News

~ Proposal Will Protect Environment, Build Energy Economy ~
~ Former Warner Environment Agency Head Endorses Moran ~

NORFOLK – Today, Brian Moran released a bold environment and energy plan: Green Virginia: Building the 21^st Energy Economy.  The Green Virginia plan will make Virginia a national leader in renewable energy and create tens of thousands of new jobs. It is the boldest commitment any candidate for Governor has made to preserve the environment and build lasting economic growth.

Bob Burnley, Director of the Department of Environmental Quality in Governor Warner's administration, announced his endorsement of Brian Moran for Governor today.

The highlights of Moran’s plan

• A commitment to offshore wind and solar power to meet future energy needs with clean renewable technology
• Investments in “smart grid” technology to increase efficiency and bring our infrastructure into the digital age
• Creation of a Center for Innovative Green Technology to coordinate statewide investments and planning
• Requiring that 25 percent of Virginia’s energy come from renewable sources, doubling Virginia’s current voluntary goal and making it mandatory

“Virginia can and must become a leader in renewable energy and get our economy moving. The time for leadership on this issue has come, and I’m committed to bold action. This plan will create tens of thousands of jobs in growing industries,” Moran said. “These investments will produce returns for years in the form of new technologies and new jobs.”

Previous to this release, Moran announced his opposition to offshore drilling, his opposition to the coal mega-plant in Surry County, and his commitment to get 25 percent of Virginia’s energy from renewable sources by 2025.

 

The complete Green Virginia plan includes:

• Protecting our Environment: Restoring the Chesapeake Bay, increasing land conservation, opposing the Surry coal mega-plant, and opposing offshore drilling

• Investing in Renewable Energy: Requiring that 25 percent of Virginia’s energy come from renewable sources by 2025, investing in wind and solar energy, exploring biomass and waste-to-energy
• Developing Green Energy Technology: Jumpstarting university research, creating a Center for Innovative Green Technology, and founding Energy Technology Parks
• Increasing Energy Efficiency: Creating incentives for efficiency through utility “decoupling,” investing in green buildings, building smart grid technology, winterizing homes, and creating incentives for high-mileage vehicles
• Creating Green Jobs: Promoting energy technology small businesses, coordinating workforce training, and creating tax and financial incentives for investment in energy technology.

 

"As someone who has spent a career working to protect Virginia's environmental treasures and worked with Mark Warner to help clean up the Bay and enforce Virginia's environmental laws and regulations, I know what it means to demonstrate strong environmental leadership,” said Bob Burnley, Director of the Department of Environmental Quality for Governor Warner. "This is a progressive plan that will invest in our energy future and protect our environment.  This is exactly the type of leadership Virginia needs to address all of the serious energy and environmental issues we are struggling with every day."

Moran will hold a series of events in different parts of Virginia to announce the Green Virginia plan, including stops in Arlington, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville.

~ Law Needs Continued Support, Funding ~

ALEXANDRIA – Brian Moran made the following statement about Alicia’s Law, an initiative to fund the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces. Moran created and passed Alicia’s law in the 2008 session of the General Assembly with an initial $1.5 million in funding. Moran released the following statement while Alicia Kozakiewicz and the National Association to Protect Children held a press conference in Richmond in support of continued funding.

“I urge my former colleagues in the House and the Senate to support Alicia’s law and protect more children,” Moran said. “I was proud to lead the charge on this issue in the General Assembly and will continue to make it a priority as Governor. Alicia is an inspiring and courageous voice in this fight and I know the Assembly will do the right thing by maintaining funding for this initiative. Alicia’s law has led to the arrest and prosecution of dangerous predators and the safe return of children. We cannot retreat from this commitment.”

Moran was unable to attend today’s press conference because of a previously scheduled commitment. He was in Hampton Roads.


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~ Proven Fighter for Working Families and Record of Fighting for Equal Rights Cited~

RICHMOND – Today, Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones is announcing his endorsement of Brian Moran for Governor of Virginia. Jones is a minister and the former Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. In endorsing Moran, Jones cited Moran’s long record of fighting for working families, ensuring equal opportunity for every Virginian, and championing civil rights.

“Brian has a long, proven record of fighting hard for working families in Virginia,” Jones said. “I’ve known Brian for more than a decade and worked side-by-side with him in the legislature. We’ve fought for equal rights, quality education and equal opportunity for everyone.”

Mayor Jones is the former Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and Delegate from Richmond City. He and Moran worked together on a number of initiatives in the General Assembly, including raising the minimum wage.

“Dwight Jones is a man of character who always does what’s best for working people,” Moran said. “I’m proud and honored to have his support. Richmond is our capital city and I share Mayor Jones’s commitment to strengthening Richmond’s economy, protecting communities and making sure everyone has equal opportunity in this great city.”

Jones joins other prominent Virginia leaders who have announced their support of Brian Moran for Governor: The Chairman of Mark Warner’s campaign for Governor, former Congressman L. F. Payne; House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong from Martinsville; the majority of elected Democrats in Loudoun and Arlington Counties; the mayors of Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News and Portsmouth; and the majority of the members of the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Steering Committee.

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~ Coal Power Increases Global Warming and Poses Health Risks to Population ~

RICHMOND – On the steps of Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Brian Moran pledged that he will stop the proposed coal-fired power plant in Surry County, Virginia, if elected Governor. Today, he visited DEQ’s office to hand deliver a letter calling for a serious investigation into the proposed plant’s environmental impact. Moran highlighted the release of millions of tons of greenhouse gases which increases global warming and the significant health risks posed by the coal-burning plant. The proposed plant would be about 50 miles from two major Virginia population centers in Richmond and Hampton Roads, in addition to being close to the Chesapeake Bay.

“Across the nation and right here in Virginia our energy future is in a precarious position,” Moran said. “It is essential that we make sound decisions and act boldly in defense of our quality of life, not just for ourselves, but for our children, and our children’s children. The proposed coal-burning power plant in Surry should not go forward based on the information currently available to the public. 2009 should be the year that we make unprecedented commitments to clean, renewable energy that can preserve our planet and create thousands of new jobs all over the Commonwealth.”

A recent report by the Virginia Sierra Club estimates that a major investment in renewable energy could create as many as 55,000 new jobs in Virginia.

"As someone who has spent a career working to protect Virginia's environmental treasures and worked with Mark Warner to help clean up the Bay and enforce Virginia's environmental laws and regulations, I know what it means to demonstrate strong environmental leadership, and I am proud that Brian is taking this position,” said Bob Burnley, Director of the Department of Environmental Quality in Governor Warner's administration. "This is exactly the type of leadership Virginia needs to address global climate change and the other serious air pollution issues we struggle with every day."

Last month, the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) announced that it wanted to build a $6 billion coal-fired power plant in central Surry County. The coal plant would produce 750 to 1,500 megawatts of electricity. The coal plant is still in preliminary planning stages and will require several local, state and federal permits before ODEC can begin construction.

"Our environment is a natural treasure, a gift from the Creator, that we hold in trust for future generations. We must be morally responsible stewards by protecting it,” said Jim Burke, Chairman of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light. “We cannot backslide by relying on coal plants when new sources of alternative energy are at hand. I thank Brian Moran for his dedication to protecting God's creation and look forward to working with him to promote alternatives to coal.”

“Clean energy has the potential to create thousands of new jobs here in the Commonwealth without contributing to climate change and environmental destruction,” said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. “We do not need another coal plant that emits dangerous pollution into our air and water. A new coal plant in Surry would contradict Virginia's commitment to encourage cleaner, safer forms of energy. I applaud Brian Moran for this bold and necessary stance to protect Virginians."

Moran’s Record

In a September 2008 policy speech outlining his approach to environmental issues, Moran said, “Teddy Roosevelt set the standard for us all when he said, ‘The Nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets…, which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value… and behaves badly if it leaves the land poorer to those who come after….’ People ask whether protecting our environment will help our economy, and it will. But this is about something greater. Are we judged by how we best exploit our resources for economic gain? Or do we measure success by the legacy we leave behind? We must act, as Roosevelt said, ‘So that our children will be richer, and not poorer because we have lived.’ That must be our standard. That is how we will be judged.” (http://www.brianmoran.com/2008/9/14/virginia-sierra-club-fall-jamboree-speech)

Brian Moran has been repeatedly named a Legislative Hero by the League of Conservation Voters. In the General Assembly, he worked for new energy efficiency standards and incentives for renewable energy production.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of service to the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

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~ Grassroots, Online Strategies with Cutting-Edge Results~

ALEXANDRIA – Virginians for Brian Moran announced the addition of Joe Trippi as media consultant and general strategist for the campaign, joining a veteran campaign team with a successful record in Virginia and a proven ability to build grassroots coalitions and win Democratic primaries.

“I’m excited to join Brian’s team because of his record of fighting for working families,” Trippi said. “I think Virginians will respond to his leadership and experience as we grapple with today’s tough times. I’ve known Brian for a long time and he has a bold vision for Virginia’s future and the record to back it up.”

Trippi has been credited as the man who “reinvented campaigning” after he developed the grassroots, online network for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign in 2004. Through his innovative use of the Internet for small-donor fundraising, “Dean for America” raised more money than any Democratic presidential campaign to that point – all with donations averaging less than $100.

He announced his addition to the Moran campaign team in a diary on DailyKos today (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/1/21/84256/2027/511/686999).

“We’re very excited to add Joe to an all-star team working to build the best grassroots campaign,” Campaign Chair Mame Reiley said. “Joe is the architect of the 21st century campaign and knows how to help insurgent candidates win elections.”

Veteran Warner and Webb Campaign Manager Steve Jarding is the Moran campaign’s general consultant. Mame Reiley, Mark Warner’s former Political Director, chairs Moran’s campaign. Al Quinlan and the team at Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research leads polling, with Ed Peavy and Mission Control producing the campaign’s direct mail. Bob Corn with Landmark Strategies will direct voter targeting, a role he played for Mark Warner, Tim Kaine and Jim Webb. Jerome Armstrong continues as new media consultant.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of service to the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

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JOE TRIPPI

The New Republic recognized Joe Trippi as the man who "reinvented campaigning" with his focus on cutting-edge grassroots and online campaigning. Trippi has run and consulted on numerous presidential, senate, congressional, gubernatorial and mayoral races. These include the successful campaigns of U.S. Senator Alan Cranston of California, Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles, Governor Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Congressman Tim Holden of Pennsylvania.

In 2004, as the national campaign manager for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, Trippi pioneered the use of online technology to organize what became the largest grassroots movement in presidential politics at that time. Through his innovative use of the Internet for small-donor fundraising, Dean for America raised more money than any Democratic presidential campaign to that point – all with donations averaging less than $100.

Trippi is the author of “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Democracy, the Internet and the Overthrow of Everything,” the story of how his revolutionary use of the Internet combined with an impassioned, contagious desire to overturn politics-as-usual grew into a national grassroots movement – and changed the face of American politics forever.

Born in California, Trippi began his political career working on Edward M. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1980. His work in presidential politics continued with the campaigns of Walter Mondale, Gary Hart, Richard Gephardt, Howard Dean and, most recently, John Edwards.

Joe Trippi has been profiled in The New York Times, The New Republic, Fast Company, The Atlantic, The Washington Post and The New York Times Magazine. He is a CBS News political analyst and former Harvard University Fellow.

~ Joins Governor Kaine’s call to freeze the process~

ALEXANDRIA – At today’s conclusion of the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) public comment period on a proposed lease sale off the Virginia coast, Brian Moran released the following statement opposing the Bush administration’s efforts to move forward with offshore drilling. According to a recent CNN report, the Bush administration is targeting Virginia as “ground zero” on the eastern seaboard to advance offshore drilling in its final week in office.

“We cannot solve 21st century energy challenges with 19th century fossil fuel. We need new leadership that invests in energy efficiency and alternative and renewable energy to protect our environment and jumpstart our economy by creating thousands of new, green jobs.

It’s unfortunate that the Bush administration is trying to push through an agenda that’s harmful to our environment, damages our tourism economy, and limits the Navy’s ability to protect America. I urge the Bush administration to respect the results of the 2008 election and put an immediate halt to this reckless last-minute attempt at offshore drilling. George Bush must not use his waning weeks in office to undermine Virginia’s economy, damage our environment, or overrule the express wishes of the U.S. Navy.

Drilling offshore will not produce significant fuel for another two decades and would provide an insignificant portion of our domestic need. This is a distraction that takes us away from the nationwide commitment we need to renewable energy sources and the creation of 21st century green jobs.”

Moran echoes Governor Kaine’s December 12th letter, in which he requested that MMS delay further public comment and preparation for lease sales until the Obama administration takes office. A copy of Moran’s statement was sent to MMS.

Moran’s Record

Brian Moran has a proven record of fighting against offshore drilling. He favors a major investment in alternative and renewable energy sources. In 2006 he opposed including offshore drilling in Virginia’s energy plan. He and the mayor of Virginia Beach held an ocean-side press conference in opposition to drilling on May 25, 2007 (see this PDF).

In a September 2008 policy speech outlining his approach to environmental issues, Moran said “Let’s be clear about this: we cannot drill our way out of the energy crisis. We can’t cure our addiction to oil by drilling for more.”

Link to full speech text: http://www.brianmoran.com/2008/9/14/virginia-sierra-club-fall-jamboree-speech

~ Bold Call for Renewable Energy Standard is the Most of Any Candidate ~
~Make Va. a National Leader in Fighting Global Warming and Creating Green Jobs~

ALEXANDRIA – Today, Brian Moran announced his support for a mandatory commitment to renewable and alternative energy to create thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth. The announcement is a preview of his campaign’s energy and environmental plan which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Virginia currently has a voluntary goal reaching 12% of Virginia’s energy from renewable resources and Moran’s bold plan will more than double the current standard and make it mandatory – he is calling for a 25% mandatory standard by 2025, making a quarter of our energy from renewable sources.

Virginia can be a leader in the area of renewable energy, and Moran’s bold proposal will put Virginia in the top ten states nationally. Moran’s plan is the boldest of any candidate for Governor.

Governor Kaine’s Climate Change Commission has called for an increase from the current voluntary 12% Renewable Portfolio Standard (SB1416, 2007) to 15%. Recently, candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe called for making the existing 12% standard mandatory (Gubernatorial hopeful touts renewable energy sources, “Danville Register and Bee,” 1/9/2009). Moran’s plan is the most progressive of any of the candidates for governor and echoes President-elect Obama, who has called for a nationwide 25% mandatory standard by 2025.

“I have proposed a bold step, which will make Virginia a leader in renewable energy,” Moran said. “The next governor needs to be looking toward the future and creating an environment which will attract good high-paying green jobs, and help Virginia grow in the green economy. My commitment to our environment and our economy is too strong to do anything less.”

Sources of renewable energy that can meet this commitment include solar, wind, energy efficiency, geothermal, hydropower, wave, tidal, waste to energy, and biomass. Currently, 28 states have mandatory RPS standards according to the Pew Charitable Trust. Five others, including Virginia, have voluntary standards. Seven states have 25% RPS (Ill., Minn., N.H., N.Y., Ohio, Ore. and Vt.), while Connecticut is at 27% and Maine at 30%. Moran supports an RPS of 20% by 2020 on the way to his goal.

Moran presented his approach to environmental issues in a September, 2008 speech, in which Moran said “We must reject the false choice between growing our economy and protecting our environment. We can create jobs by investing in a 21st century energy economy.” Full speech text.

Brian Moran has been repeatedly named a Legislative Hero by the League of Conservation Voters. In the General Assembly, he worked for new energy efficiency standards and incentives for renewable energy production.

~ Moran’s Career in Public Service began in Arlington~

ARLINGTON – During the last stop of Brian Moran’s Virginia Values Tour, the overwhelming majority of Arlington elected officials and Democratic leaders announced their support for him to be the next Governor of Virginia. Arlington County is the where Brian Moran started his public service career as a prosecutor two decades ago. The endorsers cited his proven record of leadership in Virginia and his strong, progressive record of fighting for Virginia families.

Arlington is one of the most Democratic counties in Virginia and critical to winning any competitive primary. Arlington helped Jim Webb win his 2006 primary and provided critical Democratic votes to Barack Obama in his 2008 election victory.

Endorsing Moran were:

Board of Supervisors. Barbara Favola (Chair), Chris Zimmerman, and Walter Tejada; School Board. Ed Fendley (Chair), Libby Garvey, and Abby Raphael; Constitutional Officers. Ingrid Morroy (Commissioner of the Revenue), Paul Ferguson (Clerk of Court), Frank O’Leary (Treasurer), Dick Trodden (Commonwealth’s Attorney) and David Bell (former Clerk of Court); General Assembly. Delegates Bob Brink and Al Eisenberg, former Delegate Karen Darner and former Senator Ed Holland; and, Arlington Democratic Committee Chair Peter Rousselot. He joins the 8th District Democratic Chair, Margo Horner, who was previously announced.

At the announcement, Moran outlined a progressive vision, calling for quality education for every child, a new commitment to alternative energy and efficiency, and significant investments in mass transit and rail.

“I am honored to have the support of these Arlington leaders,” Brian Moran said. “They are true champions of progressive issues and know what Virginia needs to move in the right direction. Arlington County is vital to Democratic success and I’m proud to have their support.”

Moran attended Catholic University Law School in Washington, D. C. and joined the Arlington prosecutor’s office after graduation and a clerkship.

Facts about Arlington County

The first Moran for Governor Grassroots Action Team organizational meeting in Arlington will be on Sunday, January 11th.

Arlington County provided ½ of the victory margin for Jim Webb in his 2006 primary for the Senate .

83% of Arlington’s primary voters in February voted in the Democratic rather than the Republican primary.

Arlington County voted 72% for Barack Obama in 2008 and 74% for Tim Kaine in 2005.

Supporting Quotations:

Barbara Favola, Chair of the Arlington County Board of Supervisors
“I am enthusiastically supporting Brian Moran for Governor because he understands the issues Northern Virginia is facing. He places a high value on a good, quality public education and solving transportation congestion. Brian got his start as a public servant here in Arlington, over 20 years ago, and now we’re going to step forward to support him for Governor.”

Walter Tejada, former Chair of the Arlington County Board of Supervisors
“Brian got his start in public service fighting for families here in Arlington County and I know he will take those same values to the Governor’s office,” said. “He’s always championed equal opportunity and a level playing field for every Virginian and I believe he will be a strong voice for Virginia’s minority communities.” Tejada is the highest ranking Latino elected Democrat in Virginia.

Dick Trodden, Arlington Commonwealth’s Attorney
“Brian Moran is the type of leader Virginia needs to keep us moving forward. He is intelligent, willing to listen and not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work that is required. He has shown that dedication as a prosecutor in the trenches and as an effective legislator. He knows what service to Virginia means and he will continue to serve us well as Governor.” Moran worked for Trodden’s Prosecutors office before running for the House of Delegates and Trodden introduced Moran at today’s event.

Peter Rousselot, Chair of the Arlington Democratic Committee
“Brian’s been going door to door for Virginia Democrats for over a decade,”, said. He understands that power lies with the grassroots and he’s engaged Virginia Democrats all across the Commonwealth to help him become Virginia’s next Governor. I’ve seen him fight for Virginia Democrats as a legislative leader and look forward to seeing him fight as the next Governor.”

Libby Garvey, School Board Member
“From raising teacher salaries to working to put technology in our classroom, Brian has been a lifelong champion for Virginia’s children. He has two children of his own in public schools and public education is priority number one for him. I’m proud to support someone who believes in investing in the next generation of Virginians.

Abby Raphael, School Board Member
“Brian has devoted his career to Virginia's children and families. As a former prosecutor and legislator, he has worked to make Virginia among the nation's best in public safety and education. Brian has the integrity, leadership and experience that Virginia needs.”

David A. Bell, Former Clerk of Court (1976-2007)
“I have had the opportunity to work with and observe Brian for his entire career both in the criminal justice system and as a legislator. He demonstrates the very same qualities of accomplishment and sense of purpose that Mark Warner and Tim Kaine brought with them to the table. Brian Moran should be our next Governor.”

Ingrid Morroy, Commissioner of Revenue
“Throughout his 20-year career in public service, Brian has woken up every day fighting for people who don’t otherwise have a voice. And he’s been a champion of progressive values while maintaining the fiscal responsibility that keeps Virginia a good place to do business.”

Paul Ferguson, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church; Former Member, Arlington County Board
“I’ve known Brian for many years and there are few stronger champions for the most important Democratic values. Brian has led on the environment, fighting for green buildings, renewable energy and protecting us from dangerous and toxic pollution. He will be an environmental champion in the Governor’s office and I'm proud to help him get there.

Chris Zimmerman, Member of the Arlington Board of Supervisors
“Virginia’s next Governor will face many issues, but we must have someone who is a proven fighter for transportation. Northern Virginia needs investments in public transportation -- bus and rail -- so we can move people, create jobs, and improve our air quality. Brian’s been fighting for us for over a decade and we know that he’ll be there for us in Richmond.”

Delegate Al Eisenberg
“Brian Moran has led Virginia Democrats to the greatest gains in a generation and put us just steps away from the majority. He’s traveled across the state, bringing a message of opportunity for every Virginian. I’ve been proud to have him as my caucus leader and look forward to have him as my Governor.”

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