I just got off a conference call by the National Environmental Trust about its new report, "Taking Responsibility: Why the United States Must Lead the World in Reducing Global Warming Pollution." Speakers on the call included: 1) Del.-elect Joe Bouchard from Norfolk, the former Commander of the Norfolk Naval Station; 2) Nathan Lott, Executive Director of the Virginia Conservation Network; 3) Karl Bren, founder and Director of Green-Visions Consulting; 4) Councilman Dave Norris of the Charlottesville City Council; and 5) Erik DuMont, Virginia Representative for National Environmental Trust. Here are a few highlights:
*Erik DuMont pointed out that Virginia emits as much carbon dioxide as 83 developing nations (with half a billion people) combined.
*Nathan Lott called Gov. Kaine's energy plan a "significant step forward," and commented that Virginians are beginning to recognize the need to take responsibility about global warming.
*Joe Bouchard said that he had a "vested interest" in the issue of climate change because rising sea levels threaten to have a "devastating impact" on coastal Virginia, including his district.
*Bouchard stated that "The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of taking decisive action" on global warming. Bouchard estimated it would cost billions of dollars in the Hampton Roads area alone to deal with the effects of global warming.
*Bouchard particularly focused on the national security implications for critically important U.S. naval facilities in Norfolk and elsewhere.
*Bouchard noted a study by the Center for Naval Analyses -- "not exactly a liberal think tank" -- on how climate change poses a "serious threat to U.S. national security" and a "threat multiplier."
*Finally, Bouchard said that dealing with global climate change presents a huge economic opportunity to the United States, one that our country is well prepared to lead and take advantage of.
*Karl Bren talked about green buildings and also about the importance of decoupling power company profits from simply producing more power (e.g., given them incentives to make money by encouraging conservation and energy efficiency).
*Dave Norris talked about the hundreds of thousands of dollars Charlottesville is saving in energy costs due to the efficiency measures that city has taken.
In sum, it's time for Virginia -- and the United States as a whole -- to step up to the plate on this issue. I will be watching closely what the Virginia General Assembly does this year, and am glad that people like Joe Bouchard and Chap Petersen will be there to lead the way!