A story in today's New York Times, about 132 mayors across the country embracing the Kyoto Treaty on global warming, caught my eye. According to the article, "The mayors, from cities as liberal as Los Angeles and as conservative as Hurst, Tex., represent nearly 29 million citizens in 35 states... They are pledging to have their cities meet what would have been a binding requirement for the nation had the Bush administration not rejected the Kyoto Protocol: a reduction in heat-trapping gas emissions to levels 7 percent below those of 1990, by 2012."These actions by mayors, combined with similar moves by governors of states like California, New York and 8 other Northeast states, are extremely significant. They are also extremely illustrative of the importance that local leaders -- and local elections -- can have on national, even international issues, like global warming.
This year in Virginia, we have a great opportunity to make a difference, by "thinking globally and acting locally." In June, and then in November, we can go to the polls and elect leaders willing to take action on pressing issues such as global warming, even if the federal government is failing us. If you want to find out how Virginia's candidates for House of Delegates, Attorney General, Lt. Governor and Governor stand on important issues like this, check out Project Vote Smart and make a smart choice on election day.