D.C. Climate Rally

Today was a National Day of Climate Action, marked by events in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The D.C. event was held in from of the Capitol reflecting pool at 3rd Street NW. Speakers for the event included D.C. Councilmembers Phil Mendelson (D - At-Large) and Mary Cheh (D - Ward 3). Cheh and Mendelson support legislation to impose new standards for energy efficiency and emission reductions within Washington, D.C. Two bills are pending before the D.C. Council:

• District of Columbia Clean Cars Act of 2007 - Create emissions standards for new cars sold in Washington that match those under California law.
• Green Building Amendment Act of 2007 - Speed the creation of the energy-efficient building codes required by legislation adopted last year.
  

They also discussed some regional initiatives for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. It seems that our local representatives are working on solutions to the problem. Most other speakers discussed legislation pending before Congress, the main subject of last month's rally.

Here are a few photographs from today's event.

Mary Cheh

Phil Mendelson

The local LaRouche people. Yes, that sign does say what you think it says.

Ring-billed Gull

Dogwood at the Capitol

Related

• For the Environment, Rallies Great and Small (NY Times)
• Military Sharpens Focus on Climate Change (Washington Post)
• Interior Reviewed Studies Weighing Risk to Polar Bear (Washington Post)
• Climate Change Scenarios Scare, and Motivate, Kids (Washington Post) - Most of the 'kids' interviewed for this article were elementary school students, but a few college students were included. I will say that the crowd on Saturday seemed fairly young, so this article may be on to something. This is one issue that could see further political involvement from young adults.