The Virginia League of Conservation Voters has issued four endorsements in primary contests:
Margi Vanderhye (HD 34 - D): "Margi Vanderhye will bring a new generation of environmental leadership to Richmond. Because Margi understands the complex links between our development patterns, energy policy, and the need to preserve our natural resources, VALCV is proud to stand behind this new environmental champion," said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of VALCV.Jimmy Wheat (HD 72 - R): "VALCV is proud to endorse Jimmy Wheat because of his proven leadership and dedication to preserving Virginia's natural resources. Mr. Wheat has shown his commitment to finding solutions to guide growth which will not only help our environment, but make our communities stronger," said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of VALCV.
Henry Light (HD 79 - D): "Henry Light will bring a new kind of leadership to Richmond - one that cares for our natural resources and understands the need for transportation solutions, and that's why VALCV is enthusiastic to offer our endorsement," said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of VALCV.
Del. Donald McEachin (SD - 9): "Voters in the 9th Senate District care about clean air and water, supporting public transit, and smart energy policy. VALCV believes Delegate McEachin will do the best job representing these voters and help preserve Virginia's natural landscape," said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of VALCV.
It's great to see Donald McEachin and Henry Light on this list, especially since Raising Kaine has strongly endorsed both candidates as well! As far as Margi Vanderhye is concerned, we didn't endorse in her race against Rip Sullivan, but we are very impressed with her. It's also interesting that the VALCV hasn't endorsed, at least not yet, in some other hot contests, like Greg Galligan-George Barker and Morris Meyer-Rex Simmons. I'm not sure if they simply thought that any of those candidates would be excellent on the environment or if they will make decisions in those races in their next "wave" of endorsements. We'll be watching! :)
Governor Tim Kaine announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia will join 31 other states that have joined The Climate Registry, the nation's only state-sponsored initiative to standardize how greenhouse gas emissions are measured and lead toward firm policy goals. This is a great step forward because without a mechanism in place to count carbon emissions, it's difficult to know how to cut them or if cuts have been effective.The faith, consumer protection, and conservation communities have long been calling for Virginia to take action on climate change and find ways to curb emissions. We are thrilled that the Governor has made such a bold move and has shown his commitment to addressing climate change.
From here, we should expect Virginia to conduct a thorough inventory to learn where its emissions are coming from and what can be done to control and reduce them.
Please write the Governor TODAY and thank him for joining The Climate Registry, and making Virginia a leader, not a laggard, when it comes to addressing greenhouse gas emissions.
Let the Governor know that you support his efforts, and that you would like to see Virginia ultimately cut its emissions in a number of ways - helping us live places where we don't have a drive as far, giving us ways to save energy and save money, and requiring investment in clean, renewable energy sources.