Vote secures Virginia’s place as a leader in climate action
For Immediate Release:
Friday, April 19, 2019
Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(804) 225-1902 | lfrancis@valcv.org
RICHMOND – Today, the State Air Pollution Control Board voted in favor of a strong rule to cut carbon pollution from Virginia’s dirtiest power plants. Between 2020 and 2030, this important safeguard will result in a 30 percent reduction of harmful carbon. Passage of this rule also makes Virginia the first state to take this level of climate action in the Trump era and the only southern state with a rule on the books to cut carbon.
In response to today’s vote, Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, offered the following statement:
“It’s been three years in the making, but Virginia now has a strong rule to cut power plant pollution. Today’s vote is historic and takes us in the right direction in the fight to address climate change, protect public health, and to accelerate our transition to a clean energy economy.”
“We now reiterate our calls on Governor Northam to veto the harmful budget language passed by the House of Delegates that attempts to prevent this important rule from moving forward. Virginians elected Northam to do the right thing for clean air and climate action; he has that opportunity in front of him and we expect him to follow through.”
About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.
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