Last month, the U.S. Senate inched America towards a 21st century energy policy when Senators, including Virginia’s John Warner and Jim Webb, agreed to raise average fuel efficiency standards for new cars and trucks economy by ten miles per gallon over the next decade.  If passed by the House of Representatives, the measure will raise fuel economy standards for the first time in 30 years. Since then, the average Virginian’s commute has grown 50 percent longer, making tailpipe emissions America’s fastest-growing source of global warming pollution.

Our senators displayed the sort of bipartisan resolve we need to begin recovery from our addition to fossil fuels. Because more action is needed, Sen. Warner has also promised to move a comprehensive global warming package through the Environment and Public Works Committee, which he chairs.

Earlier this year, the committee heard from Dr. Roger Mann of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the College of William and Mary. He said the effects of global warming, including declining fisheries and a rise in timber parasites, are already evident. A new report from the National Parks Conservation Association makes it clear that things could get much worse. Sea level rise threatens Jamestown, while warmer temperatures mean bigger dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay. Rising stream temperatures threaten trout in Shenandoah National Park, while Virginia’s farmers could face longer droughts and stronger storms.
Dr. Mann concluded his remarks saying: “As biologists we are concerned. As custodians of this rich natural resource we should all be concerned.”  A newly released poll shows that Virginians are concerned. Eighty-five percent of us believe the government should do more to encourage clean energy research and development in Virginia, and nearly 80 percent of voters support the mandated use of clean energy such as wind, solar, and biofuels.

Now, our leaders at all levels need to do their part, using regulations, incentives and investment to help Virginians kick the carbon habit and lead more sustainable lives.

Best,
Nathan Lott
Executive Director

VIRGINIA LEADERS ABUZZ OF POWER LINE CORRIDOR
July 9, 2007 - WTOP Radio
Opponents to a power line corridor that could run through Virginia's pristine countryside have two new allies: the state's two top elected leaders. Gov. Tim Kaine and Attorney General Bob McDonnell sent a joint letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman saying they oppose the route -- which would run through the Piedmont area and the Shenandoah Valley -- and a corridor anywhere in the state. - BY HANK SILVERBERG

EAGLES, PEOPLE ON A COLLISION PATH
Sprawl may impact the future health of bald eagle population
June 29, 2007 - Richmond Times Dispatch
"The bald eagle is flying high for now, but experts fear another crash could be coming. Federal officials announced yesterday the removal of the eagle from the nation's list of threatened species... But as the eagle's numbers climb in Virginia, their habitats -- wooded land along water -- continue to be developed. "Urban sprawl has sort of replaced DDT as the main concern," said Bryan Watts, director of the College of William and Mary's Center for Conservation Biology. Unless Virginians protect a lot more land, the eagle population will probably start to drop again within the next 20 years." - BY REX SPRINGSTON

Local Conservation Leadership: Building a Network of Power
Interested in becoming an member of your local Legislative Contact Team, learning to effectively communicate conservation goals to your state legislators, and building a stronger conservation community? - Then attend this year's Legislative Contact Team Trainings.
Dates and Locations*:
July 17, Richmond | YWCA
July 19, Norfolk | Ernie Morgan Center
July 31, South Boston | The Prizery Arts Center
August 2, Warrenton |Warrenton Community Center
August 7, Roanoke | Roanoke Higher Education Center
August 9, Arlington | GMU - Arlington Campus
*All trainings last from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Dinner is Provided.
Please RSVP to Suzanne at suzanne@vcnva.org
Directions can be found at www.vcnva.org

People's Alliance for Clean Energy Protests Lake Anna Power Plant
Date: Wednesday, July 18 at 7pm
Location: Louisa Middle School, 1009 Davis Highway, Mineral VA
The Water Control Board of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has scheduled a public hearing. VADEQ plans to reissue the permit that allows Dominion Power to continue dumping very hot water without any temperature limits into “cooling lagoons” in Lake Anna. Dominion treats the lagoons as a private Waste Heat Treatment Facility (WHTF). The water raises the temperature in Lake Anna, and disturbs the Lake‘s ecosystem.
Action
**Write Governor Kaine and to Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant
Ask that they act to postpone the hearing until the EPA rules on whether Lake Anna’s lagoons are “Waters of the United States“ and Dominion’s activities should therefore be in compliance with the Clean Water Act.
**Send comments toSusan Mackert at VADEQ regarding the issuance of the 316A variance, which will permit Dominion to dump without temperature limits. Call Susan Mackert at 703-583-3853 or e-mail sdmackert@deq.virginia.gov.
For More Information: Click Here

Citizens Briefing on Powerlines
Preserve Frederick and the PEC will co-sponsor a citizen's briefing August 1 on the 500 KV powerline proposal, to help local residents prepare for State Corporation Commission hearings on the issue two weeks later in Winchester and Warren County. The briefing will provide a more complete picture of the massive powerline's impacts on the Belle Grove-Cedar Creek National Historic Battlefield, Cedar Creek, Middletown, Front Royal and other important historic and natural resources in Frederick and Warren Counties.
August 1 Citizens Briefing: 7 pm. Wayside Inn, Middletown.
August 13 & 14: 1:30 to 9 pm (with dinner break). James Wood High School, Winchester. State Corporation Commission public hearing.
August 15 & 16: 1:30 to 9 pm (with dinner break). North Warren Vol. Fire Dept., Front Royal. State Corporation Commission public hearing.
For More Information: Visit www.dontbetaken.org for details on the powerline proposals

SCC Seeks Ideas on Programs to Reduce Electric Consumption
Date: Thursday, July 19 at 9:00am
Location: SCC courtroom, 2nd floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 Main Street, Richmond, VA
In April 2007, the Virginia General Assembly established a goal of reducing electricity consumption by retail customers by 10 percent by the year 2022. The legislature directed the SCC to determine if the reduction goal can be achieved, identify the types of conservation and efficiency programs that should be implemented to meet the goal, and develop a plan for the implementation of recommended programs.
Meeting Details: The meeting will open with a public comment period for individuals who want to express their views.

Pre-VAPA Planning Conference Training Session
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 from 10:00am to 3:45pm
Location: Henrico County
The Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association in conjunction with the Virginia Association of Counties, the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Coalition of High Growth Communities are co-sponsoring a one-day, pre-VAPA Planning Conference training session on the land use provisions contained in the 2007 Transportation Act. This session is registered for AICP Continuing Education credits and will be a perfect segue to VAPA’s 2007 Annual Conference at Wintergreen that begins on July 25. There will be panels on impact fees and Urban Development Areas as well as a question and answer forum with local government attorneys and planners.
To Register or For More Information: Visit www.vaco.org.
Contact Ted McCormack of VA Association of Counties at 804-788-2506 with any questions

 The Woods in Your Backyard
Workshop Dates and Locations:
July 24 & 31 in Warrenton  (evening)
July 26 & Aug. 2 in Madison  (afternoon)
July 30 & Aug. 6 in Fredericksburg  (evening)
Each workshop will focus on how you can influence what happens in your natural area by better understanding what you have, what you want and available tools to help you accomplish your goals. 
For more information go to: www.ext.vt.edu/offices/madison 
click on <Local Program>, <Forestry & Natural Resources>, <Download Brochure for Upcoming Workshops>

FRIENDS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK - Marketing and Development Coordinator
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Friends of the Rappahannock is hiring a Marketing and Development Coordinator to assist organizational leaders in marketing river conservation programs to the public, corporate sponsors, major donors, and members. The ideal candidate will have a B.A. in a relevant field, interest in grassroots river conservation, and possess strong communications and interpersonal skills.
Full Position Description: Visit www.vcnva.org/jops.php
To Apply
Mail a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Jennifer Allen, Programs Manager, Friends of the Rappahannock, PO Box 7254, Fredericksburg, VA 22404 or email the materials to jenn_allen@riverfriends.org.

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST - Historic Land Acquisitions Associate
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 by managing all aspects of the land acquisition process. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with landowners, farmers, and small business owners and negotiating agreements is desirable.
Full Job Description can be found at www.vcnva.org/php.jobs
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

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST- Grants Associate
The Grants Associate will be responsible for expanding CWPT's use of funding available for battlefield preservation from federal, state and local government entities, as well as other non-profit organizations. The ideal candidate will have a BA/BS and 2-3 years of professional experience. Strong initiative, interpersonal, presentation, and computer skills are required. An interest in American history and its preservation is essential.
To Apply: e-mail letters and resume to developmentresumes@civilwar.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. The Loudoun County Field officer will develop and execute strategies to engage citizens, organizations, and regional media in land use and conservation, transportation planning, community development, and natural resource protection.
Full Job Description Available at www.vcnva.org/jobs.php
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

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