Monday, September 6th, 2010

Name ZIP Code
Email
 

The Environment


Our district is home to four coastal cities — Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and Dana Point. Coastal preservation is not just about aesthetics and recreation, it is a bottom-line economic issue. And with most of our wetlands gone, ensuring that the Newport Back Bay is effectively managed and preserved is critical.

We also enjoy thousands of acres of preserved open space including Laguna Canyon, the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve, and Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Reserve. A great number of families move to this district because of the quality of life they enjoy. Preserving that quality of life isn’t a partisan issue. The truth is, I’ve never met anyone (Republican or Democrat) who doesn’t want their children to breathe clean air or swim in safe, unpolluted waters. We all have a common interest in keeping this district the gem it is.

  

The history of Orange County is connected to all these wonderful natural assets and protecting and preserving them for future generations must be our priority. I will never forget a comment my son, Noah made when he was about 5 years old. We were driving through the countryside in upstate NY on a visit with the grandparents and Noah was gazing out the window with a quizzical look on his face. “Look at all that land with nothing on it!” he said. He had only known the “developed” world. It was then that I realized the impact and significance of children having open space to explore and natural beauty to appreciate.This district’s natural assets — the coastline, open space and recreational amenities —has made this one of the most desirable parts of California. We need to incentivize construction of energy efficient homes and offices. It is good policy and good national security policy.

Preservation of our oceans and other natural resources is not just an aesthetic issue, it’s vital if we are to remain a beautiful, vibrant and economically prosperous region. I was proud to be one of the first Mayors in America to sign on to the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Addressing climate change and reducing our carbon footprint is the right thing to do. For those who remain unconvinced, let me offer this perspective: if I am 100 lbs. overweight, I don’t need a doctor to tell me I’m unhealthy. If I change my diet and exercise, I don’t need a doctor to tell me I’m feeling healthier. Just as eating an unhealthy diet is a choice that brings adverse impacts, so is the way we, as humans, impact our planet and the air we breathe.

Meeting the challenge of limited energy reserves and pursuing a lifestyle that supports energy conservation and other earth-friendly habits is a good thing to do. Applying innovation in pursuit of energy independence is the smart thing to do. From energy conservation and investments in alternative fuels to water conservation and resource management, we must continue to be innovative in the way we demonstrate our leadership and stewardship over our precious natural resources.

Let’s work together to ensure that the beautiful landscape that makes this one of the most attractive places to live, work and play is protected and preserved for future generations.