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We are a group of environmental advocates united in providing a one-stop source for Virginia's environmental news. We each focus on different issues, but share the vision of a Commonwealth that preserves and protects its natural resources. Please join us!
Last week, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters released the 2010 General Assembly Conservation Scorecard. This year, 1 Senator and 18 Delegates were designated "Conservation Heroes" for scoring 100% on a variety of conservation related votes ranging from offshore drilling to air quality to bipartisan redistricting.
The offshore drilling votes have gained added significance since the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, the Virginian Pilot spoke with a number of legislators who said thye would vote differently if those votes were held today. See additional news coverage of the Scorecard below.
Senator Chap Petersen recently wrote on his blog, Ox Road South, about an amendment that he fought to include on House Bill 1300. Sen. Petersen claims that his amendment is a "Rare Enviro Victory." From our perspective, it was in no way a victory.
HB 1300 (and its Senate counterpart SB 128) would restrict the Air Pollution Control Board from prohibiting power plants within non-attainment areas from trading pollution credits. Currently, the Air Board is able to restrict trading and force plants to reduce NOx and SO2 emissions that lead to ozone pollution. Sen. Petersen's amendment was intended to "carve out" areas that are already in non-attainment so that the Air Board can still restrict trading in those areas.
Here are the problems with this approach, which have been shared repeatedly with the State Senate and the House of Delegates:
While Northern Virginia is currently the only area that is in non-attainment, under new EPA standards expected to be released in March 2011, the air quality in Hampton Roads, Richmond and other areas will be designated as non-attainment, meaning that the air in those regions does not meet levels that are "requisite to protect public health" (Clean Air Act, Section 109(b)(1)).
The "carve-out" may not even have the intended effect in Northern Virginia because the new EPA designations (which will include a new stricter standard for Northern Virginia) are just that... NEW designations. It could be argued that the new designation for NoVa won't be carved out because it became effective after January 1, 2010.
Prohibiting the Air Board from restricting trading means they will be limited in their ability to go after the largest and dirtiest polluters in non-attainment areas and will be forced instead to regulate small businesses and others who emit much smaller amounts of pollution. This will cause a huge financial burden on everyone from drycleaners to every individual citizen who owns a lawnmower or car, while power plants are able to continue polluting at high levels.
It makes more sense to preserve the Air Board's ability to restrict trading so that they can have access to this tool that will help them most efficiently reduce pollution in the dirtiest parts of the state, helping improve economic development opportunities and public health.
While Sen. Petersen intentions may have been laudable, the outcome of his amendment is bad for the environment in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Northern Virginia and the rest of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Today was another day for Virginia to make headlines. Like most headlines of late, this wasn't a good one either. Our new Attorney General has made healthcare and the environment his top priorities. Shouldn't this be a GOOD thing you ask? In some instances, yes, but not when his priority is to make every federal law regulating green house gas emissions and mandating healthcare for all citizens illegal in our state. He is taking these issues full on as public enemies #1 and #2.
After sending out an email to his listserv last week disputing global warming all together, our AG, Ken Cuccinelli held a press conference today, announcing his petition to the EPA to reconsider its finding that global warming threatens our livelihood. His reasoning for this petition? Climategate. Remember that little mole hill climate deniers successfully made into a mountain? Our state government has decided this is such an important issue that we should spend staff time and taxpayer money on it. Meanwhile, we're looking at a $1.2 billion budget shortfall. Great idea guys. Let's spend money on this.
So let's recap here. While our new Governor is backroom wheeling and dealing over serious budget cuts, including a $730 million cut to K-12 education programs over 2 years, and more Virginians are out of work and without healthcare, the new Administration is spending money on frivolous lawsuits against the EPA because they are concerned the EPA is finally going to do its job. Whew, glad to see this Administration has their priorities in order.
Two bills in particular were the subject of a stakeholders' meeting held today by the new Virginia Offshore Wind (VOW) Coalition. Sen. Donald McEachin and Delegate Bill Janis with their respective SB577 and HB389 are proposing creation of a Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority "to facilitate and support the development of wind-powered electric energy facilities located off the coast of the Commonwealth beyond the Commonwealth's three-mile jurisdictional limit".
The Commission is charged with, among other tasks, (i) collecting metocean data, (ii) identifying existing state and regulatory or administrative barriers to the development of the offshore wind industry, (iii) upgrading port facilities to accommodate the manufacturing and assembly of offshore wind energy project components and vessels that will support the construction and operations of offshore wind energy projects, (iv) securing federal loan guarantees, and (v) developing, constructing, and operating interconnection facilities on the Virginia shoreline to connect offshore wind energy projects to the electric grid.
Both bills have been sent to their respective body's Commerce and Labor committee. SB577 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Labor committee on 01/25/2010. It meets on Monday, 2:00 P.M. - Senate Room B. No assignment yet for HB389.
Virginia's environmental community had a fantastic "Conservation Lobby Day" on Mon., Jan. 18th. But now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work! So here's your legislative update for Thurs., Jan. 21st...
One of our marquee bills this session is the "Stream Saver" bill, SB564. (Click here for more info and to watch a video on this important bill.) The good news here is that the bill, introduced by Sen. Patsy Ticer, has picked up additional 5 more co-patrons, including Senators Whipple, Howell, Northam and Marsden. If you have a minute please call today at (800) 889-0229 and ask your Senator to co-patron this important bill!
However there is bad news with submission of SB 128 from Sen. Ryan McDougle. This bill would limit the Air Pollution Control Board's ability to address impacts on non-attainment areas (such as now the Hampton Roads area), in power plant permitting (such as ODEC's Surry coal plant in Hampton Roads).
SB564 is scheduled for a hearing on Feb. 11 at 4:00pm before the Senate Ag committee. (This is a correction to what was earlier posted here.)
Senators on this committee include Patsy Ticer, Harry Blevins, Creigh Deeds, Emmett Hanger, Mamie Locke, Ryan McDougle, Don McEachin, Ralph Northam, Mark Obenshain, Phil Puckett, Roscoe Reynolds, Frank Ruff, Richard Stuart, John Watkins, and Mary Margaret Whipple. Especially if these Senators represent you, please be sure to contact them and urge their opposition to SB128. (Click here for contact info for these members.)
Efficiency was a hot issue this past General Assembly session. The bills that passed were short of our goals, but in a midnight amendment, Governor Kaine added efficiency targets, which gives us tangible goals to work towards and sets precedent for passing a mandatory standard next session.
The General Assembly reconvenes today to vote on all the amendments put forth by the governor. Stay tuned here to get the up-to-the-tweet updates from Richmond.
People talking about the Virginia Efficiency bill on the CCAN's Blog I'm plugged in but not plugged in enough to figure out how to bring the twitter feed over here... sorry.
Below is VALCV's alert asking people to contact their Delegate and Senator supporting amendments to HB 2506 (Pollard) and SB 1248 (Northam). These bills provide incentives for investments in energy efficiency programs. The amendment to SB 1248 adds a goal of achieving 19% energy efficiency by 2025.
Take Action to Support Energy Efficiency
Urge Your Senator and Delegate to the Governor's Amendments
During the 2009 session, the General Assembly made its first commitment to promoting energy efficiency. We now have a chance to make this legislation (HB 2506 and SB 1248) even stronger!
Please contact your Delegate and Senator and urge them to support the Governor's amendments to HB 2506 and SB 1248.
On Monday, Governor Kaine offered an amendment to Senator Northam's SB 1248 that adds a goal of achieving 19% of our energy needs through energy efficiency by 2025. This target was the top recommendation of the Governor's Commission on Climate Change. He also amended Delegate Pollard's HB 2506 to further strengthen and reinforce Virginia's commitment to energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency has been the topic of much conversation and debate recently both here on Article XI and in the halls of the General Assembly. The Virginian-Pilot weighed in today on the side of moving Virginia forward towards promoting real true energy efficiency.
Utility self-interest threatens to stymie what should be the simplest and most cost-effective solution to the state's energy crunch. It will require political leadership from the governor and legislative leaders in both parties to cut through the static and craft a plan that makes sense for energy producers, customers and future generations of Virginians.
Two bills will be considered in the next few days that the Pilot refers to as "imperfect but redeemable." SB 1248 will be considered today in House Commerce and Labor and HB 2506 will be considered in Senate COmmerce and Labor on Monday.
If you haven't already, please contact your legislator and tell him or her that energy efficiency is the cheapest, quickest and cleanest way to reach our growing energy demand!
The full Virginian-Pilot editorial is after the jump.
Senator McEachin's bill 1447 (SB 1447) lives through subcommittee to be heard before the whole Commerce and Labor committee in the near future! Woot Woot! For those that don't know SB 1447 is a large stride forward towards an energy efficiency economy here in the Commonwealth. This story is still developing... stay tuned.
Today, Senator Donald McEachin (SD-9) held a press conference for his energy efficiency bill, SB 1447. His legislation would require utilities to invest in energy efficiency measures. These programs create new jobs in Virginia and save consumers money all while addressing climate change. Sen. McEachin's bill is estimated to save Virginians approximately $15 billion on electric bills by the year 2025.
Sen. McEachin emphasized that investing in energy efficiency is truly the cheapest and most effective way for Virginia to meet its energy demands in the coming years. He also stressed that energy efficiency investments create jobs. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), nearly 10,000 new jobs could be created by 2025 as a result of investments made in energy efficiency.
Sustainable Loudoun Film Fest
Monday, February 2, 2009 7pm
Tally Ho Theater, Market St, Leesburg VA
Join Loudouners of all ages in enjoying a selection of short films on a wide variety of environmental topics. The first half of the film fest will be kid-friendly, directed at pre-teen and younger movie goers while, after a short intermission, the second half will be more advanced topics for teens and adults. Bring the whole family for an entertaining evening of film shorts focused on how to live in more sustainably.
(This will be a terrific meeting which will also feature CCAN's Mike Tidwell and Sierra Club's Brooks Cressman. - promoted by Eileen)
Then we need your help! We know that efficiency is the cleanest, cheapest and quickest way for Virginia to meet its growing energy demand. We've gotten our message out in the media and there is swelling support among Virginians and our elected officials for the state's first-ever energy efficiency bill - but we need your support!
Senator Dick Saslaw of Fairfax is the Chair of the committee that will decide the fate of an efficiency bill in Virginia's State Senate. His decision will affect Virginians throughout the commonwealth, so it's critical that he hear from all of us. And, if you live in his district, you have an even greater opportunity to speak up in favor of an efficiency bill that will save ratepayers money and avoid the need to construct new coal plants. The committee vote could be as soon as the first week of February, so now's the time to make your voice heard.
Join CCAN next Thursday, January 29th for an "Efficiency First" town hall meeting. The meeting will take place in Senator Saslaw's district and will be a great opportunity to make sure he hears our call for a strong efficiency bill this year!
Join us to learn how Virginia can harness the cleanest, cheapest and quickest supply of energy, what our schools and communities can do now to save money, and how we can all do our part.
WHAT: Efficiency First: The Path to an Energy Efficient Virginia
WHY: Learn how Virginia can harness the cleanest, cheapest and quickest supply of energy, what our schools and communities can do now to save money, and how we can all do our part
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 7-9pm
WHERE: Thomas Jefferson High School
6560 Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22312
REGISTER: http://salsa.democracyinaction... CONTACT: Lauren Glickman, 804-335-0915 or lauren@chesapeakeclimate.org
The flood of bills that descends upon us at the beginning of each General Assembly Session can be intimidating. Luckily, the conservation community comes together and wades through 1000's of bills to decide which ones are most worthy of support (or defeat). You can access the Virginia League of Conservation Voters bill chart (which compiles all of our positions) here or by clicking on the "Virginia Legislative Action Center" on the right.
Just a disclaimer: this is not a complete list but a work in progress. More bills will be supported or opposed as session goes on and some may move from one category to the other as they wind their way through the halls of power, getting amended... for good or evil.
Also, we only support bills that we have the resources to support. As a result, some good and well-intentioned bills don't end up on the chart. We do our best!
User comments or postings reflect the opinions of the responsible contributor only, and do not reflect the viewpoint of the Sierra Club and/or the League of Conservation Voters. The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any posting. The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters accepts no obligation to review every posting, but reserves the right (but not the obligation) to delete postings that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate.
ArticleXI.com is paid for and authorized by
Virginia League of Conservation Voters PAC, 530 East Main Street, Ste. 410, Richmond, Virginia 23219, (804) 225-1902 and
Sierra Club VA PAC, 422 E. Franklin Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 225-9113.
Senator Chap Petersen recently wrote on his blog, 
Two bills in particular were the subject of a stakeholders' meeting held today by the new 
One of our marquee bills this session is the "Stream Saver" bill, SB564. (
Below is VALCV's alert asking people to contact their Delegate and Senator supporting amendments to HB 2506 (Pollard) and SB 1248 (Northam). These bills provide incentives for investments in energy efficiency programs. The amendment to SB 1248 adds a goal of achieving 19% energy efficiency by 2025.
Then we need your help! We know that efficiency is the cleanest, cheapest and quickest way for Virginia to meet its growing energy demand. We've gotten our message out in the media and there is swelling support among Virginians and our elected officials for the state's first-ever energy efficiency bill - but we need your support!
The flood of bills that descends upon us at the beginning of each General Assembly Session can be intimidating. Luckily, the conservation community comes together and wades through 1000's of bills to decide which ones are most worthy of support (or defeat). You can access the Virginia League of Conservation Voters bill chart (which compiles all of our positions) 
