Moran Offsets Va.’s Denver Delegation Carbon Footprint

Sign of his commitment to protecting the environment

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran announced today that he has purchased carbon offsets to neutralize the carbon footprint of the Virginia Delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Carbon offsets were purchased through Native Energy, a partner with the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC). According to the DNCC, the Virginia Delegation will produce approximately 115 tons of carbon-based pollution from their air and ground travel, accommodations and waste – approximately one ton per delegate. Each carbon offset will be invested in renewable energy and reduce future carbon output by the amount that otherwise would be in our atmosphere.

“Democrats have a long track record as champions of our environment,” Moran said. “Leaving a clean and healthy world for the next generation is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. It’s important we show our commitment to this cause with both our words and our actions.”

The last 10 years have each been one of the 25 warmest on record. The year 2006 was the hottest year on record. The United States is the world’s largest global warming polluter. Americans create 25 percent of all emissions while making up only 5 percent of the world’s population. The U.S. Geological Survey predicts that Glacier National Park will have no glaciers left in only 20 years.

Specific information on the program and the project list are available from the DNCC.

Of the 115 tons of carbon produced by the Virginia Delegation, 44 tons have already been offset by delegation members. Delegate Moran’s offset for those 44 delegates will help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the convention. Although he is not a delegate to the convention, Moran also purchased an offset for his own carbon impact.