Rerras no friend of the environment

Posted in Nick Rerras on 08/17/07

The Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal editorializes this week that “few concerns have more impact on future generations than protecting the environment.” Which is why they’re troubled that Sen. Nick Rerras received a 40% rating from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters on their latest legislative scorecard (PDF file).

Even more disappointing, that’s down from a 43% rating in 2006. His cumulative LCV score now stands at a lowly 28% (valcv.org).

Unfortunately, Nick Rerras has a habit of failing to stand up for the environment.

Last year, Virginia brought in “nearly 7.3 million tons of garbage, medical waste, scrap tires, asbestos and other dreck.” (The Virginian-Pilot, 6/22/07)

Currently, only Pennsylvania imports more waste than we do – but they’ve managed to substantially curb that number with some innovative legislating:

In 2001, the state raised its per-ton disposal fee to $7.50, up from $3.50. The additional $4 was deposited into the “Growing Greener” program, which pays for cleaning streams, upgrading sewer systems and tackling other environmental problems. Not surprisingly, Pennsylvania’s import totals declined 3.5 million tons from 2001 to 2006.

Gov. Warner proposed a similar program in 2002, with a $5-per-ton “tipping fee.” Unfortunately, the amendment was killed in the Senate (SB592, 4/17/02)

Among the “no” votes? You guessed it: Nick Rerras.

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