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Voters choose an end to business and politics as usual on Election Day '07 Successes touted in WA, OR, VA, TX and NJ Washington, DC: The Sierra Club today praised voters across the country for selecting strong leaders and policies that will continue moving American toward a greener future. "These decisions show that Americans are rejecting business and politics as usual in favor of leaders who promote a clean energy future," said Cathy Duvall, Sierra Club’s Political Director. "Voters continue to show their desire to provide a cleaner planet for future generations." Continuing a trend from the 2006 elections, voters around the country chose policies and officials that encourage everything from open space and responsible transportation options, to sustainable development practices and funding for state park maintenance. Sierra Club highlights of the 2007 election: Oregon: Voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 49, which prevents abusive land development. Measure 49 supporters showed "that they think farmland, forests and areas where groundwater is limited should be protected from inappropriate development. At the same time, Oregonians have clarified rules to allow longtime landowners to develop a few homes on these lands." Washington: In another overwhelmingly supportive vote, Washingtonians rejected Proposition 1, a roads and transit measure which would have increased auto emissions and made global warming worse. The plan called for almost 200 miles of new roads in western Washington. The results echo a poll from earlier in 2007, which shows that Americans believe that being smarter about development and improving public transportation are better long-term solutions for alleviating traffic congestion than building new roads. "We need to mend those relationships fast, and come back with a plan that addresses the public's need to improve our transportation system and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions," said Cascade Chapter Chair Mike O’Brien. Virginia: Voters elected more pro-environmental legislators into the State Senate thanks to the hard work of Virginia Sierra Club Chapter members and volunteers who canvassed priority districts and held fundraisers. The chapter endorsed 39 candidates in the State legislative races, 24 in the House of Delegates and 15 in the Senate. Control of the State Senate switched for the first time in more than a decade. New Jersey: Residents passed the Preservation Bond Act, securing $200 million to "ensure that (the state) can continue to preserve open space, farmland and historic treasures across the state." Texas: The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club and other parks advocates scored a significant victory yesterday when Texas voters approved a statewide proposition that will result in an additional $52 million in funding for major repairs at Texas state parks. The proposal, known as Prop 4, which included bonding authorization for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other state agencies, won over 58% of the vote in Tuesday’s statewide election on proposed constitutional amendments. ### |
