Tag: Virginia

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.
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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?”

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

By now you’ve heard that Dominion Virginia Power is planning to build a new coal-fired power plant in Wise County, Va. The Richmond Times Dispatch projects that this plant will be “one of the biggest air polluters in Virginia.” It will cost $1.6 billion, and will emit more than 5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually (the equivalent of adding 200 million cars to the road!). And best of all, Virginia ratepayers will foot the entire bill.

It is absolutely critical that the State Corporation Commission (SCC) hears from you. Let them know that Virginians DO NOT WANT NEW COAL PLANTS!

Visit the CCAN website for all you need to know to submit your comments.

In order to build and operate a new coal-fired power plant in Wise County, Dominion must first receive approval from the SCC. This is your opportunity to let the Commission know that this coal plant is a bad deal for Virginia!

Again, the CCAN website has information on how to submit your comments.

The public comment period ends on December 14th. Take this moment to tell the SCC that we don’t want any new coal, and let’s stop this dirty plant.

Click here to learn more about the plant, and what a coalition of Va. groups are doing to fight it.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, I was privileged to attend a truly historic event. Activists, politicians, students and citizens from all over the Commonwealth of Virginia converged on Charlottesville to participate in the first-ever Virginia Climate Action Conference. The conference represented the first time in the history of the state that Virginian’s had come together with the sole purpose of fighting disastrous climate change right in their own backyard.

There were lectures and panel discussions on a wide range of topics, from biofuels to state energy policy, from coal mining to engaging the faith community, from wind farms to environmental legislation.

The Green Miles even did some live blogging from the event, which you can see here.

For me, it was a great opportunity to learn about the science and politics of climate change in Virginia, with experts panelists drawn from numerous disciplines. Did you know, for example, that with over 3,000 miles of shoreline (as much as California!) Virginia is one of the states most vulnerable to sea-level rise? Or did you know that Virginia is ranked dead-last in state spending on energy efficiency? Or how about the fact that Virginia’s per capita energy usage is 40% percent higher than California’s? Sobering statistics, especially when you consider the efforts of Dominion Power to build even more coal-fired plants.

Perhaps more importantly, though, the Virginia Climate Action Conference was an opportunity to see the passion that Virginian’s have for the well-being of their state, and to witness the kind of progress that can be made when people get together, form coalitions and fight hard for what is right. Already there is a diverse group of people fighting to protect Virginia’s environment. When we come together on a regional level, just as we did last Saturday, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. Continue reading