Will Virginia Be a Green State?

Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a couple of press releases come out of the Governor's office talking about the Renew Virginia initiative (www.governor.virginia.gov/renewvirginia). However, out of the six releases, there seems to be a common theme - the Governor discussing strategies to attract "green companies" to relocate here and wanting Virginia to be a leader in alternative energy. My issue is that there is a lot of talking being done, but not a lot of action taking place. The most current release was a "meeting of the minds" between the Governor and the UK Ambassador to the US, Sir Nigel Sheinwald where they signed a bilateral "Climate Change Action Agreement." While I think this is great to "recommit" to combating the effects of climate change and developing a more climate-friendly economy - however, my criticism is that there is an action agreement that has already been circulating called the Climate Protection Act. This Act embodies the elements of the original Kyoto Act of 2001/02 and was established by City of Seattle's Mayor Greg Nichols challenging Mayors across the U.S. to sign, commit, and implement these principals into to their regions. So my questions to the Governor are - Do you know about this program? And why hasn’t Virginia be actively involved with this Act? (rather than reinvent a wheel that is already establish) And lastly - Why not push those Cities that have already signed the Act to get on the ball and implement true sustainable programs? It seems like common sense, right?

Additionally, it might behoove the Governor to start implementing green collar jobs right here in Virginia by expanding the DEQ team implementing the Virginia Green program beyond the current structure of one person. Also, expand the Virginia Green certification program beyond the tourism industry and the Governor may discover that there are several companies in Virginia that are already creating "green" collar jobs. Hence, develop meaningful stimulus programs that help sustain these companies and their growth potential while still attracting new companies. What a concept, aye?