Climate Change and
Clean Energy
Half of Virginia’s counties face higher risks of water shortages by mid-century under hotter, drier conditions.
Virginia ranks second in the U.S. for sea level rise, trailing only New Orleans. By mid-century, half of its counties could confront water shortages due to hotter, drier conditions. Agriculture, the state's leading private industry, faces mounting challenges from extreme heat's impact on livestock, drought's effect on crops and water supplies, and invasive species thriving in warmer climates.
As a nation and as stewards of our planet, we face the urgent task of addressing climate change while maintaining the stability of our economy and energy infrastructure. While fossil fuels currently play a significant role in our energy mix, we must transition toward cleaner and renewable sources. We need a balanced approach that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and economic viability.
We need to ensure that clean energy solutions have minimal environmental impact. This means scrutinizing every aspect of technologies such as electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines, from production to disposal. By prioritizing environmental stewardship throughout the lifecycle of clean energy technologies, we can effectively mitigate potential harm and pave the way for a truly sustainable future.
CARL'S PRIORITIES:
Fight Climate Change
There is no individual or economy in the world that is unaffected by climate change. We must act now to protect our communities and our planet.
Virginia's communities face escalating vulnerability to severe weather driven by climate shifts. Coastal and riverfront population hubs grapple with heightened flooding, while farmers confront mounting drought threats. Moreover, extreme heat and air pollution are poised to worsen health issues. I am committed to advocating for solutions that enhance our resilience to these evolving climate conditions, safeguarding our communities against new challenges.
I will advocate for solutions to manage these risks and enhance our resilience to the changing climate, safeguarding our communities against new challenges.
I will advocate for solutions to manage these risks and enhance our resilience to the changing climate, safeguarding our communities against new challenges.
Transition to Renewable Energy
On a per capita basis, U.S. emissions remain 2x those of Europe and China, and 8x those of India.
We need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and embrace a diversified energy portfolio that encompasses solar, wind, geothermal, electric vehicles, and hydroelectric power. Not only do these renewable sources curb greenhouse gas emissions, but they also help to usher in new job opportunities and spur economic growth in the clean energy sector. At the same time, we must ensure that clean energy solutions have minimal environmental impact. This means scrutinizing every aspect of technologies such as electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines, from production to disposal. By prioritizing environmental stewardship throughout the lifecycle of clean energy technologies, we can effectively mitigate potential harm and pave the way for a truly sustainable future.
We need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and embrace a diversified energy portfolio that encompasses solar, wind, geothermal, electric vehicles, and hydroelectric power. Not only do these renewable sources curb greenhouse gas emissions, but they also help to usher in new job opportunities and spur economic growth in the clean energy sector. At the same time, we must ensure that clean energy solutions have minimal environmental impact.This means scrutinizing every aspect of technologies such as electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines, from production to disposal. By prioritizing environmental stewardship throughout the lifecycle of clean energy technologies, we can effectively mitigate potential harm and pave the way for a truly sustainable future.
On a per capita basis, U.S. emissions remain twice those of Europe and China, and eight times those of India. Transportation is the largest source of emissions in the United States.
Protect Our Natural Resources
Virginia Lost More Farmland in the Last Five Years Than in the Previous Fifteen
The agriculture industry, which provides more than 381,800 jobs in the Commonwealth, has an $82.3 billion annual economic impact. Approximately one of every eleven jobs in Virginia can be tied to its agriculture and forest industries.
I will prioritize sustainable land use and advocate for policies to protect our natural resources and conserve land for future agricultural use.
Virginia lost more farmland between 2017 and 2022 than it did in the previous 15 years; meaning more than 488,000 acres of farmland were converted to some other use. 10% of all Virginia farms ceased to operate during the same time period.
We must intensify efforts to curb emissions from industrial activities and safeguard our air, water, and public lands. It's imperative that corporations are held accountable for their pollution, with no exemptions, and that pollution regulations are rigorously enforced.
I will prioritize SMART growth to ensure that investments both improve economy and capacity of communities while also protecting local assets, heritage and natural resources.
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