal could be defined as “fill material,” and recklessly dumped into our water ways. This practice has already destroyed over 1200 miles of American headwater streams, and eliminated access to safe, clean potable water for many communities. The CWPA (HR 2169) currently has 107 co-sponsors, and a lot of momentum. But we need more to get out of committee and onto the floor.

We have 3 of 5 Democrats from TN onboard, and we need to know if Lincoln Davis, Bart Gordon, and John Tanner are “wit’ us” or “ginst us” on stopping mountaintop removal.

If you have a moment, please take a moment to call Davis (202-225-6831), Gordon (202-225-4231), and Tanner (202-225-4714), politely but forcefully asking that they co-sponsor the Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2169), and take a stand against mountaintop removal.

A quick report on our TN Dems and mountaintop removal below…

This article has it all. It's about the Townsend tubing controversy.

Here's the ethics lesson:

At the same meeting, Townsend Mayor Shannon Skidmore, who owns and operates River Rat Tubing and Kayak, held up his arms and said he can't be involved in anything involving tubing.

Note to Scooby and Lumpy: it's not all that complicated. It's just that simple.

From the Maryville Daily Times:

"The best moonshine you ever tasted."

That's the description Charles Mike ``Chuck'' Williams uses for the product his father, the late Charlie Williams, produced in an underground moonshine still on Carr's Creek in Townsend.

Chuck Williams, a Venice, Fla., resident, donated the 450-gallon still to the Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. The center, located on state Route 73 in Townsend, will open to the public on Sunday.

The article recounts the entire process of making moonshine and the history behind the still being donated.

The Smoky Mountain Heritage Center grand opening is this Sunday, February 12th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children, and $3 for seniors (children under 6 free).