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Governor Kaine promotes green initiatives in Roanoke
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How many people in the City of Roanoke would trade in their car for a bike? Many people have heard about River Laker, better known as the “Car Less Brit.” He opted to trade in his comfortable, air-conditioned car for a set of two wheels. On Laker’s website, he says he sold his car on a whim and decided to rely solely on a bike for six months. He even set up a museum dedicated to the “booming bike culture” in Roanoke. But take a second glance at our streets, and the bike culture seems less than booming. Kicking your car to the curb is not only a sacrifice—it’s a luxury many can’t afford.
When it comes to green living, not everyone can be a “Car Less Roanoker.” However, Governor Tim Kaine says everyone can still be a part of the green movement. The trick may simply be using less and saving more. That was the message Kaine sent when he made a visit to the Star City last week. He praised green initiatives in Roanoke—applauding business leaders with the Clean and Green Business Coalition.
The governor even hopped on a bike for a ride down the Roanoke River Greenway. Mayor Bowers joined Kaine for the five mile journey—vowing to build more bike paths around the city. The trip wasn’t all about going green. Both leaders also spoke out about fitness and personal health. Biking benefits reach far and wide, something Kaine and Bowers seemed passionate about.
In an interview with WSLS, Governor Kaine said he doesn’t expect to see energy costs going down any time soon. Congressman Tom Perriello agreed during a recent trip to Rocky Mount. He released a blueprint for new energy ideas, saying the time is now to take action and reduce consumption. With stimulus money available for clean energy projects, Perriello says the 5th district has all the tools “to become a leading region in the nation for future clean energy economy.”
Perriello unveiled the blueprint for his energy plan last week. He says the location, timing, resources and people would make green initiatives a success in Southside and Central Virginia. The plan is a result of a “New Energy Summit” held in the 5th district. Leaders from the area helped Perriello pinpoint the steps needed to find environmental success in the future. The congressman said in his release the “entrepreneurs and farmers in the region are ready to become freedom fighters in the struggle” to reduce energy consumption. His “Declaration of Energy Dependence” calls for people to stop sending money overseas and invest in our towns and cities.
Our area—rich with natural beauty—could set the tone for green living across the nation. Now the task at hand: local leaders must change attitudes about the environment. When it comes to trading jeans for spandex, not everyone is ready to jump on a bike. Small steps, like eating local produce and supporting area businesses, can make a change. Just ask Governor Kaine about his stop to the farmer’s market and the Roanoke Weiner Stand.
- "Car Less Brit"
- FOX 21 27: Congressman Perriello unveils energy blueprint
- WSLS: Governor Kaine, green theme in Roanoke
- Renew Virginia
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