HOUSE PANEL VOTES TO EXTEND BAN ON MOST OFFSHORE DRILLING
May 25, 2007 - Richmond Times Dispatch
A House subcommittee has voted to extend for one year a ban on offshore drilling for oil and natural gas that affects most waters except the western Gulf of Mexico. But the full House Appropriations Committee may weigh a proposal next month to open the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to natural gas drilling. - BY PETER HARDIN

GOVERNOR KAINE SIGNS ON TO CLIMATE REGISTRY
Virginia joins multi-state initiative to track greenhouse gas emissions
May 22, 2007 - Governor's Press Release
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia has joined The Climate Registry and will work with other states and tribes to develop a common accounting system to track greenhouse gas emissions.  The Climate Registry is the nation’s only state-sponsored initiative to standardize methodologies to record and measure greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The data is to be collected in a way to support a variety of greenhouse gas reduction policy options.

Designing Complete Streets: How to create safe and efficient streets for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers
When: Tuesday, May 29 - 6:00pm Refreshments, 6:30pm Program
Location:  National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th Street, NW - North Lobby, Suite 500, Washington, DC
Conventionally, the design and operation decisions for streets and intersections place a priority on moving motor vehicle traffic swiftly.  Other users – pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders - are often only included as an afterthought.  New thinking among transportation professionals is moving toward complete streets or balanced designs that improve the safe and efficient use of streets for everyone, including the most vulnerable.  Join the Coalition for Smarter Growth to learn from Michael King, considered one of the country’s leading experts on innovative street and intersection design.  Mr. King will share his experience and research from around the world on innovative approaches to safe streets that work for all users.
RSVP (attendance only): 202-244-4408 ext 114, or victor@smartergrowth.net.
This event is free of charge. 
Metro Stations: Gallery Place, Metro Center, Archives, Federal Triangle.
Doors close at 7 pm; bring photo ID.

Birding at Augusta Springs Wetlands with Wild Virginia
Date: June 9, 2007
Join us as we look and listen for birds and other interesting things at this birding “hot spot” in the George Washington National Forest.  Whether a veteran or beginning birder, all are welcome on this very easy hike following the 2/3 mile loop trail & boardwalk through the wetlands area.  Bring binoculars if you have them, as well as water and lunch. 
Carpool from Charlottesville:
Meet at 7:15am at Java Java, 2214 Ivy Road (by Sneak Reviews Video).  Or, you can meet the group at the Augusta Springs Wetlands parking area at 8:30am. 
Directions:
From Staunton, take State Route 254 (Parkersburg Turnpike) west 8 miles to Buffalo Gap, VA where 254 becomes State Route 42 (Little Calfpasture Highway). Continue on Route 42 for approximately 7 miles to the parking area for Augusta Springs Wetlands, located on the right side of the road. 
For More Information Contact: David Hannah at 434-971-1553 or 434-244-2878 or dhannah@wildvirginia.org

Biodiesel Public Education Forum
Date: May 30, 2007, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Visual Arts Center (VAC) Hollins University
Sponsored by: James Madison University’s Shenandoah Valley Air Quality Initiative (SHENAIR), Hollins University’s Environmental Science Department, Virginia Tech’s Biodiesel Program, and Virginia Clean Cities
Biodiesel, vegetable oil, ethanol --alternative fuels are making headlines everywhere, including the Roanoke Valley where the City of Roanoke recently adopted a biodiesel fuel blend.  If you are interested in trying biodiesel, joining a co-op, or would like a few questions answered, plan to attend the Biodiesel Public Education Forum.  Attendance is FREE. 
Schedule   
1:00 p.m.        Biodiesel Basics for the Beginner: Clarifications on common misconceptions about vegetable oil, waste oil, homebrew, ethanol, vehicle modifications, and ASTM certified biodiesel fuel
2:00 p.m.        Practical Implementation: Blends, longevity, quality, warranties, performance, cold weather issues, and more
3:00 p.m.        Break
3:15 p.m.        Homebrewing Biodiesel: Chemistry, safety, waste, and regulatory considerations in VA
3:45 p.m.        Speaker Panel: Open for general Q & A from the audience
4:15 p.m.        Concurrent Breakout Sessions:
Session A: Fleets 
Session B: Individual Users
Session C: Co-ops/Small Producers 
More Information: Contact Diana Christopulos at dianak16@earthlink.net

CAPITOL REGION LAND CONSERVANCY - Outreach Coordinator
Location: Richmond, VA
Part Time Position (up to 80 hours a month, expenses paid)
The mission of CRLC is to promote the conservation of the capital region’s historically significant land, scenic natural areas and ecologically sensitive land, water and wildlife resources.   CRLC serves the City of Richmond and the Counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, New Kent, and Charles City.  The purpose of this position is to implement a comprehensive community outreach and education program to promote conservation easements in the metro Richmond region and to further CRLC’s mission.  
Primary responsibilities:
1) Establish county-based volunteer groups focused on land conservation,
2) Develop, manage, and implement work programs for county-based volunteer groups;
3) Educate individual landowners, community groups, policymakers, and the general public about conservation easements and CRLC’s mission.
4) Assist with developing conservation priorities and strategies
5) Assist with general management and administrative duties of the organization. 
6) Work with partners to research alternative easement holders
Qualifications:
Experience organizing and motivating volunteer groups; Familiarity with skills and strategies for effective community outreach and organizing; Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, and ability to represent CRLC to a wide range of audiences including community residents, land owners, government officials and partner organizations; K nowledge of conservation easements and the associated tax benefits (preferred but not required.); Self-motivation and capacity to work independently; Strong interpersonal skills; An understanding of growth patterns in the Richmond area; Interest and commitment to conservation
More Information: Visit www.capitalregionland.org
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to: CRLC, P.O. Box 17306, Richmond, VA 23226
or
e-mail bill@capitalregionland.org

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST - Historic Land Acquisitions
The Civil War Preservation Trust is the nation's largest organization dedicated to preserving important Civil War sites. The Trust is looking for an Associate who will be dedicated to accomplishing the acquisition and preservation of the country's most important historic sites.
Responsibilities:
The Associate will manage all aspects of the land acquisition process, including initial contact, site analysis and historic relevance, contract offers and negotiations, approval presentation, due diligence and feasibility analysis, and closing. Additionally, the Associate will assist in the funding process, working with local groups and state and federal funding sources.
Qualifications:
A BA/BS is required. Experience dealing with landowners, farmers, and small business owners and negotiating agreements is desirable. You must have good negotiation, communication, and technology skills, along with strong problem solving abilities. An interest in American history and its preservation is essential.
To Apply:
Please forward a cover letter and resume via e-mail to Tom Gilmore at tgilmore@civilwar.org
Or Mail To:
Thomas M. Gilmore
Director of Real Estate
Civil War Preservation Trust
1331 H Street, NW Suite 1001
Washington, DC 20005

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES - Deputy Director
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Senior-level manager with extensive news media experience will oversee daily operations of this growing non-profit organization at the intersection of science and news.  Environmental Health Sciences promotes public understanding of links between environmental factors and human and ecosystem health through the website www.EnvironmentalHealthNews.org and other programs.  Salary is commensurate with experience.
Responsibilities:
Assist CEO with all aspects of program including:Integrating new projects as they are implemented; Working with senior editors to facilitate the daily production of www.EnvironmentalHealthNews.org, climate change website, and other programs; Building and expanding relationships with news media and journalists in the U.S. and abroad; Developing and implementing strategic, marketing and communications plans; Strengthening collaborative partnerships with health and environmental organizations; Developing and implementing outreach activities with educators, non-profits and other groups; Helping facilitate Science Communications Fellows program; Collaborating with staff on Environminute radio program (www.environminute.com); Managing finances, to include fundraising and grant writing; Overseeing administrative staff and functions; Serving as liaison with Virginia Organizing Project in personnel and administrative operations.
Qualifications:
Proven program management skills; Extensive news media experience and contacts; Marketing and media relations experience; Knowledge of current news issues and topics in environment and public health; Organized, unflappable, excellent at multitasking under deadline pressure; Ability to readily adapt to evolving and growing organization.
Collaborative, team-oriented approach; Ability to trouble-shoot and problem-solve; Sense of humor, especially under pressure; Passion for protection of environment and human health; Web literacy with experience in web design preferred.
To Apply:
Please send resume/cover letter to Managing Editor, Ms. Pauli Hayes at phayes@ehsic.org.

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL- Loudoun County Field Officer/Campaign Director
Location:   Leesburg, Virginia
PEC is 30 year-old non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the Virginia Piedmont's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty. PEC provides technical expertise and organizing support to citizen groups and government officials on land use policy, land conservation, transportation, air and water quality, historic preservation and environmental issues.
Areas of Responsibility

• Develop and execute strategies to engage citizens, organizations, and regional media in land use and conservation, transportation planning, community development, and natural resource protection. Work with officials to create open, transparent opportunities for community planning with their constituents.
• Write strategic plans to address critical community issues, field organizing, earned media, etc, including goals and metrics. 
• Raise funds for new suburban and rural initiatives in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.
• Monitor issues of importance to the Loudoun communities, through attendance at public hearings, meetings with state and local elected officials and staff, and reading county documents. 
  
• Monitor local press and blogosphere to keep current with community issues and concerns and the way issues are being framed and debated by reporters, bloggers, and citizens.
• Create and implement internet and traditional media strategy, extending campaign’s direct interaction to growing number and diversity of citizens, online and in the community.
• Engage and develop capabilities of core citizen activists in community planning; build volunteer leaders and number of activists on multiple issues.  Create and implement strategies to engage diverse constituencies.
• Lead, build, and organize coalition of 17 citizen groups and nonprofit organizations around geographic and issue-based campaigns. 
• Write clear, persuasive emails to citizens in suburban and rural Loudoun with timely turnaround.
• Provide an overview of the land use policies and regulations for both the built and natural environment in Loudoun County
• Monitor local land use activities by regularly attending meetings of the Loudoun County Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors and other county and community meetings on related land use issues
• Develop analyses of the impacts of zoning and policy changes on long term community goals
• Provide technical assistance and information upon request to local citizens and public officials on matters relating to the comprehensive plan, zoning regulations, transportation, air and water quality, and land conservation
• Organize effective community participation in critical local land use issues

Qualifications
Qualifications preferred: grassroots organizer with strong record of access in creating and running issue advocacy campaigns.  Candidate should have strong experience in digital and traditional media and excellent public relations, communication, and project management skills. 
Expertise Needed: Bachelors or equivalent experience, Grassroots organizing, Internet production, Interactive marketing, Background in strategic planning, maintain good media relations, prior experience with fundraising, strong oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, willingness to work extended hours (including some weekends and evenings), ability to work independently, familiarity with Loudoun County and Virginia land use issues preferred, knowledge of smart growth principles and their applications at the local level preferred, prior experience in land use advocacy and law, and land conservation preferred
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package including health, disability and term life insurance, employee pension plan [403(b)], annual and sick leave.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and a resume with 2 references to Dawn Wilmot, Assistant to the President, PEC at dwilmot@pecva.org or
P.O. Box 460, Warrenton, VA 20188

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL-Online Advocacy Specialist
Location: Warrenton, VA
Duration: 3-6 months with potential for permanent employment
Start: Immediately
Position Overview
The Online Advocacy Specialist will report to the Director of Information Technology and collaborate with PEC staff, elected officials and their staff, grassroots and organization leaders; assist in the maintenance of PEC Web sites, blogs, photo galleries and other online presences; collaborate with others to write, edit and send PEC’s online advocacy messages; assist in developing compelling online campaigns on key issues and advocacy targets; build and nurture online constituencies and communities; collaborate with staff, volunteers, activists, and partner organizations to evaluate and ensure the effectiveness of online campaigns; compile photo essays on short timelines for online and print media; provide digital products for PEC’s traditional media publications; protect PEC and partners’ brands and campaign messages across the internet
Qualifications
Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to compile, condense, write, edit, and proof written materials; Passionate about the social and political applications of technology; Excellent team player, comfortable in a fast paced, high stakes environment with shifting strategies and challenges; Strong collaborative abilities including ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds required; Competency or strong aptitude for desktop publishing software including Photoshop, content management systems and CRM tools required; Some knowledge of HTML, video publishing, and database management a plus; however this is a communications, not a technical role; Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines; Experience in campaigning, organizing or advocacy preferred;Experience in the non-profit or high tech sector preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a beginning position with potential for substantial growth. PEC does not provide benefits for temporary positions, but this may be negotiable. This temporary position may lead to permanent, fulltime employment.
To Apply
Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements via email to: Mike DeHart, Director of Information Technology Piedmont Environmental Council at mdehart@pecva.org

COALITION FOR SMARTER GROWTH - Managing Director
Location: Washington, DC
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading smart growth group covering the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region whose mission is to ensure that transportation and development decisions are made with genuine community participation and allow the region to accommodate growth while revitalizing communities, providing more housing and travel choices, and conserving our natural and historic areas.
Role Description
The Managing Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, including staff management, hiring, fundraising and finances, with an additional role in communications. The Managing Director will work with the Executive Director to ensure the day-to-day operations of our 10 person staff move the organization towards our long-term vision. The Managing Director will play a key role in anticipating and planning for organizational development needs. This person would also be responsible for our media/marketing campaign, building upon the Coalition’s effective use of earned media to communicate our message, and will provide communications advice and support to our partners.
Full Position Description: www.smartergrowth.net/aboutus/employment.html
To Apply:
Email a letter outlining interest and qualifications along with a resume, and 1-2 work samples (fundraising, media, marketing, or other written materials) to jobs@smartergrowth.net

LET YOUR LEGISLATORS KNOW HOW IMPORTANT CONSERVATION IS TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY!
Join other individuals as citizen lobbyists and convey key conservation issues to your representative.
If you are interested in building a relationship with your legislators and learning how to make sure conservation is their priority--join a Legislative Contact Team!
For More Information Contact:
Suzanne Ankrum, Program Coordinator
Virginia Conservation Network
Phone: (804) 644-0283
Email: suzanne@vcnva.org