From Josh Tulkin, Deputy Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.
Clean Energy Future Act - First Action StepYou've changed your lightbulbs. You bought a hybrid? What can you do now to help stop global warming? Fight for the Clean Energy Future Act! Send an email today!
Senator Chap Petersen has officially submitted the Clean Energy Solution Act, bill SB 446. This bill will usher in the clean energy revolution in Virginia, mandating that we get 20% of our energy from clean sources like wind and solar, reduce our electricity by 10%.
It's gonna be a tough fight. The first step is to build support for this. Legislators have until January 18th to being official "co-patrons" on the bill. Is your legislator on board? Even before the vote, your elected official can show their support by becoming a Co-Patron of the bill, but they have to sign on by Jan 18th.
HERE'S WHAT TO DO
1. Send them an email by clicking here
2. Call your legislator and deliver a personal message of support. Find your legislator at http://legis.state.va.us
3. Register for Clean Energy Lobby Day on Jan 21st. www.lobbycleanenergy.org
BASIC SCRIPT:Hi, my name is ______ and I'm a voter in your district. I am calling to ask if Senator/Delegate ________ is a Co-Patron of SB 446, the Clean Energy Future Act. [wait for them to say "I'm not sure"]
Well, I am calling to ask that they co-patron this bill as soon as possible. Virginia currently ranks last in terms of our investment in energy efficiency. The Clean Energy Future Act will set Virginia on a course to invest in conservation, efficiency, and a new clean energy economy.
Please keep me informed about Senator/Delegate________ position on this issue. [If you part of an organization, mention here and note how many members you have.]
Please report progress or leads to Josh@chesapeakeclimate.org
TALKING POINTS
* Virginia is exceptionally vulnerable to global warming. Sea level rise threatens Virginia's 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline, and the properties and industries close by. Warmer temperatures lead to more intense heat waves, more airborne diseases, and unpredictable weather patterns for farming
* Virginia is one the fastest growing polluters in the US. CO2 emissions in Virginia rose a whopping 34% between 1990 and 2004, a rate nearly twice the national average.
* Virginia is ranked 50th in the United States in investment in efficiency and other measures that help conserve energy and save ratepayers money.
* Clean energy technology is a growing industry. With vast natural resources and strong research institutions like UVA, Virginia Tech and James Madison, we have the capacity to become a leader in renewable energy research and technology.Clean Energy Future Act will:
* Ensure that we get 20% of our energy from renewable sources.
* Reduce energy usage 10% by 2020.
* Create a "sustainable energy fund" to support clean energy and efficiency projects.
* Create production clean energy tax-credits and other incentives
* Direct the Secretary of Commerce to develop a Green Jobs Training Program.