Mclean residents gather for ‘Moms and Docs Climate Roundtable

Environment Virginia

MCLEAN – As summer temperatures rise and flash floods plague the Beltway region, over 40 community members of all ages gathered at the Dolley Madison Community Library for a “Moms and Docs Climate Change Roundtable” event. A group of experts and concerned parents explained the link between climate change and its adverse health effects, and they promoted the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan as a viable solution.

In the lead-up to the finalization of the Clean Power Plan, Environment Virginia, Sierra Club, and Moms Clean Air Force teamed up to invite an expert panel that included Dr. Catherine Thomasson, MD, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility; Heather Clark, Principle of the Biome Studio; Dr. Benjamin Cash (PhD.), research scientist at George Mason University; Kimberly Turner, Esq. Director of Government Affairs, Asthma and Allergy Network; and Dr. Sara Via (PhD.), professor at University of Maryland.

Leading practitioners and experts in their respective fields, the speakers discussed a multitude of health-related topics and urged families to weigh in with decision-makers in Washington, while making meaningful lifestyle changes. Across the board, speakers shared the link between climate change and related health risks that include lung disease, heat-related illnesses, extreme natural disasters and weather patterns, and more.

The speakers all touted the Clean Power Plan, the single largest step America will take to cut carbon pollution fueling global warming. Environment Virginia echoed the speakers’ sentiments and called on Virginians to contact their U.S. Senator, Mark Warner, and encourage him to join Sen. Tim Kaine in supporting the Clean Power Plan. Beyond the efficacy in curbing carbon pollution and cleaning our air, the Clean Power Plan can also provide economic benefits that include cutting of electricity bills for businesses and homeowners across the state, plus the creation of thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector.

Joining the community members was Virginia’s 34th District Delegate, Kathleen Murphy, also a McLean resident. Delegate Murphy emphasized that it was important for Congress to take a stand, and further urged Virginians to direct their action toward Washington.

The evening marked an important milestone for Virginia in grassroots engagement toward combatting climate change. With public awareness of the hazards of air pollution and climate change, greater public support can be galvanized for the Clean Power Plan, and ultimately, contribute toward a safer, cleaner environment for Virginians.

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Environment Virginia is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization dedicated to clean air, clean water, and open space. For more information, please visit www.environmentvirginia.org.