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Press Releases
Seals Celebrates Earth Day - Environmental issues a top priority for Democratic candidate
Friday, April 21, 2006
Northbrook, IL - Dan Seals, Congressional candidate for Illinois' 10th District, will be attending the Earth Day event at Somme Woods in Northbrook this Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. Seals plans to work beside other volunteers at this event sponsored by Cook County Commissioners Larry Suffredin (13thDistrict) and Gregg Goslin (14th District).
"Earth Day is a great reminder to leave this world better than we found it - both for our own benefit and the benefit of future generations," Seals said.
"Strong, well-funded environmental programs are good for the 10th District and good for America. As a Member of Congress, I will work to reverse the trend of underfunding and reduced environmental standards," Seals continued.
Protecting Our Environment
Dan Seals' environmental policy proposals provide a comprehensive and thoughtful framework for restoring the integrity of our nation's environmental protection programs, which have been weakened by five years of reduced federal funding and lowering of pollution standards.
Dan Seals will work to secure funding for the critical goal of a clean, secure Lake Michigan. Seals points to the significant environmental degradation suffered by Lake Michigan over the last several years. Disappearing wetlands and shorelines, inadequate sewage facilities, invasive species contamination, and increased toxic pollution are all growing problems. There are plans in place to restore Lake Michigan, but the Bush Administration and Mark Kirk have consistently supported budgets that fail to fund these critical programs.
Pursuing energy independence in America is a high priority for Seals. He has joined Sen. Barack Obama and 4 of Illinois' Democratic representatives in Washington in embracing the legislative efforts of the Apollo Alliance and the Breakthrough Institute. These groups are forming "practical coalitions" across political and institutional lines to simultaneously achieve three goals: energy independence, job creation, and reduced carbon emissions in the US. Dan will advocate for increased research and implementation of solar energy and wind power, and supports incentives for those purchasing vehicles that meet the highest fuel-efficiency standards.
"I'm interested in supporting innovative, bold programs that will give America an economic advantage over our global competitors. It's time to recognize that the years of an oil-based economy are drawing to a close and move forward at a pace that will ensure that the U.S. has the edge," Seals said.
Seals' environmental advocacy includes his pledge to oppose drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Seals' opponent Mark Kirk has voted to allow ANWR drilling to be attached to legislation (H.Con.Res. 95, 4/28/05) - Dan Seals pledges to vote against any legislation that includes ANWR drilling, and to support legislation that will permanently protect ANWR from the yearly partisan battles.
Once reliably Republican, the 10th District has voted increasingly Democratic since 1992. George W. Bush lost by four percentage points in 2000 and by six points in 2004. Democrats also dominate state and local offices. Many political experts agree that this is a district to watch this November, as Seals pushes for a new direction for the district and for the country.
About Dan Seals
Dan lives in Wilmette with his wife, Mia, and two young daughters. Born in Chicago, Dan received a Master's in public policy from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Dan served as a Presidential Management Fellow during the Clinton Administration in both the Department of Commerce and Sen. Joseph Lieberman's office. He went on to earn his MBA from the University of Chicago and is on leave from his position as Director of Marketing at GE Commercial Finance, as he campaigns full-time.
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