Saxman Statement on Environmental Stewardship in Virginia on Earth Day 2009
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
STAUNTON, VA: Preceding tomorrow’s observance of Earth Day, Delegate Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) issued the following statement highlighting the numerous accomplishments of Virginia Republicans to encourage a healthy and sustainable environment.
“As we prepare to observe Earth Day, I believe all Virginians share a common and uniting goal of safeguarding and protecting the natural treasures of our Commonwealth. We are truly blessed to enjoy an abundance of natural resources, from our Blue Ridge Mountains, to our beaches, from our rivers, to our scenic mountains, and I believe it is our shared responsibility to preserve and protect these natural treasures so that Virginians and visitors to our Commonwealth will be able to enjoy them for generations to come.
“Since being elected to the House of Delegates, I have worked with my colleagues on policies to preserve and protect our environment- here in the Valley and across the Commonwealth. Working together we have been able to enact practical, forward-thinking measures that are producing real results in preserving Virginia’s natural treasures.
“The Commonwealth has been able preserve over 420,000 acres of open space by putting free market tools to use through innovative land conservation tax credits. Here in the Valley, as well as other parts of the state, we have worked alongside private organizations to preserve our historic Civil War battlefields. We have demonstrated a long-term commitment to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay through enacting agricultural best management practices and funding upgrades to our wastewater treatment facilities. We have demonstrated a commitment to promoting renewable energy development, exploration and use.
“One of the key issues I worked with my colleagues on in 2006 was an important compromise that will bring cleaner air to Virginia through significant mercury emission reduction standards. HB1055 will result in cleaner air in the Shenandoah Valley and across the Commonwealth three years ahead of the previous schedule. The measure also codifies the Department of Environmental Quality’s regulation for the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which limits sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions- which address the concern of smog by limiting the emissions of these toxins.
“During this year’s legislative session, we worked together on a number of initiatives aimed at sustaining and improving our natural resources, including nutrient offsets exchanges, septic system clean-up and energy conservation programs.
"But it's not just about voting on public policy, it's also about living it in your life and business. On a personal level, our family recently bought and set up a composting bin, and for 10 years our company sponsored with WVPT the Young Environmentalist Award. We have also been on geo thermal heating at our business for 10 years as well. We recognize that we can be good coporate citizens by also being good environmental stewards.
“While we have worked together to accomplish many positive steps forward to protect our environment, there is work we must all continue to do. As we observe Earth, we must remain committed to looking forward for new and innovative ways in which we can all do our part to ensure long-term positive results for our environment. We must continue to work together, as individuals, as communities, as businesses and as governments to ensure the natural splendor of our Commonwealth remains for future generations.”
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