ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS FIGHT NORTH ANNA PERMIT RENEWAL
December 7, 2007 - Free-Lance Star
Two environmental groups say they plan to appeal the renewal of a state water permit for North Anna Power Station. The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League and the Peoples Alliance for Clean Energy have filed a notice of appeal in Richmond Circuit Court. The appeal is expected to be submitted later this month. - BY RUSTY DENNEN

ENERGY DEPARTMENT TO RETHINK ITS RULING ON POWER LINES
December 5, 2007 – Washington Post
The Energy Department announced yesterday that it will reconsider its decision to designate a portion of the mid-Atlantic region -- including the District, most of Maryland and Northern Virginia -- as a priority area for the placement of new power lines. Saying they want to listen more closely to opponents' concerns, federal authorities will reconsider their October decision to declare two areas of the country as "National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors," broad swaths of land across several states designated to allow for more power line construction. "

• Sign the Mile-Long Petition. Citizens of Southwest Virginia have initiated a drive to create a Mile-Long Petition that they will deliver to Dominion's shareholder meeting in April. Please make your voice heard by adding your name today. Click here to sign the petition online.
• Send a Comment to the SCC. Dominion has applied to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) for permission to construct the plant and charge ratepayers for the constructions costs. The SCC, which is charged with protecting the interests of Virginia consumers, is accepting public comments on whether or not to approve the plant.

Talking Points: click here.
Please take a moment to submit your comment opposing the plant to the SCC by Friday, December 14!
Background:
As the Richmond Times-Dispatch has reported, the $1.6 billion plant would be "one of the biggest air polluters in Virginia."  In addition to large quantities of the pollutants that cause asthma and other respiratory problems, it would emit more than 5 million tons of heat-trapping carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent of adding 200 million cars to the road! And Dominion wants Virginia consumers to foot the entire bill!

Submit Comments on the USDA Forest Legacy Program
Deadline: Comments are Due by January 4, 2008
The USDA Forest Legacy Program provides grant funding to Virginia for forest land conservation. The Legacy program requires that the Assessment of Need document be re-evaluated periodically, and that the public be given the opportunity to comment on the revisions. Virginia began this process in early 2007 with the goal of revising the Eligibility Criteria and the Forest Legacy Areas for the state.  The revised Eligibility Criteria and Forest Legacy Areas are now in draft form, pending public comment. The input received will be considered at the January 23, 2008 meeting of the Forest Legacy Subcommittee.
Submit Comments: www.dof.virginia.gov/mgt/flp-2008-revisions.shtml
For More Information: Contact Larry Mikkelson, Land Acquisition Coordinator, Virginia Department of Forestry at
434.220.9091 or larry.mikkelson@dof.virginia.gov

New Tool to Stop Catalog Waste
National Wildlife Federation, in partnership with The Ecology Center and the Natural Resources Defense Council, has just launched a new, free online service called “Catalog Choice.”  It allows consumers to put a stop to the undesired catalogs they receive while helping to reduce global warming, waste, and deforestation at the same time.
For More information:  www.catalogchoice.org  

IRS Releases Guidance for Nonprofits
Issue 4 of the 2007 volume of the Nonprofit Navigator includes important guidance for nonprofits on lobbying rules
Read the Article: www.harmoncurran.com/navigator/current.html

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.
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.

Volunteer for Virginia Conservation Network
Do you live in or near Richmond? Are you looking for ways to help nonprofits function more effectively? If so, VCN can use your help on a variety of projects.
Contact: Suzanne Ankrum at suzanne@vcnva.org or 804-644-0283 to volunteer

VIRGINIA OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION - LOCAL CAPACITY BUILDING FUNDING
DEADLINE: December 15, 2007
The Virginia Office of Environmental Education with financial support from EPA is pleased to make available a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Regional Environmental Education Capacity Building. The complete package (RFP and attachments) can be downloaded from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
For More Information: Visit www.vanaturally.com/networks.html

FARM FOUNDATION - FUNDING FOR CONFERENCES TARGETING RURAL ISSUES
DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted at any time
The Farm Foundation provides support to private and public organizations to present multi-state or national conferences and workshops that address economic and policy issues critical to agriculture and people in rural communities. The Foundation seeks project proposals that specifically address one of the following priority areas: Consumer Issues, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources Issues, Globalization, New Technologies, Role of Agricultural Institutions, or Rural Community Viability.
For More Information: Visit www.farmfoundation.org/guidelines.htm