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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!
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.
The Virginia Resdistricting Coalition joins a bipartisan group of legislators in supporting redistricting reform.
The Virginia State Senate unanimously passed the Bipartisan Redistricting Reform bill yesterday. SB 926 would establish a "bipartisan redistricting commission" that would help prevent the gerrymandered districts that have polarized are elections and government in Virginia. Governor Tim Kaine held a press conference, with members of both parties and members of the Virginia Redistricting Coalition, to show support for this measure.
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.
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.
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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) 
