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“It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.” -Ansel Adams
Protecting our natural environment is imperative for many reasons. It is the right thing, as we are stewards of the earth, but the ramifications of neglect go beyond natural responsibility. The myth that protecting the environment hurts the economy is just not true. Corporate polluters have exploited this myth in order to increase profits. We must understand the magnitude of the issues and begin immediately to preserve our environment for:
Our Children’s Health — We put too many pollutants in our air, water, and soil. The consequences of our inaction now will affect generations to come. The scale of the global warming crisis is finally being understood by the American public. We have begun to feel the consequences of our inaction. Congress must work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through rigorous conservation and the research, development, and utilization of alternative energies. Meanwhile we must put limits on the pollutants individuals and corporations can release. America must lead the world by example.
Our Economy — Whether it is touring the vineyards of the Central Virginia, staying in a mountainside B&B for the weekend, hunting in a field of quail-filled switchgrass, or fishing the James river, recreation is big business in our district. The many beautiful lakes and rivers of our region are economic hubs for real estate, commercial, and tourist dollars. These dollars are at risk due to declining water quality. It will take a concerted effort of Federal and state forces to clean and protect this water and this economy, and we must act now.
Our Rural Heritage — Due to declining demand for tobacco, farmers in our district are tempted to sell land that has been farmed for generations. The resulting sprawl is destroying our countryside. The history of Virginia is rooted in the land. Our rural way of life is threatened by wanton development and disregard of the natural habitat. We must develop new crops and promote policies to protect family farms in order to protect the heart of our culture.
 Download a .PDF version of this policy paper.
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