Kaine's ONE environmental initiative – not so environmental.

It’s the 2008 legislative session in Virginia. Do you know where your Governor is?

Well, on climate, he’s nowhere to be found. Speaking before the Senate Finance Committee, Preston Bryant (Va Secretary of Natural Resources) confirmed what we’ve all been noticing – environment isn’t high on the Governor’s list this legislative session. Thus far, the Governor has not made public statements or lent his support to any climate/energy initiatives. And Mr. Bryant noted that the Governor has ONE environmental/energy initiative this session.

Perhaps he’s referring to the Governor’s attempt to dismantle our citizen pollution boards, which give us a voice in permitting of polluting industries. Legislators report that they’ve been hit up all week by administration staff.

So, instead of supporting great initiatives like the Clean Energy Future Act Governor Kaine is trying to take away our voice with the Department of Environmental Quality. Earlier today, Governor Kaine took questions on a Washington Post live forum to discuss important issues in Virginia for 2008. Climate and energy weren’t mentioned once.

There should be an outcry at the Governor’s inaction – letters to the editor, calls, emails. The Governor’s # is (804) 786-2211. Let him know that climate should be a priority.

OK, he’s got an energy plan. We’ve got a Climate Commission. Governor Kaine testified before Congress on the impacts of global warming on the Chesapeake Bay. Where is the solution. Where is the plan??? This is unacceptable.

If the Governor doesn’t have a plan, at least he should support the Clean Energy Future Act. Or in the least, don’t take away the Citizen Boards. No pollution without representation.

Virginia – Who REALLY cares about Global Warming?

As of today, I have nine names for you. Nine champions for the environment. Nine brave legislatures have already co-patroned the Clean Energy Future Act, Senator Chap Petersen’s bold plan for Virginia.

CO-PATRONS OF SB446, The Clean Energy Future Act
* Senators Chap Petersen, Roscoe Reynolds, and Patsy Ticer
* Delegates Adam Ebbin, David Englin, David Poisson, Joe Bouchard, David Toscano, Margaret Vanderhyde

Is your legislator one of them? If not, ask your legislator to co-patron the Clean Energy Future Act.

Now, this ain’t bad for one day of grueling work walking the capitol. I enjoyed it. But it would be a lot more fun if I had company. So come on down and join the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and VCN for Clean Energy Lobby Day. Its this Monday, January 21st. Yes, I know its MLK day – what better way to celebrate you day off them to join with other concerned citizens to try to save the climate. Register today.

Have any more updates on this great bill? Write to josh[at]chesapeakeclimate.org. The climate needs all the help it can get, and so do we.

BWT – This bill will go through the Commerce and Labor Committee in the Senate. None of them are currently co-sponsors. If you know them, show them some love.

Mark Herring, Don McEachin, Chuck Colgan, John Edwards, Yvonne Miller, Toddy Puller , Phil Puckett, Frank Wagner, John C. Watkins, Tommy Norment, William Wampler, Steve Newman, Walter Stosch, Ken Stolle.

SCC Hears Virginians Say No to Coal!

Boy: Global Warming Starts Here

On January 8th, hundreds of people from all over the state descended upon Richmond to have their voices heard by the State Corporation Commission on the issue of whether to build another coal fired power plant in Wise County. By our count, there were over 300 dissenters at the hearing (a number so large that we required a spillover courtroom to hold us all), 177 of which were registered to testify. These numbers are in addition to the 815 people who submitted written testimony to the SCC by the December deadline. The testimony was strong, and the message was clear: we don’t want coal!

Lawyers who have been working with the SCC for upwards to 30 years have said that they have never seen anything like the public turnout that the Wise County plant is receiving.

But this is more than just the sheer numbers; this is about who was there, where they were from, and how they got there.

Continue reading

Clean Energy Future Act – First Action Steps

You’ve changed your lightbulbs. You bought a hybrid? What can you do now to help stop global warming? Fight for the Clean Energy Future Act!

Senator Chap Petersen has officially submitted the Clean Energy Solution Act, bill SB 446. This bill will usher in the clean energy revolution in Virginia, mandating that we get 20% of our energy from clean sources like wind and solar, reduce our electricity by 10%.

It’s gonna be a tough fight. The first step is to build support for this. Legislators have until January 18th to being official “co-patrons” on the bill. Is your legislator on board? Even before the vote, your elected official can show their support by becoming a Co-Patron of the bill, but they have to sign on by Jan 18th.

  1. Send them an email by clicking here
  2. Call your legislator and deliver a personal message of support. Find your legislator at legis.state.va.us
  3. Register for Clean Energy Lobby Day on Jan 21st. www.lobbycleanenergy.org

For a basic script and talking points Continue reading

Today's the Day

The State Corporation Commission is holding a hearing RIGHT NOW on Dominion’s plans for another coal plant. This proposed new plant would cost at least $1.6 billion of your hard-earned money, exacerbate mountaintop removal, and pump out 5.8 million tons of CO2 every year.

Hundreds of you already submitted comments on the subject – and that was a great first step. But comments are not enough. Many more have ditched school, taken off from work, and are taking this next crucial step. People from all across Virginia today will speak their mind to the SCC- the agency charged with deciding Virginia’s energy future!

Our fight against Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed coal plant really picked up speed at the end of last year. Arlington, Blacksburg and Charlottesville have all passed resolutions opposing new coal. And just yesterday the Bristol Herald Courier, the local Southwest Va. paper, wrote an amazing editorial calling the plant a raw deal in an unprecedented about-face.

Stay tuned for updates!

Flooding Annapolis

Things are heating up in Maryland- quite literally, with temperatures here in Takoma Park hitting the high-60s. Which is why I’m excited about kicking off session with a big celebration and rally for global warming solutions right here in the Old Line State. Because if we don’t act soon, Annapolis may well start to look like this…

Image Courtesy of MD League of Conservation Voter

Next Thursday, January 17th, hundreds of activists will be gathering on Lawyer’s Mall at 11 am to show support for the Global Warming Solutions Act, cheer on their legislators as they pledge to co-sponsor the bill, and get pumped up about getting this bill passed by April. Want to join us? Register today!

This event is sponsored by the Alliance for Global Warming Solutions. Part of an organization and want Maryland to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act? Join the alliance today!

Virginia's energy future looks brighter

Before dozens of supporters, Senator Chap Petersen unveiled the “Clean Energy Future Act,” at a press conference yesterday. The bill is a comprehensive new vision for Virginia’s energy future. It comes amidst growing concern over Virginia’s current energy path, and just weeks after Governor Kaine announced the formation of the Virginia Climate Commission. Faith, student and environmental leaders joined together to welcome this bold new vision for Virginia.

CCAN had a hand in all aspects of the bill and worked with Senator Petersen from the very beginning to make this a truly groundbreaking bill. This way, at the same time that we’re opposing Dominion’s proposed 1.6 billion dollar catastrophe (aka its new coal plant), we can also be for something. Needless to say, we are 101% behind the bill and will be working over the next couple of months to rally some serious grassroots support.

Finally, Senator Chap Petersen deserves a huge thank-you. He gets it, and is not afraid to step out in front on the crucial issues of our day. He will be introducing the bill tomorrow, the first day of the Virginia legislative session. You can find a fact sheet on the bill on our website.

Below is our press release. You can read more coverage of the bill on Raising Kaine, in the Richmond Times Dispatch and on WDBJ7.
Continue reading

Show Virginia Where Global Warming Starts

I know what you’re thinking. “I want to show my concern about global warming, but I don’t want to stop dressing like my idol Ashton Kutcher. Why can’t I do both?”trucker hat

Well rest easy. Now you can. The Chesapeake Climate Action Network has opened an online store where you can buy a trucker’s hat emblazoned with “Dominion: Global Warming Starts Here.”

OK, so you might actually prefer the t-shirt printed on 100% organically-grown cotton. Or the bumper sticker, ready-made for slapping on your Prius. Or the mug, which will advertise that you and your coffee are hotter than they should be.

It’s a purchase you can feel good about because not only will you get high-quality merchandise, but a portion of all sales will go to benefit CCAN and its fight to cut our region’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Can I have a private conversation with The Green Girlfriend for a minute here? Just skip down to the next paragraph. OK? Thanks. Here goes: Yes, I’m buying a trucker’s hat. No, I won’t wear it around you. Yes, I promise never to be photographed wearing it. Or tell anyone you’re my girlfriend while I’m wearing it. Or admit we ever met while I’m wearing it.

Whether you decide to help usher in the new trend of climate fashion or not, please take action now to tell your legislator to support the Virginia Clean Energy Future Act. The legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Chap Peterson, would create incentives for in-state renewable energy and manufacturing, create a Green Jobs training program, and set a statewide standard of 20% renewable energy and 10% improvement in efficiency!

Cross-posted from TheGreenMiles.net