The questions are still swirling around the Waxman-Markey climate bill, which just passed the House of Reps by the narrowest margins—is it too weak? Does it cater too much to coal companies and heavy industry? Will it pass the Senate? Will it be the “biggest tax hike” ever perpetrated on Americans, as the Wall Street Journal says it will? Yet one overlooked element of the bill has been quietly revealed by the good folks at the NRDC: it will save Americans an average of $13.93 a month on fuel by 2020—and depending on the state, it could save far more.
background? click here
Statement of Glen Besa, Sierra Club-Virginia Director
On Decision of Corps and EPA to not Appeal Reservoir Decision
We are thrilled by this decision by the Corps and EPA not to appeal. The only real question remaining is will Newport News finally abandoned this ill-conceived project?
The outcome is welcome and consistent with what state and federal agencies have been telling Newport News for over a decade—that this project raises serious questions including if it is actually needed and whether the questionable need could justify the major environmental consequences that would result if the project were built.
Over the course of this debate the Army Corps of Engineers, the US EPA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and the most recently the Virginia State Water Control Board have expressed grave reservations about the King William Reservoir.
Having already spent $50 million on this project, it is time for Newport News to consider alternatives. Those alternatives could include revitalization of the Big Bethel Reservoir that would provide 2 million gallons per day and water reuse for non-potable uses like industrial cooling water and lawn irrigation.
Glen Besa, Chapter Director
Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter
422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302
Richmond, VA 23219
O-804-225-9113 x 104
F-804-225-9114
C-804-387-6001
I admit it. I was fascinated by sharks pre-Jaws and somehow, many years later, I am still captivated by them. I have always considered them terrifying yet beautiful and worth protecting.
I find the recent news on sharks devastating. Over 30% of shark species are threatened with extinction, overwhelmingly by overfishing. This will destroy ocean life as we know it.
In better news, Richmond is receiving a visit from Céline Cousteau, who I somewhat remember from when she was growing up in Norfolk. I am being totally sincere when I say I hope she can help the world save sharks. Of course, she is counting on us to listen and help her.