|
|
|
|||||
|
Dear Friends, With less than two weeks until the scheduled adjournment of the 2008 session of the General Assembly, the focus in Richmond is on completing work on legislation passed in either the House or the Senate and finalizing the state budget. We are faced with a significant revenue shortfall that has forced us to prioritize spending and make some very difficult choices. I continue to work with the leaders in the Senate to finalize the budget for submission to the Governor. But not every line in the budget requires the state to spend money--the budget is also an area where we can make important policy decisions about how your tax dollars are spent. This year I have included two policy line items that will take us one step closer to reducing greenhouse gasses and conserve energy: Requiring State Buildings to Meet Stringent Energy Efficiency Requirements. The U.S. Green Building Council has developed a set of standards, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED, that guide the design, construction and operation of homes, office buildings and other structures. This independent certification process leads to the construction and renovation of buildings that are cheaper to operate, produce less waste, conserve energy and water, and are healthier and safer for occupants. Other states have adopted similar policies and I'm pleased to see that some state agencies and institutions, such as the new Emily Couric Cancer Center at the University of Virginia, are doing so as well. Purchasing Energy Efficient Appliances and Equipment. If you've bought a new refrigerator, washing machine or computer monitor recently, hopefully you've seen an Energy Star rating sticker on it. Energy Star is a joint program of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency that helps consumers, business and governments save money and reduce our impact on the environment. This year I've included a budget amendment to require state agencies and institutions to purchase Energy Star rated appliances and equipment whenever they are available. These two policy amendments to the state budget are small steps we can take today to ensure a greener future for Virginia. We still have a long way to go to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases and develop alternative energy sources that will combat our contribution to global climate change. But even during tough budget times, when state resources are stretched to the limits, I believe it's important we look to the future and ways to keep making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. As in years past, I have received literally thousands of e-mails, letters and telephone calls from constituents concerned about legislation before the General Assembly. Thank you for taking the time to share your views on the public policy issues at stake this year. I sincerely value your input, and often times it is everyday citizens who provide me with additional information or a different take on a piece of legislation that influences the votes I cast each day. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with my staff and me or contact us if we can be of help. My office on the fourth floor of the General Assembly Building is always open, but if you can't make it to Richmond please send me an e-mail at senatordeeds@embarqmail.com or call us at 804-698-7525. Very Truly Yours, Senator Deeds
|
