Honored for long time opposition to off-shore drilling, support for energy alternatives
Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and Environment, received a top honor by a major environmental group on Wednesday. The Chesapeake Climate Action Network presented Congressman Moran the “Official Climate Leadership Award” in recognition of his environmental stewardship and steadfast opposition to drilling off the coast of Virginia.
Founded in 2002, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting global warming in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.
Congressman Jim Moran (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
At the awards ceremony, the Congressman discussed America’s energy policy in light of the BP oil disaster:
“Sadly, the mantra “drill baby, drill” has been replaced by the shrill cries of birds and other coastal animals that are drowning in miles of toxic sludge, the moans of people who’ve lost their livelihoods due to the spill’s impact on fishing and tourism, and the haunting silence of the voiceless—the fish, coral and microscopic beings that make up the delicate ecosystems of our ocean, estuaries and marshes.”
“The ongoing oil drilling disaster in the Gulf should serve as a wake up call for all Americans: it’s time to beat our addiction to fossil fuel and get serious about conservation, efficiency and moving towards a clean, sustainable energy future. As chair of the subcommittee that oversees funding for the government’s environmental oversight activities, I will continue to work to end America’s dependence on oil and preserve this earth for our children and grandchildren.”