Issue Position: The Environment

Issue Position

The Environment
Protecting Our Planet
One of the most unfortunate realities of our current politics is that somehow protecting the environment has become a partisan issue. We can't let this happen. Nearly all scientists agree that the Earth is warming and immediate action is crucial not only to prevent devastating changes to Virginia's beautiful coastline but also to protect ourselves from the increasingly severe weather changes that climate change will bring. The truth is that powerful companies own today's energy sources and make millions of dollars providing that service. They won't give this up easily. They will do whatever it takes to keep the status quo and try to convince us that the scientists are wrong. They'll tell us that we have to choose between a robust economy and protecting the Earth. This couldn't be further from the truth and as your delegate I'll fight those companies and promote a green economic boom that will include our rural communities. My environmental/economic priorities include:

Reduce the influence that Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power have on Virginia's government. I will not take money from Dominion and I'll encourage all of my colleagues to do the same;
Promote state programs that invest in wind and solar technologies and create hundreds of jobs for engineers and technicians in these fields;
Invest in technical education for both new graduates and mid career changes;
Ensure that Virginia's farmers are protected from neighboring industries that can pollute their water supply;
Insist that our partners in industry do their share to ensure our environmental stewardship.
We don't have to choose between economic success and environmental protection. We need a government that will resist corporate pressure and do the right thing for Virginians, our children, and our children's children.

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