On Saturday, the nation joined hands to show our leaders that we choose clean energy over dirty, dangerous and outdated energy sources. The gathering in Virginia Beach was especially important because Virginia is poised to become one of the first
Praise for CLEAR
The most recent list of quotes praising the CLEAR Act. Compiled and distributed by the Office of Senator Maria Cantwell. Continue reading
$6 Billion Coal Plant?!
This blog post is written by Stephanie, a CCAN fellow reporting from Fredericksburg, where CCAN has just opened a new office to educate local electric co-op members that they have a say in whether the $6 billion coal plant that’s been proposed for the Hampton Roads area of VA goes forward. Throughout the summer, our fellows will be writing posts on our progress.
Since starting two weeks ago I have learned a lot about the proposed coal plant and all of the devastation it would cause to the sensitive Chesapeake Bay ecosystems, many of them already struggling. As well as the more immediate effects it would have on the people of the electric co-ops who would necessarily see an increase in rates, one that as I have heard could break some of these families or older couples already experiencing tough times in this economy. What’s more, even if they are not in such dire financial straits, they are going to be paying for this $6 billion plant whether they support it or not and most of them have never even heard of it! One of the most motivating things about the campaign (in addition to the purely environmental) is finding out and then changing the fact that almost none of the co-op member-owners seem to have any clue about what kind of dirty energy their money is being invested in!
The most fun thing I’ve done on the job with CCAN is in
What's next?
What happens when a priest, a rabbi, and an imam ask their senators to get serious?
Over one hundred Virginia clergy have united to send a message to Senators Webb and Warner that climate change is moral issue and their action is required. They delivered their letters to the senators’ offices and got some great press hits. See below for Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light’s release on the letter’s delivery:
RICHMOND, Va. — As the US Senate prepares to take up climate and energy legislation, over 100 religious
leaders from across Virginia delivered letters to Senators Webb and Warner today, making a moral case for comprehensive
climate legislation that includes strong emission reductions, international adaptation assistance, and protections for low-income families.
The letters were delivered in person to senate staff during meetings in Richmond today by a representative group of signers. Numerous others are calling the Senators’ DC offices to deliver their message. Transcending the intense lobbying from special interest groups, the faith community is calling on lawmakers to honor the values of caring both for our neighbors and for God’s creation.
The war goes on
The announcement today by President Obama that his administration canceled the lease sale for offshore drilling spots off Virginia’s coast is a big step in the right direction but it’s one battle in the larger war. Until this administration announces a permanent moratorium on offshore drilling we still need to fight. It doesn’t hurt to take a long weekend to celebrate this victory though ;-).
In case you haven’t seen it, check out our press release on the announcement too!
CCAN Applauds Va. Lease Sale Cancellation, Urges Offshore Wind Development
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network applauds President Obama for taking the much-needed and prudent step of canceling Lease Sale 220, proposed for 50 miles off Virginia Continue reading
Sex, Drugs, and Oil Spills
As the oil continues to spill into the gulf and BP attempts to cap the well with an operation known as a “top kill,” shocking details about the inner workings of the US Minerals Management Service and their relationship with the oil industry have come to light.
VIDEO: Share the dirty secret of mountaintop removal.
Mountaintop removal is devastating hundreds of square miles of Appalachia; polluting the headwaters of rivers that provide drinking water to millions of Americans; and destroying a distinctly American culture that has endured for generations.
Watch this new commercial from our friends at the http://www.ilovemountains.org and help share the dirty secret of mountaintop removal.
**commercial may not play in some browsers (like google chrome)… you’ve been warned**
Bayou Farewell and the tragic oil spill
Prior to the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the average American had no idea of the scale and scope of offshore drilling operations.