WVEC Action Alerts

January 6, 2005

West Virginia Environmental Council
1324 Virginia Street East, Charleston WV 25301
(304) 346-5905 www.wvecouncil.org

Fellow Defender of the Planet,

We would like to thank you for supporting the West Virginia Environmental Council (WVEC) throughout the past year. Whether you attended events or donated money, time or labor - every effort goes a long way to help sustain WVEC.

But it is a new year, with a new governor and a new legislature. And it is the time of year when we must come to you to ask for your continued financial support for our new initiatives and new lobby team. With the legislature getting ready to convene, it is important that we receive your contributions as soon as possible.

We will once again be your voice for the environment at the state capital during the upcoming regular legislative session. Don Garvin will be our legislative coordinator again this year, and is working full time during January, planning for the 2005 session opening February 9th. You will receive an update from Don in our next newsletter, as well as our hallmark weekly WVEC Legislative Updates during the session.

It's common knowledge that West Virginia is in trouble environmentally. For example - except for rainbow trout, you can't eat the fish out of our rivers because of mercury pollution spewing forth from outdated coal burning power plants. The political decision? Eliminate the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). The road to hell is paved with 'strategies' like that. We must work to reverse these kinds of 'philosophies'.

While the environmental devastation to our state continues, WVEC continues to advocate for the retention and strengthening of air emission and water standards, fight against mountaintop removal coal mining, support sustainable sources of energy, work to make into law campaign finance reform - the reform that makes all other reforms possible - and the many other issues facing us.

Let us assure you that the West Virginia Environmental Council's dedication and perseverance is unwavering as we continue our work for a better, cleaner environment and a vision for a sustainable future. Our determination is stronger than ever. But we can't do it without you.

Your continued support is crucial. Won't you please help us reach our goal for 2005 to raise $15,000 in the next three months? Naturally, we hope each of you will also renew your membership at whatever level you can afford. In addition, we are asking you for a special donation during this fundraising drive. Please help us reach our goal so we can continue to lobby for you and the environment at the legislature!

Thank you in advance! And have a New Year filled with strength and hope.

Denise Poole
President
Chuck Wyrostok
Vice President

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