“As an eagle scout I learned the importance of leaving the campsite better than how we found it’” Powers said. “The next Congress needs to do more than talk about climate change. I’m proud that Western New Yorkers are leaving their footprint in leadership, not carbon emissions.“—Jon Powers, candidate for Congress, NY-26

The Brookings Institution released a report that ranks Rochester as 14th and the Buffalo/Niagara Falls metropolitan region as having the 14th and 16th, respectively, lowest areas per capita in carbon emissions.

The environment and how it is affected by our energy use is of special interest to Jon Powers because he has seen firsthand the deleterious effects of our dependence on fossil fuels. From his campaign website:

Jon Powers knows from firsthand experience that energy independence is a national security matter. We must make energy independence and global warming top priorities and stop allowing big oil companies to continue business as usual.

Instead of voting to support the fuels of tomorrow, Congressman Reynolds voted to give nearly $9 billion in tax breaks to the big oil and coal companies, while opposing investments in sustainable energy and energy efficiency. Powers will take a different approach because he believes America can lead by example in the development of sustainable energy. As the pioneers of sustainable energy, Western New York can lead in the creation of a high-wage, clean energy economy.

Powers makes great points and shows that he is well-versed in the issues that affect us all and how those issues play out on the world stage.

(Robert Harding over at TAP has a good write-up on this as well.)

Related posts:

1. NY-26: Jon Powers Releases Energy Plan, Counters Davis, updated
2. NY-26: Message from Jon Powers
3. NY-26: Jon Powers earns support of Rochester Building Trades Council
4. NY-26: DCCC Chairman Van Hollen on Jon Powers’ campaign
5. Powers on Buffalo radio today next Tuesday