Issue Position: Energy & Environment
Issue Position
Issue Position: Energy & Environment
In Richmond, Brian Moran has been a leading advocate for protecting Virginia's cherished environment. Brian understands that changes in the earth's climate will affect the health and welfare of millions of Virginians, unless we address climate change and other environmental challenges. The rising cost of energy and our increased dependence on foreign oil have caused economic hardship and endangered our planet.
Brian understands that a clean environment is critical to the health of Virginia's families and to the long-term economic prosperity of our Commonwealth. For Brian, protecting our environment is also about preserving our children's future. Clean water, clean air and common-sense environmental policies will be part of every decision he makes as governor. Brian is committed to building a green economy with groundbreaking investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and research and development to create new, green technologies.
Investing in Renewable Energy Brian has a proven record as a champion of incentives to produce energy from clean, renewable sources. He is committed to increasing Virginia's production of wind, solar and other clean energy solutions through a mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard that will make Virginia a leader in green energy. Brian believes that with distributed solar power from solar panels across the Commonwealth, 4,000 megawatts of offshore wind potential, and the many other promising sources, such as biomass, waste to energy and poultry waste to energy, Virginia can build a new, exciting and viable renewable energy future.
Creating Green Jobs Brian understands that protecting our environment and creating jobs must go hand in hand, and that is why he is committed to investing in the new, green economy. He will create thousands of new green jobs and bring tens of millions of dollars to Virginia by investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy and new technologies. From scientists to carpenters, and engineers to farmers, this means new jobs for Virginians. Brian believes that Virginia has the resources, the ability and the talent to lead the nation in the new green economy.
Increasing Efficiency & Conservation As an advocate of responsible energy usage, Brian knows that energy efficiency alone can save Virginia 10,000 gigawatts of electricity (nearly 10% of our electricity needs) by 2015. That's why Brian championed legislation to require energy efficient LEED construction standards for state buildings and stood up against efforts to water down the standard. He is committed to investing in smart grid technologies, home weatherization programs, and other smart, efficient solutions to reduce energy costs and use, such as directing state government to purchase energy efficient equipment and compact florescent light bulbs and ensuring that sprinkler systems have rain sensors to reduce water usage.
Protecting Our Natural Resources From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Brian is committed to protecting Virginia's natural treasures. He firmly believes that our children should have the same opportunities to enjoy God's natural beauty as previous generations. Brian understands that preserving our precious resources is not only good environmental policy, but also critical to growing Virginia's tourism economy. That's why, as governor, Brian will significantly increase land preservation and protect Virginia's natural resources.
Reducing Our Dependence on Foreign Oil Brian also knows that we must reduce our dependence on foreign oil to increase our security, protect our environment, and strengthen our economy. That is why he sponsored a production tax credit for biofuels that was passed into law last year. As governor, Brian will promote energy efficient cars, plug-in electric hybrids, and biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol from switch grass and biodiesel from algae.
Accelerating Research & Development Virginia has some of the best public universities in the country. That's why it's completely unacceptable that there is more private university sponsored research at Duke University, alone, than in the entire Virginia system. Brian knows that we can do better. That's why he will work tirelessly to bring private sector funding to Virginia's research universities to create new, innovative technologies and strengthen our economy. He knows that Virginia can lead by developing new energy technology that will create thousands of new green jobs right here in Virginia. As governor, he will focus not only on increasing private funding of research and development, but also focusing that research and development in areas that will create jobs and strengthen Virginia's economy.
To attest to Brian's leadership on the environment, one has to look no further than to those who watch these vital issues every day. Brian has repeatedly been recognized by the League of Conservation Voters as a legislative hero with a 100% rating: http://brianmoran.com/2008/7/30/moran-receives-hero-award-from-conservation-voters.
In September 2008, Brian spoke to the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club about our environmental challenges: http://www.brianmoran.com/2008/9/14/virginia-sierra-club-fall-jamboree-speech.
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