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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!
Del. R. Lee Ware Jr. (R-Powhatan) recently stated that mining for uranium in Southside VA will be a "marquee issue" during the next session of the General Assembly starting on January 11.
If it already wasn't clear that uranium mining could shape up to be one of the most divisive and important issues in VA politics since the issue of slavery, you just heard from one of the horse's mouths.
The recent release of the National Academy of Sciences report on uranium mining in VA appeared to both vindicate those in favor of uranium mining as well as those opposed.
The NAS pointed out that there are substantial risks involved in the mining of uranium, especially in VA's case, but that these risks could be reduced through the use of "modern mining techniques."
Of course, an assumption made by the NAS is that companies who mine and mill the uranium ore will be willing and able to pay for modern mining techniques both now and decades into the future. There's absolutely no certainty this will occur.
But notice also that risk cannot be eliminated, merely reduced. Reduced to what, you may ask? Unfortunately, the risks involved with uranium mining and milling are ubiquitous and difficult to quantify for the purposes of measurement and ultimate reduction.
If you really want to know why so many Virginians fear and oppose uranium mining and milling in our state, one only needs to look at the human and environmental health track record of mining and milling efforts across the country over the past 30 years. The results are as grim as the lungs of coal miners.
No amount of economic development and energy independence can give back the lives that are cut short due to mining and milling uranium ore.
Would you want one of your family members in a uranium mine or at a uranium milling facility?
At the Virginia Conservation Network's General Assembly preview at the Capitol Building in Richmond on Saturday, the agenda for conservationists and lovers of human health was laid out for the upcoming General Assembly session beginning in January.
The 2012 General Assembly session stands to be another year of tough battles for the conservationist community as issues such as clean energy credits, uranium mining, the Chesapeake Bay restoration, and a number of other important environmental issues face tough and well-financed opposition groups.
The case of uranium mining in Southside Virginia will perhaps be the most hard-fought and consequential issue for the lives of thousands, if not millions, of Virginians. If the ban on uranium mining is lifted, opponents of uranium mining say that it is only a matter of time before the drinking water for over a million Virginians is contaminated with radioactive "waste."
Given the close proximity of the Coles Hill uranium mining site to communities and large living areas in every direction, not to mention a number of important bodies of water, it's difficult to imagine how such a novel form of uranium mining and milling would be undertaken without disastrous consequences.
Were uranium to be mined and milled in Virginia, it would be the first such case in a state with more rainfall than evaporation, creating a level of uncertainty about the safety of the entire process that simply cannot be ignored.
A point that should be stressed is that if the General Assembly decides to lift the ban for uranium mining only in Southside Virginia, it will only be a matter of time before the exception of Southside VA becomes the rule throughout the entire state. That is to say, uranium mining could spread throughout Virginia. Do you want that in your backyard?
Virginia has abundant solar resources. This clean, renewable resource can help Virginia meet our energy demands while providing homeowners more choice in regards to how they power their homes. In 2011, the General Assembly passed legislation to establish a Voluntary Solar Resources Development Fund to help finance on-site renewable energy generation from solar power.
The Voluntary Solar Resource Development Fund establishes a revolving loan fund to be administered by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME). The Fund will be fueled primarily by donations from customers of investor-owned electric utilities. DMME is also authorized to accept donations from other citizens and groups.
The Fund will create a source of money from which loans are made for eligible solar energy projects. As loan repayments are made, funds become available for new loans.
DMME is prohibited from issuing any loans until July 1, 2012. The first year of the program will be used to collect donations and grow the fund from which loans can be made, and to develop the loan program terms and conditions. DMME may delay the issuance of loans if there is an insufficient balance in the fund. Once the program commences, DMME is required to loan funds to applicants in the order that their completed applications are received.
On Thursday, the Virginia General Assembly issued a joint resolution that promotes the idea of wind turbines off of Virginia's coastline. The largely symbolic move was widely applauded by the Virginia Sierra Club.
Additionally, the joint resolution also calls for a national offshore wind technology center for Hampton Roads.
Due to the interest that a number of energy companies have expressed in constructing wind farms off of Virginia Beach, the joint resolution comes at an opportune time.
The Sierra Club of Virginia also noted that the resolution further commits Virginia to developing offshore wind farms, a huge gain in the political tug-of-war that has ensued for some years now between advocates for wind energy and those policymakers unwilling to commit.
While Virginia and the rest of the country are still far behind in terms of wind energy technology, there are certain bright spots on the horizon.
Especially now that more political leaders are getting behind the idea of wind energy, onshore and offshore wind farms seem more and more like a real part of Virginia's and the rest of the country's future.
Finally, some sanity in all of the energy discussions.
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.
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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.
