For Immediate Release: November 17, 2014

Contact: Kate Addleson, 703-963-5800, kate.addleson@sierraclub.org

Tanara Bowie, 301-787-7189, tbowie@tigercomm.us

RICHMOND, VA – On Wednesday, November 19th, hundreds of Virginians from across the state will converge on Richmond to demand action to dramatically scale up clean energy in the Commonwealth, especially solar, wind and efficiency, to address the threat of climate disruption. The rally will take place on the heels of a Joint Legislative Meeting by the Virginia House and Senate Commerce and Labor Committees on the President’s Clean Power Plan.

At least 200 people are expected to attend.

Events at the rally will include a Mom’s Clean Air Force “Play-in” featuring children’s activities such as parachute games and finger painting, a giant word scramble demonstrating popular rejection of the false choice between a healthy environment and strong economy, and a moment of silence for those affected by climate disruption followed by a “moment of noise” to sound the alarm on climate and demand action.

WHAT:  Common Sense for the Commonwealth: Rally for Clean Energy

WHEN:  Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Bell Tower, Capitol Square Grounds, 101 N 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219

WHO:
Senator A. Donald McEachin, Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman
Clark Mercer, Chief of Staff to Lieutenant Governor Northam
Freeda Cathcart, Legislative Chair, General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Virginia – Blue Ridge Region

** GREAT VISUALS **   Large, diverse crowd with signs and banners supporting clean energy, including kids, parents and college students; Giant letters spelling out CLEAN ENERGY NOW; Green Grannies singing group, and more!

Co-sponsoring organizations include:  350 Loudoun, Appalachian Voices, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Environment Virginia, Moms’ Clean Air Force, Mothers Against Pipelines, Preserve Floyd, Trinity Family Life Center, VCU Environmental Coalition, Virginia Conservation Network, Virginia Organizing, Virginia Sierra Club, Virginia Student Environmental Coalition and the William & Mary Environmental Coalition.