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Dear John,
They said it couldn’t be done... but we did it! Last week, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network helped reverse decades of bad energy laws in a southern coal state — Virginia. With passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, this bellwether state is now headed rapidly toward wind and solar power. The entire country is now taking notice. Virginia has been one of the worst states in America for its fossil fuel addiction. But passage of the Clean Economy Act proves without a doubt that the climate movement is changing our country!
Tackling years of fossil fuel domination, the new Virginia legislation mandates construction of the biggest offshore wind farms in America (powering one million homes). It turbocharges the spread of solar rooftops and solar farms. And it requires the shutdown of nearly all the state’s coal plants by 2030 and ALL fossil fuel plants for electricity (including gas) by 2045. This is perhaps the best “omnibus” bill on climate change ever passed by a state — and it will spark more wins across the South and the nation! How did we do it in Virginia? How can we do more nationwide? First and foremost, as a grassroots organization, we build on the groundswell of climate-minded voters who are eager to take on big energy companies. Then, together with a strong coalition of environmental advocates and legislators, we get the job done. We work as a team because we know it takes all of us to make the huge changes needed to combat the climate crisis. Just think, in a few short decades all the lights in Virginia – and refrigerators and air conditioners and almost certainly cars – will be powered by massive wind turbines in the Atlantic Ocean and by solar-roof arrays over playgrounds and parking lots. We are thrilled with this win, and we won’t stop here. We know the fossil fuel industries are digging in their heels, and the politicians bought by powerful energy companies are still doing their bidding. But Virginia proves that we are making progress. We are energized to keep fighting for a livable planet for generations to come. Donate to support CCAN today and make history with us. Sincerely,
Mike Tidwell -- Read more: "Virginia becomes the first state in the South to target 100% clean power," Vox, March 12, 2020 -- Have you heard of our advocacy arm, CCAN Action Fund? CCAN Action Fund aims to create change in public policy through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process. Like CCAN Action Fund on Facebook to stay in the loop:
Want to support our work? Click here to make a one-time or monthly donation. View this email in your web browser CCAN is building a people-powered movement for bold and just solutions to climate change in the Chesapeake region of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We also act as "first-responders" to federal action on the climate crisis and inspire climate action across the country. Update your contact information | Update your email subscriptions You can also unsubscribe at any time. |
