Richmond, VA – A coalition of Virginia
environmental organizations have brought together local elected officials, renewable energy businesses, labor
unions, and other concerned groups
in a coalition letter asking President Obama to prioritize investment in
renewable energy. Audubon
Society, Environmental Defense, Environment Virginia, Sierra Club, and the
Virginia League of Conservation Voters identified and recruited 60 signatories in
Virginia as part of an effort that garnered more than 1,000 partners across the
country. This coalition of
citizens and businesses are calling for bold goals to repower, refuel, and
rebuild America by utilizing the economic recovery package and federal budget
to get us started.
“From the urban
areas of Northern Virginia and the Tidewater to the Piedmont and southwest Virginia’s
rural communities, the slumping economy is taking its toll”, said J.R. Tolbert
Advocate for Environment Virginia.
“We are facing our worst recession in 30 years and have hit a 6%
unemployment rate, but we can revive the American dream by rebuilding our
economy on a sound foundation – one that ends our dependence on oil, puts
people back to work, contributes to long-term prosperity, rebuilds our
communities, and addresses global warming. The one path to achieve all of these goals is to take the
lead on global warming by moving to a renewable energy future.”
The lead organizations
in the coalition advocated for the President’s green economic recovery package
on behalf of its 60 sign-on partners and gathered support among Virginia’s Congressional
delegation. As a result of these
and other efforts, the economic recovery bill passed with $80 billion for
renewable energy, energy efficiency, and public transit. Virginia has already incorporated that
money into its budget and is projecting the creation or sustainment of 93,000
jobs. For example, Virginia
received $97 million for home weatherization programs. These programs will save the average participating
family $350 annually in energy costs and create jobs that last.
Virginia has the
potential to be a leader in renewable energy production. Our opportunity for development of wind,
solar, geothermal, and sustainable biomass places Virginia in a unique position
to power its future. Renewable
energy businesses in Virginia will finally get the boost they need from
incentives to expand business and make purchasing renewable technology more
affordable for consumers. Blue
Crump of Cityspace Solar explains, “Cityspace
anticipates doubling its workforce as a direct result of the details of the
Stimulus Bill. It’s a good time to be involved with renewable energy.”
The economic
recovery package was the first step in the campaign to repower America with
100% renewable electricity, cut America’s dependence on oil in half, create 5
million green-collar jobs, and reduce America’s global warming pollution by
80%. These goals will take vision
and commitment from all sectors of society.
“It’s great to
have so many groups in Virginia that have called for these commonsense
solutions to our economic crisis.
By harnessing the commonwealth’s power from the wind and sun we can put
people back to work and break our addiction to fossil fuels. Now we need Congress and President
Obama to embrace these changes and lead America toward a secure and prosperous
future with a foundation built on renewable energy,” concluded Tolbert.
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C-Campaign is a
coalition of non-profit organizations that seeks to find positive solutions to
global warming built on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Funded members include: Environment
Virginia, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Audubon
Society, Environmental Defense and Virginia League of Conservation Voters
