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Virginia's 2009 Republican Gubernatorial Candidate (Click here to view responses from Virginia's 2009 Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates)
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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| Introductory Statement of the Candidate |
My record of results from my years as a Delegate and Attorney
General can be seen across Virginia. As Attorney General I
championed legislation to ban the use of phosphorus in detergents
and supported legislation to use environmentally sensitive cleaning
products in schools. We also successfully filed suit to stop a
wastewater treatment operator from polluting the Shenandoah River.
As a Delegate from Virginia Beach I supported establishing an income
tax refund for contributions made to help restore the Bay, the
Virginia Water Quality Improvement Act of 1997, as well as the
Open-space Lands Preservation Trust Fund. As Governor I will continue to support initiatives aimed at protecting our beautiful natural resources here in the Commonwealth.
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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What Measures Would You Promote to Address
Climate Change in Virginia?
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I will encourage responsibility and stewardship on the part of
businesses and families. While services and technology comprise ever
larger components of Virginia's economy, much of our business is
still based in natural resources. I will work to expand the use of
conservation easements by individuals and businesses. I will not support the kind of cap and trade program being debated in Washington DC right now because it will increase the prices for most consumer products used today. However, we must encourage companies to innovate by providing tax incentives for eco-friendly construction, energy efficient workplaces and establishment of sustainability programs. Finally, I will make Virginia the global leader when it comes to university based research and development of alternative energy solutions, and make Virginia a “green jobs zone” to encourage entrepreneurs to invest here. |
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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What Changes in Transportation and Land Use
Policy would you Propose to Promote Smarter Growth and Prevent
Sprawl Development?
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We should constantly be reevaluating our transportation and land use
plans to meet the Commonwealth’s changing needs. Creating a
sustainable system requires having land use, urban design, transit,
and road construction all coordinated together. As Governor, I will continue Virginia’s commitment to protecting more of Virginia’s open space. |
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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What Policies Would you Implement to Reverse the
Declining Health of the Chesapeake Bay?
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The Bay provides a great source of recreation for Virginians and many others, and provides food, jobs and significant economic opportunities in the form of ecotourism. I am committed to working with the other Chesapeake Bay states to continue responsible policies to protect and improve the health of the Bay, including making every effort to meet the goals for the nutrient reduction outlined in the Chesapeake Bay agreement signed in 2000. We must continue to find sustainable funding for reducing nitrogen levels in the Bay. While wastewater treatment investments have helped to reduce point source pollution, we must be more creative in implementing the most effective BMPs to reduce nonpoint source pollution. We should promote the creation of natural and artificial oyster reefs, and work with all interested parties to expand aquaculture in appropriate areas. | |
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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What is your Position on each of these energy
policy issues facing Virginia?
1. New Coal Fired Power Plants in Virginia: |
Support, for those using modern clean technology. | |
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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2. New Nuclear Reactors in Virginia:
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Support
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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3. Drilling for Oil and Gas off the Virginia
Coast:
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Support
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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4. Uranium Mining in Virginia:
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I am awaiting the results of the study before making conclusions on the future of the moratorium. Our primary concern should be the safety and health of Virginians. | |
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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5. Renewable Energy:
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Support, need new incentives to promote growth in this industry.
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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6. The PATH and TRAIL transmission lines in Northern Virginia:
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(No response provided.) | |
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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7. Mountaintop Removal:
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Support studying ways to lessen the environmental impact on
surrounding areas.
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Robert F. McDonnell |
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| Contact Information: |
2819 N Parham Rd Ste 210 Henrico, VA 23294 804-612-9111
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