Dear Friends, Virginians, citizens of Fairfax:

The leaves are falling. The temperature is dropping. Election Day is ten days away.
 
We are living in hectic times. While all the world is focused on November 4th, there are fascinating changes which are poised to happen in Virginia long after it makes history by voting for Barack Obama.
 
In this campaign, everyone has talked about "energy independence." Few know what they're talking about. And fewer still recognize that alternative energy in America is inextricably tied with its country cousins -- environment and agriculture -- in building next-generation technologies to power our nation.
 
But we're learning this in Virginia ...
 
I sit on the state's Natural Resources Committee and its Energy Commission.   Those positions have taken me all over Virginia, from the halls of the State Capitol to the shores of Hampton Roads. This year, I have learned about space-based solar power in Wise County, algae-based ethanol in Norfolk and geothermal heating in Fairfax. 
 
Here's what I've learned:
 
1.  Conservation is King:  The easiest and most effective way to save energy and sustain the environment is to conserve existing resources. A number of states (Utah, Vermont, North Carolina) have enacted programs to cut down energy usage at the state level and then use that as a catalyst for local and even private action. These measures range from requiring LEED certification, reducing product packaging and encouraging water drinking from a tap.  Conserving scarce resources is Step One to preserving the environment and promoting energy independence.  
 
2. Energy Needs Agriculture:  There is an existing business that can produce energy "right here right now" in Virginia. It's been with us since 1607. It's called farming. Virginia has large natural spaces (62% of our state is forested) and is located within a day's drive of half the U.S. population. We're perfectly placed to develop "second generation" cellulosic fuels, which are byproducts derived from native plants and woods. These fuels can be manufactured in Virginia and then marketed all over the East Coast. With sufficient demand, these "byproduct" fuels can compete with foreign-based oil, while the "first generation" farm products are sold in agricultural markets. And all the money will stay right here in Virginia.

3.  Better Farming Means a Better Environment:  More demand for domestic biofuels means a better market for Virginia farmers and more land returned to productive use. More farms and better farming techniques will have a positive impact on our environment. The Chesapeake Bay Commission has shown that the local development of cellulosic fuel, combined with "best management practices" to protect soil and water, will improve the health of the Bay by removing nitrogen from the watershed. In other words, developing domestic biofuels won't just make Virginia energy independent -- it can also bring back the Bay's native species like the oyster. 
 
All of these items won't just happen by themselves in Virginia.  They require a proactive state government working with localities and private citizens to take these efforts to the next level. We have not been leaders thus far in Virginia on these issues -- look for that to change starting in 2009. 
 
It's a brave new world after November 4th. We need to be ready to lead it. 
 
JCP Notes:   This October I have been serving as a surrogate for Mark Warner and Barack Obama in several local debates. I will also be out hitting doors 'til Election Day. Please don't forget to vote on November 4th. 
 
Sunday, October 26, I'll take a break from politics to run in the 33rd annual Marine Corps Marathon.  I'll be running for "Friends for Michael," a nonprofit group dedicated to raising funds for children with cancer. It's a great cause and I'm honored to represent it. Our trusty webmaster and Marine Corps alum Joe Harmon is also running.

After Election Day, the Assembly preparation will begin in earnest. Our first mission in the Senate continues to be tackling the state's financial situation. 
 
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please contact me or Kathy Neilson, my Chief of Staff, at (703) 349-3361 or www.fairfaxsenator.com.

Let us know how we can represent you better.

Sincerely,

Chap Petersen

Visit us at www.fairfaxsenator.com.