Dear PEP Members:

The season of giving and thanks is here - and I want to thank YOU for your continued support of our organization and mission. We've had a busy fall, but we aren't done yet!

Our last 2023 membership breakfast is next week and we are all looking forward to hearing updates from USA Health, given their recent acquisition of Ascension Providence. We will close out the year with the very popular PEP Membership Luncheon, featuring City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. This event is perfect for bringing members of your team so you can all hear about what is coming next for our great city.

It won't be long before we enter our membership renewal period. I hope you will continue to invest in our mission by renewing your commitment to PEP. Each year is better than the last - and we can't do it without you!

As always, thank you for your support!

Jennifer Denson, Executive Director

2023 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARDS RECIPIENT - ALABAMA POWER

In 2022, Alabama Power’s successful conversion of the Barry Unit 4 generating unit from coal to natural gas moved the unit toward a targeted reduction of approximately 50% in carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, this fuel conversion has led to the complete elimination of this unit’s coal combustion residual waste. Today, approximately 69% of the energy produced by Plant Barry is sourced from natural gas.

The project’s overall benefits set a new standard for energy production in the Gulf Coast region and beyond. Alabama Power Company has demonstrated that it is possible to continue providing essential services to the community while

simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of operations.

Read more about their project and how it's set an example for others in the energy industry to follow!

YOU CAN BE PART OF THE EAGLE REEF PROJECT

Did you know - you don't have to own a pier to be part of The Eagle Reef Project? You can donate to have a reef deployed on the coast and filter 10 million gallons of water and grow 500 fish and crabs annually. Protect our resources from the comfort of your couch!

NOVELIS PARTNERS WITH SOUTHERN ON SOLAR PLANTS

Sustainable aluminum rolling and recycling provider Novelis Inc. has announced a partnership with Southern Co. on decarbonization efforts.

Their initial focus is on Novelis' new Bay Minette plant, which aims to be carbon-neutral for greenhouse gas emissions scopes 1 and 2. Novelis said it will work with Southern subsidiary Alabama Power Co. to provide the project with renewable energy to reduce its scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

By participating in Alabama Power's Renewable Subscription Program, Novelis will directly support the creation of two new 80-MW solar power generation plants in Alabama that will cover more than half of the under-construction facility's renewable energy needs, while avoiding 192 kilotons of CO2 emissions per year.

THOMPSON ENGINEERING ACQUIRES BARRY VITTOR & ASSOCIATES

PEP Member Thompson Engineering announced the acquisition of Barry A. Vittor & Associates. Vittor & Associates is a nearly 20-person environmental research and consulting firm known for its laboratory services in benthic ecology and its broad experience in wetland assessment and restoration.

“The Vittor team is one of the most sought-after firms in the nation for projects involving bottom-dwelling invertebrates, and is highly regarded along the Gulf Coast,” said John Baker, CEO of Thompson Engineering.

COASTAL CONVERSATIONS: SEA RISE AND THE IMPACT TO OUR COASTAL ECONOMY

On Wednesday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. at GulfQuest National Maritime

Museum in downtown Mobile, Alabama, Coastal Conversations will host their next program featuring leading experts discussing “Sea Rise and the Impact to Our Coastal Economy, A Coastal Conversation” including:

• Dr. Reid Cummings, Associate Professor of Finance and Real Estate and Executive Director, SABRE (South Alabama Center for Business Analytics, Real Estate and Economic Development)
• Justin McDonald, Chief of Programs and Project Management for Civil Works at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District
• Casi (kc) Callaway, Chief Resilience Officer with the City of Mobile.

Speakers will explore topics such as the vulnerabilities of coastal infrastructure, the effects on tourism and recreational activities, challenges faced by the fishing industry, impacts to home and business owners, and shifts in real estate markets due to sea rise, storm surge and increased intensity of natural phenomenon.

All are invited to attend this engaging and informative discussion panel.

JOIN US FOR OUR NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST

Start your day with a PEP Membership Breakfast on November 14! PEP members gather to network and learn about environmental topics and economic developments along the Gulf Coast.

This month we will hear from Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Associate Vice President for Medical Affairs of USA Health. He will be speaking to our members on an overview of all the exciting news and updates for USA Health System.

Thank you to November's sponsor - McFadden Engineering.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE MAYOR'S LUNCHEON!

You do not want to miss this popular annual event that draws 200 business professionals. Mayor Stimpson will update us on the state of the city, including his plans for the coming year, public safety, and more. This is also a great opportunity to invite your employees and guests that are not usually able to attend our early morning breakfasts.