Congratulations to the University of Mary Washington Ecology Club for coordinating the Sept. 17 "Clean energy, bright future" rally at Hurkamp Park.
The rally's message was loud and clear. It is time to shift to a clean-energy economy nationally, in Virginia, and locally.
Investing in clean sources of energy while supporting energy efficiency and conservation will help jump-start Virginia's economy by providing stable jobs. We will reduce electricity bills, save money, and have reliable sources of energy, while improving our health and that of our natural environment.
The House of Representatives has passed the 2009 American Clean Energy and Security Act. ACES will create clean-energy jobs, achieve energy independence, and reduce global warming pollution.
The Senate is currently debating ACES. The next step we can take is to send a clear message to Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Jim Webb that it's time to move America to clean energy and energy independence.
Spotsylvania County Supervisor Hap Connors, Robert Bennett (founder of Energy & Environment Inc.), and Nate Delano (UMW Ecology Club) energized the rally.
The Sierra Club motto is that each one of us can help "make a difference." We can make that difference by contacting Sens. Warner and Webb. Citizen involvement can offset the current negative political partisanship and lobbying obstructions taking place in Washington.
Doris Lindsey Whitfield
King George
The writer is chairman of the Rappahannock Group Sierra Club.