Mark Warner on Environment

Democratic VA Governor

Tougher discharge regulations on Chesapeake Bay

Gov. Warner recognized that Virginia had not taken the steps necessary to protect the nation’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay, in the face of growing development. He set out to impose tougher regulations on discharges from wastewater treatment plants, while increasing the funding available to help meet the new requirements. On both fronts, with bipartisan help, Virginia was successful. Source: Campaign website, www.markwarner2008.com, “Issues” Mar 9, 2008

Redevelop Virginia’s brownfields

devote additional resources to brownfields efforts. The Department of Environmental Quality currently has only one full time employee, and no grant or loan programs to assist with site characterization or cleanup.
promote greater utilization in Virginia of a federal program that pays for “site screenings,” a level of investigation less expensive and timelier than a full-blown “Phase II” environmental assessment.
provide more aggressive marketing of brownfields sites through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, as well as expanded technical assistance in navigating the approval process.

Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues Nov 6, 2001

Preserve open space & control suburban sprawl

Virginia commits far less to open space preservation than many other states. The state has lost an average of 45,000 acres of farmland a year over the last 10 years. As Governor, Mark will implement a clear and comprehensive strategy to preserve open space from development permanently.

As a businessman, Mark knows that growth is necessary to sustain our economy. But he understands that out-of-control growth can threaten the quality of life in Virginia’s communities. For too long, state agencies have failed to cooperate sufficiently, and conflicting state policies too often promote suburban sprawl. As Governor, Mark will order his Cabinet secretaries to work together to promote growth in ways that that do not advance or contribute to the ongoing spread of suburban sprawl. He will target state economic development efforts to projects in inner cities and rural areas, and he will support projects that comply with approved local comprehensive plans.

Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues Nov 6, 2001

Economic prosperity depends on wise use of natural resources

Mark knows that much of Virginia’s economic prosperity depends on wise use of our natural resources and an appropriate balance between our conservation goals and economic priorities. He’s committed to conservation and stewardship of Virginia’s natural resources. As Governor, Mark Warner’s top priorities will be to:

Restore leadership.

Appoint top professionals.

Ensure access to clean drinking water.

Protect open space.

Control sprawl.

Redevelop Virginia’s cities.

Streamline permitting.

Support planning for rural areas.

Fight out-of-state trash.

Protect Chesapeake Bay.

Conduct natural resources research. As Governor, Mark will demand his natural resources officials compile clear and comprehensive data on Virginia’s natural resources needs - so that the Commonwealth can develop a realistic conservation plan, one that focuses resources where they can be most useful. Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues Nov 6, 2001

Voted NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program.

Congressional Summary:Emergency supplemental appropriations of $2 billion for the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Program.

Proponent's argument to vote Yes:Rep. OBEY (D, WI-7): The cash for clunkers program has proven even more wildly popular than its strongest supporters had predicted. Just last month, Congress passed the program, which provided up to $4,500 if you trade in your old gas guzzler for a new car that gets better mileage. That was done in the hopes of spurring some new car sales and encouraging people to be a little more environmentally friendly. We provided $1 billion in the supplemental to get it going, enough for about 250,000 sales--which was just about exhausted in one week. This bill transfers $2 billion from the Department of Energy's Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee program, which doesn't expect to award funding until late next year.

Opponent's argument to vote No:Rep. LEWIS (R, CA-41): In the majority's haste to slam legislation with no time for consideration or amendments, we are now seeing the effects of such shortsighted martial law tactics.

Senator Feinstein tried to negotiate some changes to improve the program but was told that it was this way or the highway. Not one hearing on the Cash for Clunkers program, not one hearing on how the first billion dollars has been spent, not one hearing on how much money the program will need to get through the fiscal year.

Many of my colleagues will say, This is a great program, and it is necessary for the revitalization of the car industry. I'm not really going to argue with those goals. However, are we sure this program is working like it's supposed to? I don't think so. This program has only been up and running 1 week. If that is how the government is going to handle billion-dollar programs affecting all Americans, I ask, Whatever will we do if the administration takes control of our health care system?

Reference: Cash for Clunkers bill; Bill H.R. 3435 ; vote number 2009-S270 on Aug 6, 2009

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Page last updated: Feb 08, 2010