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Jim Gilmore on Environment

Senate challenger 2008; previously Republican Governor (VA)


Extend “Virginia Naturally”: empower people with knowledge

My administration [will] be a responsible steward of our precious natural resources. Last year I launched a new environmental education initiative called Virginia Naturally 2000. Our goal was to empower people with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions about protecting the environment. I’m pleased to announce we are extending Virginia Naturally through this year. Working together, as an informed and dedicated community, we can keep our commitment to a cleaner environment.
Source: State of the Commonwealth Address to VA General Assembly Jan 10, 2001

More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups.

Gilmore adopted the National Governors Association position paper:

The Issue

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), otherwise known as Superfund, was created to clean up the worst hazardous waste sites across the country and to recoup expenses from responsible parties. Since the law was enacted in 1980, the Superfund program has caused significant amounts of litigation, while cleanup of hazardous waste sites has not been as fast or effective as the statute envisioned. In addition, states have not had the necessary tools or funding from the federal government to adequately clean up state sites. “Brownfields” sites—abandoned or undeveloped non-Superfund industrial or commercial sites under state jurisdiction—have gained increasing attention from Congress in recent years as passage of a comprehensive Superfund package has become increasingly unlikely.

NGA’s Position

NGA supports the reauthorization of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. NGA policy calls for more opportunities for states to take authority for cleanup of National Priorities List (NPL) sites, increased autonomy and funding over brownfield sites, and the concurrence of a Governor before a site can be listed on the NPL.
Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA15 on Aug 1, 2001

Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water.

Gilmore adopted the National Governors Association position paper:

The Issue

The Clean Water Act (CWA) has not been reauthorized since 1987. At that time, provisions were added to address nonpoint source pollution, pollution from diffuse sources such as runoff of fertilizers and pesticides, stormwater runoff, and sediment. Governors and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disagree on the best approach to addressing the problem of nonpoint source pollution.

NGA’s Position

NGA supports the reauthorization of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (the Clean Water Act). The Governors support an increased focus on watershed management planning, including funding for the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) and nonpoint source pollution programs. States should have the flexibility to develop plans for attaining federally approved water quality standards in impaired waters - in consultation with local government officials and stakeholders - and to allocate responsibility for cleanup among contributors. The TMDL regulations should be revised, by legislation if necessary, to give states adequate flexibility, funding, and time to address impaired waters.
Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA9 on Aug 1, 2001

Supports national drought policy, focusing on readiness.

Gilmore signed the Southern Governors' Association resolution:

Source: Resolution of Southern Governor's Assn. on NDPC 01-SGA10 on Sep 9, 2001

Maintain water flow in Mississippi & Missouri Rivers.

Gilmore signed the Southern Governors' Association resolution:

Source: Resolution of Southern Governor's Assn. on Mississippi River 01-SGA14 on Feb 27, 2001

Other governors on Environment: Jim Gilmore on other issues:
AK Sarah Palin
AL Bob Riley
AR Mike Bebee
AZ Janet Napolitano
CA Arnold Schwarzenegger
CO Bill Ritter
CT Jodi Rell
*DE Ruth Ann Minner
FL Charlie Crist
GA Sonny Perdue
HI Linda Lingle
IA Chet Culver
ID Butch Otter
IL Rod Blagojevich
*IN Mitch Daniels
KS Kathleen Sebelius
KY Steve Beshear
LA Bobby Jindal
MA Deval Patrick
MD Martin O`Malley
ME John Baldacci
MI Jennifer Granholm
MN Tim Pawlenty
*MO Matt Blunt
MS Haley Barbour
*MT Brian Schweitzer
*NC Mike Easley
*ND John Hoeven
NE Dave Heineman
*NH John Lynch
NJ Jon Corzine
NM Bill Richardson
NV Jim Gibbons
NY David Paterson
OH Ted Strickland
OK Brad Henry
OR Ted Kulongoski
PA Ed Rendell
RI Don Carcieri
SC Mark Sanford
SD Mike Rounds
TN Phil Bredesen
TX Rick Perry
*UT Jon Huntsman
VA Tim Kaine
*VT Jim Douglas
*WA Christine Gregoire
WI Jim Doyle
*WV Joe Manchin III
WY Dave Freudenthal
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* indicates election in 2008. See Governor's List for challengers.





Page last updated: Jul 13, 2008