Folks who know me will attest that I am incredibly biased when it comes to my Alma Mater, Virginia Tech. Folks who know me will also attest that I am incredibly bias when it comes to new measures of conservation and environmentalism. One can imagine my excitement when I saw this morning's Washington Post, and noticed Virginia Tech getting front page treatment for their new effort to turn Washington, D.C. green. As they say around here, "More on the flip":
Virginia Tech officials announced plans yesterday to give some of the Washington area's buildings a sweeping green makeover, using $500 million from an investor to pay for energy-saving upgrades at 100 or more properties throughout the region.The plan, which calls for such additions as more efficient light bulbs and cooling systems, is intended to bring about significant reductions in electricity use in the area and in emissions from its power plants...
Virginia Tech will oversee, study and advise the efforts, officials said yesterday -- a big boost for the Blacksburg, Va., university's attempts to raise its profile in the region.If the proposal works, organizers said, it would make the Washington area project one of the most ambitious examples of a newly prominent approach to fighting climate change.
The effort will be appropriately labeled The Energy Efficiency Partnership of Greater Washington, and efforts could result in a reduction each building's electricity use by 20 to 50 percent. Great news.
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HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS PROPOSE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
~Plan would provide long-term energy solutions for VirginiaRichmond, VA--- Today, House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran stood alongside House Democratic candidates Margi Vanderhye of McLean and Bill Day of Fauquier County to announce their 21st Century Alternative Energy Plan.
Their plan would expand public-private energy efficiencies, use alternative energy solutions to help low income families reduce their utility bills, explore ways to reduce global warming, and expand alternative energy research at colleges and universities.
21st Century Alternative Energy Plan
Expanding public and private energy efficiency. (1) provide a tax credit for the purchase of renewable energy products; (2) exempt alternative energy sources in homes and businesses from local property taxes; (3) launch a statewide energy efficiency education campaign to increase public trust in energy efficient purchases; (4) require environmentally efficient construction for state buildings.
Protect Low Income families. By expanding the Weatherization Assistant Program we can expand energy efficiency improvements for low income families and reduce their utility bills. Those low-income families, particularly on fixed incomes, can not afford rising utility bills. Investing in energy efficiency preserves our environment and cuts costs for low-income families.
Examine further ways to reduce our impact on global warming. We will create a Commission on Climate Change, as recommended by the Governor's energy plan, to study the carbon footprint of Virginia and find ways to minimize our impact. As well the commission will look at ways for Virginia to prepare to manage impending climate changes.
Help expand research at colleges and universities. Work in conjunction with the Secretary of Education along with the Virginia Research and Technology Commission, to expand access to federal grants for bio-fuel research and develop low interest loans for university research and private start-ups conducting promising bio-fuel research and development.
"Governor Kaine has provided bold leadership in asking Virginians to be a national leader in alternative energy solutions," House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran said. "By investing in alternative energy today, our Commonwealth will reap the rewards for decades to come."
"Alternative energy not only can protect Virginia's natural splendor, it can bring more good paying jobs to every region of the Commonwealth," House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong said.
"This is precisely the kind of proactive policymaking that we need more of in Richmond," said Bill Day, candidate for the 31st District. "This is about our future and the future of our children. Virginia should be a national leader in energy policy and this plan is a giant step in that direction."
"We have a historic opportunity to boost Virginia's economy while reducing global pollution and protecting our natural resources," Margi Vanderhye, Democratic candidate for the 34th district said. "I look forward to working with Governor Kaine and our Democratic leadership to advance our state's legacy of environmental stewardship."
Recently, Governor Kaine unveiled the Virginia energy plan that calls for a commitment to reduce the rate of growth in energy use by 40 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent, and seeks to increase in-state energy production by 20 percent. Today's announcement by House Democratic Leaders would be the first steps towards reaching the goals set by Governor Kaine.
Did anyone else hear about the company in California who has a whole new take on wind power - fly kites at altitude to generate power from the wind up there. It would pretty much eliminate the need for wind farms on the Blue Ridge if done soon and well.
In this case, providing a model for how to build environmentally from the ground up.
Personally, I love the idea our two great schools competing with each other in advancing the agenda for environmental construction and development. With this kind of competition, we can make Virginia a leader in a new model for urban and sub-urban planning.
Folks, we're not talking government charity anymore -- we're talking hard-headed environmental investments by people with enough foresight to look down the line to achieve long-term payoffs that help everyone involved, including Mother Nature. It's a new age -- for those with the brains, common sense and courage to recognize the opportunities and seize them.
Ut Prosim
Matusleo