Friends,
Because of you and what we did together last year, at Saturday's meeting the County Board took a big first step toward fulfilling one of the promises you and I made last year: we passed an update to the Community Energy Plan to get Arlington to 100% renewable electricity by 2035.
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We also included the big goal of getting to carbon neutrality by 2050! I can say with full confidence that if we had not won last year, the Board would not have included that 2050 goal.
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I was part of a 3-2 majority that pushed for the 2050 goal, despite concerns about whether such a high goal might not be attainable. I feel we must be bold on climate, that Arlington will rise to the challenge, and that we must be leaders in Virginia and the nation on this existential threat to the planet.
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Charley Conrad: at the heart of what made 100% renewable energy by 2035 and carbon neutrality two goals that the Arlington County Board could adopt.
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Our ability to rise to the challenge of carbon neutrality and even whether the 100% renewable by 2035 goal is in fact attained will depend on whether or not we have a Democratic Majority in Richmond next year. Why do I say that?
- Virginia law currently caps how much renewable energy can be returned to the electricity grid from residents, limiting Arlington's authority to act.
- The law on climate must and only will change if Democrats gain control of both the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate.
- Door knocking and raising the resources over the next 42 days, are the steps we must take in critical races like the one Wendy Gooditis is in.
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On Saturday, Arlington Young Democrats will be door knocking for Wendy. I will be with them. Email me if you want to join us. If you can't knock, you can help: we need you to pitch in to raise the resources so that we can honor Young Democrats and help Wendy with what she needs to get out the vote.
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I am asking because next year is a once in a decade election in Virginia--redistricting with majorities would be better than in 2010. I am asking because I want to fulfill the promise we made last year on 100% by 2035. I am asking because I will not ask next year: the Presidential candidate and the Virginia Democratic Congressional candidates will have plenty of money.
And I am asking because Charley and you and I step up when the moment needs us. 6 days left before our event for Wendy. 42 days before the Virginia elections. We need you now. Will you step up with me at this critical moment?
With a full heart,
Matt
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