Press Statement
September 19, 2008Sarah Rispin Staff Attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center, 434-977-4090
Kayti Wingfield Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter, 540-470-0643
Tom Cormons Appalachian Voices, 301-910-8973Richmond, Va. – The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) submitted a report today to Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, following months of analysis, showing that energy efficiency is a cheap, accessible and low-impact way to provide for the lion’s share of the growth in Virginia’s projected energy use through 2025. The report says that, even taking policy constraints into account, and rolling out less than half of the energy-efficiency measures that are cost-effective given current electricity rates, Virginia can achieve almost 28 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in energy savings by 2025. At the same time, such a program would save ratepayers $15 billion in energy bills, pump $11 billion in investments into the Virginia economy, and create over 9,800 jobs in the state. This is more than double the rate of savings that Virginia’s 2007 electric utility restructuring legislation recommends.
Wise Energy for Virginia lauds the report, which shows clearly that energy efficiency
GM Exec Denies Global Warming, Disses Own Car
Cross posted on theGreenMiles.
General Motors Vice Chairman of Global Product Development Bob Lutz was just on The Colbert Report blaming global warming on sunspots and dissing his own Chevrolet Volt as a weak, unattractive car. I’ll post the video here as soon as it’s online.
UPDATE: Here’s the video. Note to Bob for future reference – if you’re going to greenwash, it’s best not to come right out and deny the scientific consensus on global warming with a made-up number of people who believe in a kooky denial scheme. Kind of undercuts your alleged green credentials.
Hey NoVa! Do you know where your electricity comes from?
The answer, according to the many Northern Virginians we interviewed is, not really. Watch our video and then take action!
You can view all our videos as well as listen to our podcasts at ChesapeakeClimate.org/Media.
Truth Squad: Offshore Wind, Not Drilling
There was good news and very bad news from Capitol Hill yesterday. On the one hand House lawmakers finally voted to renew tax credits that are vital to the growth of our renewable energy industry. On the other hand they handed big oil a big victory by voting to overturn a 30 year ban on offshore drilling. As you all know such drilling would have no effect on gas prices, threaten our nation’s shorelines, prolong our addiction to oil, and worsen the climate crisis.
But, thankfully, the fight against offshore drilling isn’t over. The Senate has yet to vote on the issue, which leaves us with time to shed some light on this murky federal energy debate with some illuminating LTEs. Over the next few days while the topic is still hot, let’s shoot of some letters to the editor reminding our senators that oil and renewable just don’t mix, and that we shouldn’t hold the clean energy economy hostage to the dirty agenda of big oil.
Read more about this legislation on grist: “Where there’s a drill, there’s a way.”
Talking Points:
Continue reading
Joe Biden on Renewables and Coal in Maumee, OH
Joe Biden says, “No coal plants here in America.” Watch:
Join the bird-dogging packs!
Candidates will be touring Virginia constantly from now till the election. CCAN is looking for people like this woman who will ask candidates questions about global warming. Think you’re up to the task? Sign up at vaoncall.org.
Will Webb Waver on Clean Energy?
UPDATE: Here’s a good piece from Grist on the bill>> This is a completely ridiculous quote: “‘The Democrats are so focused on saving the planet that they’re not focused on saving America,’ said Rep. Phil Gingry (R-Ga.).”
Last night, the House voted 236-189 to widen offshore oil and gas exploration, expand renewable energy incentives, and end $18 billion in subsidies to oil companies.
While this bill is certainly a compromise Continue reading
Homeless Polar Bears take to DC streets!
Apparently Greenpeace was behind the polar bear who was spotted at the Columbia Heights Metro yesterday.
From Greenpeace press release:
As Arctic Sea Ice Reaches 2008 Low, Street Art Highlights Shared Fate of Polar Bears, Humanity
Washington, DC
Sep 17 – Nat'l Call-in Day on Nukes
National Call-In Day is Wednesday, September 17. The U.S. Senate is planning to consider energy legislation this week; among the bills it will take up is the Gang of 20 bill best known for its “compromise” on offshore oil drilling. Tucked away in the 233 pages of the bill are about 18 pages that would create the biggest giveaway to the nuclear power industry ever.
*Unlimited taxpayer loan guarantees for construction of new atomic reactors
*Construction of a new, dangerous, and unnecessary reprocessing plant
*Billions of dollars in “risk insurance” for new reactors Continue reading
Two sweet things in one sweet package
This is your last chance to get a free ticket to see the Nats this season AND a great opportunity to express your concerns about Exxon Mobil’s insidious advertising.
Please contact Lisa (lisaATchesapeakeclimate.org) about which game you’d like to see:
- Tuesday, Sept. 16th – game time 7:10, volunteer time 6pm
- Wednesday, Sept. 17th – game time 7:10, volunteer time 6pm
- Thursday, Sept. 18th – game time 7:10, volunteer time 6pm
- Friday, Sept. 19th – game time 7:35, volunteer time 6:30pm
- Saturday, Sept. 20th – game time 7:10, volunteer time 6pm
- Sunday, Sept. 21st – game time 1:35, volunteer time 12:30pm
- Tuesday, Sept. 23rd
Must-have shoes for extreme weather…
