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We are a group of environmental advocates united in providing a one-stop source for Virginia's environmental news. We each focus on different issues, but share the vision of a Commonwealth that preserves and protects its natural resources. Please join us!
The quest to rapidly deteriorate America's air and water, to exterminate untold numbers of species, and to eradicate unspeakable numbers of public lands and its existing habitat continues in earnest in the House of Representatives by our good friends the Tea Party Republicans. When $1.6 trillion was stripped from the EPA budget earlier this year in April, the effects on environmental programs were then thought to be disastrous. Now, with even deeper cuts to the EPA's and Interior Department's budgets, the negative impacts will be multiplied.
What these Republican lawmakers do not care to understand is that environmental health is tied directly and indirectly to economic health. If, for instance, you're a big agribusiness farming company who continually damages your soil through negligence, you will lose money in the short-run, the long-run, or both. Or, if you are a utility that burns coal for electricity, it's good business practice to not poison surrounding communities of inhabitants, individuals who are also more than likely your customers.
That this issue is even being discussed, is even being questioned, owes a lot to the brilliant rhetoric and illogical basis upon which many within the Republican Party have made arguments against environmental protection. They point to the uncertainties inherent in science or they speak conspiratorially about the "liberal agenda," an agenda which has as much basis in truth as Big-foot but one that still has the effect of stirring conservative constituents into rapid political action. It is a line that liberals feel compelled to defend against instead of focusing on the issues of real importance and substance.
As U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello was considering how to vote on an important piece of climate change legislation in June, the freshman congressman's office received at least six letters from two Charlottesville-based minority organizations voicing opposition to the measure.
The letters, as it turns out, were forgeries.
Certainly makes one wonder about other forged letters arriving at other congressional offices. This is bad, very, very bad...
As the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R .2454) prepared to go to vote two weeks ago, Virginians remained in doubt as to how the Congressman from the Eastern Shore would vote. A Blue Dog Democrat at a sprightly 34 years of age, Nye represents a largely conservative constituency on the shore, and his voting record has so far reflected that demographic.
Nye opted to vote against ACES, citing worries for the impact on his constituency, particularly concerning potential rate increases for utilities. The bill, according to Nye, would impose "another tax on American families."
I drew that quotation from a recent blog post by David Campbell, entitled "Nye: Two Faces on ACES." Campbell, who had written the Congressman earlier this summer, asking for his support on the bill, received two separate responses from Nye's office after its passage. One appears to be strongly in favor (and as the author notes, does not once mention that Nye voted, "no"), while the other laments a new tax on Americans, one that would be inefficient and wrong in today's struggling economy. One bill, two letters... polar opposites. Something is awry in Glenn Nye's office.
Either the Congressman's staff is sorely overworked and disorganized, or the freshman, Mr. Nye, has schizophrenia. I'm willing to opt toward the latter. Now that fellow democrats have chosen to go ahead and pass ACES, Nye has slipped quietly into damage control mode, ensuring that he can still please naysayers while simultaneously lauding the accomplishments of his colleagues.
[07/07/09] Rocky Mount, VA - Surrounded by small business owners and energy entrepreneurs at the Gereau Center on Friday, Congressman Tom Perriello unveiled "New Energy for the Fifth District: A Blueprint for Putting Southside and Central Virginia at the Forefront of the Clean Energy Economy." The strategy document outlines why the 5th District of Virginia is positioned to become a leading region in the nation for the clean energy economy.(Click here to read the rest...)
Bravo, Rep. Perriello. Bravo both for your rollout of this energy plan and your brave vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES).
In a close 219-212 vote this evening, the American Clean Energy and Security Act passed vote in the House of Representatives.
This piece of legislation is widely recognized as the biggest step in solving climate change this country has taken. ACES requires electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020, puts high efficiency into building codes and will cut greenhouse gas emissions 83% by 2050.
All of Virginia's democrats voted for the bill with the lone exception of Glenn Nye. This is a big disappointment, especially considering Rep. Nye's district is one of the most vulnerable in the nation when it comes to climate change impacts. Moreover his campaign included significant "green" rhetoric, which clearly has not been delivered.
No Virginia Republicans voted for the bill. This includes Rob Wittman, who's district is also vulnerable, and who had previously been known as a champion for the bay.
THANK YOU to those hero Representatives who did indeed vote for this historic bill. More thanks,and analysis is forthcoming.
Virginia's 2nd district representative Glenn Nye's hometown newspaper came out today with a strong endorsement of ACES. Writes the Virginian-Pilot, "The first step is leading by example, by capping our own carbon emissions and by passing the House energy bill this week". Read the rest here.
I just came from a meeting at Nye's district office in Virginia Beach. They are getting calls almost 10 to 1 in opposition. The calls come in round the time that oil/coal interests run their fear-mongering ads on rightwing talk radio shows. Hopefully, his staff is discounting these non-constituent calls when they give these reports to their boss.
And Rep. Nye is still on the fence. Call him right now. Whether you live in his district or not, call him. Virginia needs his support on this! Remind him that his district consists of 100% of Virginia's touch to the Atlantic Ocean. That investment into offshore wind that can easily power over 20% of the Commonwealth comes from this ACES bill... something all Virginia's should care about!
President Obama has declared this week as "Clean Energy Week". His key Cabinet Secretaries will spread out across the country to host a series of Clean Energy Week events.
From the White House press release: "Clean Energy Week events will highlight the President's commitment to passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation that will generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on foreign oil, reduce the threat of deadly pollution and restore America's role as a global leader in the clean energy industry".
One such event took place in Charlottesville this morning as Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Van Jones, Obama's Special Advisor for Green Jobs (aka the Green Jobs Czar), joined Rep. Tom Perriello and other electeds highlighting a revolving loan program for energy efficiency programs which was first created through legislation authored by Creigh Deeds this past session.
Through the program, which is in development, the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle would be able to lend funds from federal and other grant sources to area residents to make their homes more energy efficient. The loans would be paid back from the energy savings that are generated by the efficiency upgrades. The federal funds would also be used to train area workers in retrofitting and energy efficiency upgrading at the local community college. Those newly skilled workers can seek employment with the local companies participating in the program. Through this innovative program, Charlottesville and Albemarle are trying to unleash the potential of clean energy jobs by not just training people for them, but by helping to create a market that will employ those who have been trained.
Creigh Deeds' legislation, SB1212, allowed the City of Charlottesville the authority to create its own clean energy financing program. This bill couched with Federal programs could provide the model for other Virginia local jurisdictions to finance development of their own renewable energy and efficiency programs.
Climate change coalition partners delivered Sign On letters to 2nd congressional district representative Glenn Nye on Friday, June 19. It's not too late to get your letter to Rep. Nye.Click here to pull up a letter that you can personalize as one of his constituents. You can then either hand-deliver it yourself or email it to me at Eileen.Levandoski@SierraClub.org and I'll hand-deliver it on your behalf next week.
Rep. Glenn Nye's District office is located at 4772 Euclid Rd., Suite E, Virginia Beach. (map) District office: Phone: (757) 326-6201 Fax: (757) 326-6209
Even if you're not in Rep. Nye's district, follow the link to the customizable letter then hand-deliver, fax or mail it to your representative ASAP! Speaker Nancy Pelosi has indicated that she wants this bill through the House before they go on their July 4th congressional recess.
Rep. Nye's office is being bombarded by calls and emails. Hand-delivered/faxed/mailed letters are different and hopefully more memorable. For more info on the ACES Act of 2009, go to RepowerVirginia.com.
Virginia's Sierra Club activists were speaking out in full force last week, speaking out in support of the EPA's declaration that global warming is a threat to public health and well-being. In total, "close to 300 Sierra Club members and activists, clergy and people of faith, scientists, health professionals, and even a former 007 turned out" as Mary Anne Hitt, Deputy Director of the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign, reports.
Below the fold are just a few of the many terrific comments offered by Virginia Sierrans. (If I missed yours, please feel free to drop it into the comments section below this post or email them to me at eileen.levandoski@sierraclub.org.)
You can also take action via the Sierra Club's online action alert. We've set a goal of submitting 25,000 comments to the EPA and as of today, we're 65% of the way there! Help support the EPA's stand against Big Oil and Coal, and demonstrate that there is broad public support to fight global warming and create a clean energy economy in the U.S.
Pictured here (from left to right) is Mary Anne Hitt, Keely Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan, and Glen Besa, VA Sierra Club Chapter. Image credit: Allison Fisher. Photo originally appears at Treehugger in "Crowds Turn Out For EPA Global Warming Hearings" by Sierra Club's Greg Haegle.
"Moving a comprehensive clean energy jobs plan through a committee historically dominated by those with ties to the oil, coal, and other polluting industries is a laudable victory and truly historic accomplishment", writes Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club in a statement released this morning.
"Chairmen Waxman and Markey have led the way and it is certain that this feat never could have happened without their extraordinary leadership. They have long been champions for the environmental movement and we congratulate them on achieving this critically important milestone. This bill puts the U.S. on the path to slash the carbon emissions that cause global warming 80 percent by 2050, a signal accomplishment necessary to preserve the planet for future generations".
(The rest of Carl Pope's statement is on the flip...)
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2009-15 concerned citizens were arrested today for peacefully blocking the entrance to Virginia Congressman Boucher's office protesting his efforts to gut strong climate legislation at the expense of American families. Congressman Boucher has driven efforts in Congress to give away billions of dollars worth of free permits directly to coal, oil and other dirty fossil fuel companies under a cap and trade bill.
Rep. Boucher serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee which this week worked on markups to the American Clean Energy & Security Act (Waxman-Markey). Boucher who represents a district in the southwestern area of Virginia proposed "a deal where 35 percent of the allowances will be given away directly to utilities, also called local distribution companies. Allowances given to these companies would be worth $20.8 billion a year starting in 2012." Protesters also noted that Boucher has received $176,000 from the coal industry during his most recent re-election campaign.
Thanks to Miles Grant for the heads up on these National Wildlife Foundation videos of Virginia Congressmen Jim Moran and Gerry Connolly (below the fold) speaking at press conference put together by several of the larger environmental groups at today's EPA Climate Change hearing in Arlington. (Hopefully coming soon will be video of Pierce Brosnan speaking.)
The House Energy & Commerce Committee today launched a marathon series of hearings on the clean energy jobs plan, the American Clean Energy & Security Act, currently being drafted by the Committee's Chairman, Representative Henry Waxman, and the Chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee, Representative Ed Markey. The hearings, which began today and continue through Friday, April 25, will feature more than 50 witnesses, including EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Vice President Al Gore, and numerous other leaders from the environmental community, business, organized labor, consumer groups, and faith and social justice organizations. This week's hearings mark the formal start to the legislative process in the House of Representatives and put the committee on track to achieve the Chairman's goal of reporting out a clean energy jobs bill by Memorial Day.
Click here for the complete schedule. Click here to join the Sierra Club as they live blog on the hearings.
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From the media release:
President Obama has declared this week as "Clean Energy Week". His key Cabinet Secretaries will spread out across the country to host a series of Clean Energy Week events.
Special Delivery to Rep. Glenn Nye (VA-02)!
"Moving a comprehensive clean energy jobs plan through a committee historically dominated by those with ties to the oil, coal, and other polluting industries is a laudable victory and truly historic accomplishment", writes Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club in a statement released this morning.
From the 
From Sierra Club's Josh Dorner:
