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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.

Important Speech on responsibility, honesty and integrity in fiscal affairs

ROANOKE, Va. – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran today outlined his approach to the Commonwealth’s fiscal affairs. Moran pledged a focus on responsibility, honesty and integrity in state spending. In remarks given to the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia and the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia, Moran highlighted the Commonwealth’s fiscal challenges and the recent revenue downturn. He explained how the values he learned as one of seven children in a struggling middle-class family encourage him to run a fiscally responsible government that pays its bills and meets its commitments.

“Growing up we didn’t have much, so my parents worked hard – and taught me and my brothers and sisters something in the process: You’ve got to be honest about your obligations. Slick financial tricks and accounting gimmicks won’t keep a roof over your head – they won’t pay the mortgage or send the kids to college,” Moran said. “And it is no different for our Commonwealth – bumper stickers and campaign slogans won’t make our schools better, our colleges more competitive, or build roads and bridges.”

Delegate Moran discussed Virginia’s 22,000 foreclosures this year and the fact that homes have been selling for less than the value of their mortgages. Governor Kaine shared these concerns with the General Assembly at a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees on Monday. Moran pledged a steady, fiscally responsible hand to meet the commitments we have made during these difficult times. He also highlighted his own work as Chairman of Alexandria’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs committee during the real-estate downturn of the late 1980s.

As Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Moran was a chief legislative partner to Governor Warner when the legislature passed budget reform to fix the state’s structural imbalance and preserved its triple-A bond rating. “I’m proud to share this accomplishment with Governor Warner, but even more proud to share a common vision for fiscal responsibility,” Delegate Moran said.

He continued, “Governor Warner was a shining example of the type of balanced-budget, meet-your-obligations approach to government that I am proud to share and will strive to achieve. That’s why Virginia is the best managed state in the nation with an excellent credit rating.” Moran also praised Governor Kaine’s work to continue this fiscally responsible approach during the current downturn in revenue.

During the remarks, Delegate Moran also praised the work of local Treasurers and Commissioners of Revenue as the leaders at the forefront of balancing local government budgets. He highlighted some of their successful initiatives, including the non-arbitrage program that protects our bond funds, new DMV select offices across the Commonwealth, and the collection of overdue taxes from federal refunds.