Sunrise Sustainable Resources Group in Reno, Nevada

Sunrise Sustainable Resources Group is a non-profit formed in 1996, promoting sustainable living practices that lead to a comfortable, earth-friendly lifestyle.

Choosing an Environmental Candidate. Just what are the criteria for choosing the candidate for government that you believe will act responsibly to protect our environment? They talk green, but do they really act green? Who gets your endorsement? Who gets the endorsement of your non-profit group or your company? Third party scorecards are helpful, but do not always reveal all of the facts. A candidate may have a 60% score, but was responsible for passing and implementing major legislation for clean air or water, and thus deserves the endorsement. To complicate things, many challengers will not have a record at all. Be careful not to denounce them for this simple fact; listen to what their concrete plans are for the future and how they intend to implement and sustain these plans. Here are some things to look for: (1) A candidate should have a high voting score on environmental issues if they have held a previous position in government; (2) A candidate should have a record of leadership or a definitive plan on one or more environmental issues of top concern to the environmental community; (3) A candidate should demonstrate an understanding of environmental issues by their responses to answers; and (4) A candidate should have a record of support for and participation in environmental groups. Try to get a feel for the candidates overall attitude toward the environment. No single environmental issue should be the determining factor in your endorsement. If a candidate has an excellent voting record or has a record of leadership on environmental issues, then a single “counter” position on one issue should not be the only reason for deciding against endorsing that candidate. And don’t be afraid to question candidates directly, by mail or in person. Your support for the “right” candidate means a lot…it may help shape the way our world looks in the future. Remember, we’re all in this together!

Brian Bass,President

The Sunrise mission is to empower Nevadans to use resources responsibly through education, advocacy and community development.

Sunrise is a member of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society.

Sunrise is also a 2008 greenUP! affiliate. Please see www.greenUPdays.org for more information about the calendar of events in April and May 2008.