
I was thinking about it this morning, and I’m absolutely clear that our planet is our home, and if we destroy that, no other issue will matter, since at the minimum our civilization will have likely collapsed. So…first save our home, without which all else – so many crucially important issues, from racial injustice to women’s rights to LGBT equality to gun violence prevention to education, health care, etc, etc, etc. – would be (horribly) moot. That’s why I’m so proud of Tom Perriello for leading on environmental protection (and just about every other issue, but that’s a discussion for another post!), from voting for the “cap-and-trade” bill in Congress to coming out strongly against Dominion Power’s proposed fracked gas pipelines. And now, in another sign of cutting-edge leadership, check this out. Oh, and don’t forget to vote for Tom Perriello on June 13 and remind everyone you know – friends, family, neighbors, people you met at the Women’s March, etc. – to do the same!

Perriello Calls for Virginia to Join State Climate Alliance to Confront Climate Change in Response to Trump’s Abandonment of Paris Agreement

Tom Perriello, Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, announced his intention, if elected, to join the recently-announced United States Climate Alliance, which will push for the climate goals embodied in the Paris Agreement and foster innovation among the states in combating climate change.

“Virginia must act now to combat climate change,” said Tom Perriello. “Donald Trump has made his choice: he won’t lift a finger to prevent sea levels from rising in Hampton Roads, won’t do a thing to stop homeowners’ insurance rates from soaring along the Chesapeake Bay, and couldn’t care less if Virginia’s coastlines fall victim to devastating storms. As governor, I will not wait for the worst to happen before taking action.”

The Paris Agreement calls for voluntary, individualized climate goals that are designed by countries themselves. Perriello believes a state-based version of this model will provide Virginia the flexibility to develop the best-tailored approaches to climate change while ensuring other states are doing their part.

“When Virginia leads, the rest of the nation takes notice,” said Perriello. “By getting on the ground floor of a state-based Climate Alliance, Virginia will help pioneer new and innovative ways to fight climate change. Not only will we not fall behind on climate policy, Virginia will get to shape how our nation responds to one of the greatest challenges in human history.”

Perriello’s announcement builds on Governor Terry McAuliffe’s recent executive action on capping carbon emissions, solidifying Virginia’s commitment to confronting climate change. Virginia would join New York, Washington, California, and other states in the Climate Alliance, ensuring that the Mid-Atlantic’s interests and needs are represented in this body.