There's a sustainability revolution brewing, generating new ideas, technologies and approaches to bring human society back in line with the laws of nature. It's happening all over the place - except, of course, in Richmond. Once again, there's one state left behind...
But there is cause for hope, especially if you take a peek at Chap Peterson's sustainability agenda, Virginia 2.0. Maybe it's a generational thing, but Chap - running for State Senator in the 34th District (Fairfax) - is the rare candidate who actually gets it. As he notes about Virginia's earliest leaders:
Virginians were able to accomplish great things for one reason - generations past invested in the future. To prepare for our 21st century future, we need a vision.
We need to regain this forward-looking spirit. Particularly today, as the looming, inter-related environmental crises that we face, from climate change to loss of biodiversity, mean that the basic institutions of our government and everyday life are in need of some basic redesign.
Chap clearly understands this and has some plans for where to start. He has long been an advocate for rail, a more efficient, less polluting and more pleasant approach to our traffic mess. He offers solid ideas to move more people and more cargo onto the railways. (Fewer cars and trucks on the Beltway - wouldn't that be nice?)
After watching so many Democrats in Richmond cave into Dominion Virginia Power's every demand, it is also very encouraging to see Chap's goals for cutting Virginia's fossil fuel use and climate change emissions:
(a) phase out coal-burning power plants unless they capture and sequester carbon output,
(b) establish a realistic benchmark (20%) to make renewable energy like solar, wind, and geothermal part our energy portfolio,
(c) promote demand management through the utilities, so that we can limit wasteful overuse of energy.
He then outlines a whole menu of creative approaches to maintain the Commonwealth's open space and natural resources, from tax incentives to improved regional coordination. Finally, he recognizes that our buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of our energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, along with many additional environmental impacts, and therefore proposes that Virginia institute green building standards.
What a breath of fresh air - literally - it will be to have Chap bringing these ideas to Richmond. But there's one small detail to take care of first - Chap can't do much to implement this vision unless he's elected this Nov. 6th. And running against our cut-throat Republican friends, he's going to need your help to get there.
Please help Chap however you can - your great-great-grandchildren will thank you.