For Immediate Release:
Friday, May 10, 2024

Media Contact:`
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
434-989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Vital Program to Cut Pollution, Lower Energy Costs, and Protect Virginians from Flood Risk Removed as Part of Budget Compromise

 

RICHMOND — According to news reports, members of the budget conference committee failed to include language in the new budget insisting that the Commonwealth remain a part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI is a multi-state carbon cap-and-invest program that in just three years brought nearly $830 million to Virginia to fund flood resiliency projects and energy efficiency programs for low-income Virginians, while also cutting power plant pollution by almost 25 percent. Lawmakers will return to Richmond next week to take up the full, revised budget.

In response to this action, leaders from Virginia’s environmental community issued the following joint statement:

“The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has been one of our best tools in Virginia to combat climate change while returning investment to the communities across the Commonwealth that need it most. At a time when we’re seeing extreme weather events happen more regularly, and as we head into what forecasters are saying will be another summer of scorching temperatures, it is incredibly disappointing that lawmakers aren’t doing everything they can to stand up to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s illegal RGGI repeal and gutting of a program intended to protect vulnerable communities from flooding and lower energy costs. This governor deserves to be held accountable for attempting to unilaterally override Virginia law, and this capitulation by the General Assembly unfortunately sets us back.

“Staying out of RGGI, and foregoing the hundreds of millions of dollars it generates each year, further burdens already disadvantaged communities on the frontlines of pollution and flooding impacts, and who shoulder disproportionate household energy costs. Furthermore, cutting this dedicated source of funding without a plan to address flooding, at a time when severe weather events are becoming more and more common, is reckless and bad public policy. And without funding for energy efficiency programs, the families least able to afford it will continue seeing rising energy costs as we head into the hot summer months.

“To be clear, Gov. Youngkin got us into this mess. But it is incumbent on lawmakers to do everything they can going forward to protect vulnerable communities from climate change and rising energy costs, and to secure a clean energy future.”

Michael Town, Executive Director, Virginia League of Conservation Voters

Lillian Anderson, Clean Energy & Climate Justice Policy & Campaigns Manager, Virginia Conservation Network

Connor Kish, Director, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter

Peter Anderson, Director of State Energy Policy, Appalachian Voices

Faith B. Harris, Executive Director, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light

Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund

Elly Boehmer Wilson, State Director, Environment Virginia

Mary-Carson Stiff, Executive Director, Wetlands Watch

Elisabeth Chaves, Climate Equity Policy Fellow, Virginia Organizing

Tyneshia Griffin, Environmental Policy Analyst, New Virginia Majority

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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For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Media Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
434-989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

 

CHESAPEAKE – Tuesday, April 23, on the heels of Earth Day and the announcement of hundreds of millions of dollars of clean energy funding coming to the Commonwealth, labor and environmental advocates joined Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3) and Delegate Bonita Anthony (HD-92) at the United Association’s Local 110 Training Facility to discuss the economic and environmental benefits of federal clean energy investment to Hampton Roads and to tour the facility where UA Local 110 helps prepare the next generation of skilled workers for the workforce. Here is a recording of speakers’ remarks. 

“Thanks to investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, Hampton Roads is leading the clean energy transition,” said Congressman Scott. “This is good for the climate and good for energy reliability, but it also creates opportunities for workers. By developing a skilled workforce, we can create new, good-paying jobs here in Hampton Roads and provide our community with clean, affordable energy.”

“I’ve been at the forefront of workforce diversification, advocating for tailored training pathways in Hampton Roads. Leveraging our academic backbone, including Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Tidewater Community College, we’re preparing a skilled labor force for the clean energy sector,” said Delegate Anthony. “Through initiatives like Tidewater Community College’s Apprenticeship Institute and House Bill 1345, we’re not only creating pathways to well-paying careers but also advocating for union jobs and ensuring that opportunities within the district prioritize Virginia workers, securing a prosperous future for all.”

The billions of dollars of investment from federal laws such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act are translating into clear economic and environmental benefits in the Commonwealth – the only southern state with a plan to reach 100% clean energy by mid-century.

“We can best address climate change by also investing in a well-trained professional workforce,” said Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. “Thanks to the leadership of the Biden Administration and members of Congress like Congressman Scott, we are seeing unprecedented federal investment in clean energy, climate action and workforce development. In a state like Virginia where we’re already working toward 100% clean energy deployment, these resources can help support and accelerate this transition.”

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

 

RICHMOND – On Wednesday, April 17, lawmakers rejected Governor Youngkin’s amendments to Senate Bill 729, legislation to establish the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank in Virginia and take advantage of billions of dollars of potential investment to help drive our clean energy transition. Youngkin’s amendment would have required lawmakers to vote again on the issue in 2025, delaying our state’s ability to take advantage of what’s been termed the “sleeping giant” of clean energy investment, and giving other states a competitive advantage when it comes to securing these federal grants and loans.

In response to this decision, Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:

“First, Governor Youngkin shot down a multi-million-dollar Ford electric vehicle battery plant. Then, he decided to let our tax dollars go to help other states drive their clean energy transition, along with the jobs and economic growth that come with it. Senators were right to reject Youngkin’s backwards amendment to this bill. We shouldn’t have to wait to bring clean energy dollars to Virginia. Doing so means missing out on an incredible opportunity to take advantage of federal programs and incentives that can help cut pollution and create clean energy jobs here in the Commonwealth. We sincerely hope our Governor does the right thing for our economy by signing this bill into law.”

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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For Immediate Release:
Friday, March 8, 2024

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

 

RICHMOND – Today, House and Senate Budget Conferees released their final, agreed-upon spending plans, and the end result delivers on a number of important environmental priorities, including rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and funding key water pollution reduction programs.

In response to this decision, Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:

“This budget – though not perfect – is one of the strongest spending plans we’ve ever seen for environmental protection in Virginia, and will go a long way in ensuring clean air and water for all Virginians. From taking bold climate action and bringing federal clean energy to our state, to making the investments we need to ensure a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay, this budget delivers in a big way. We are grateful to Chairman Luke Torian and Chairwoman Louise Lucas for the key role they played in moving this budget forward and urge the full General Assembly to send this budget to the Governor for his signature.”

Highlights of the budget include the following:

• Language directing the state to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, to cut power plant pollution and fund flood resiliency and energy efficiency programs;

• $400 million for wastewater upgrades;

• More than $230 million for agricultural best management practices;

• $150 million to WMATA (Metro);

• $20 million for a new innovative, outcome-based pilot program to help provide demonstrable water pollution reductions;

• $10 million for the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank;

• $1.2 million for Virginia’s first statewide forest conservation plan and another $2.5 million for the Forest Sustainability Fund;

• $1 million of enterprise zone grants for rooftop and parking lot solar;

• $200,000 to rejoin the Electronic Registration Information Center and ensure election integrity

 

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.

For Immediate Release:
Monday, March 4, 2024

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

 

‘Clean Energy Innovation Authority’ will work to finance pollution reduction, renewable energy projects

RICHMOND – Today, in a bipartisan vote of 57-40, the House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 729, legislation from Majority Leader Scott Surovell to create the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Authority tasked with financing clean energy development and projects that cut greenhouse gas emissions. This authority opens the door to an influx of federal clean energy grants and loans made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, including $400 billion of U.S. Department of Energy Loan Program Office funds. 

In response to this decision, Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement: 

“This legislation is a huge win for clean energy in Virginia. By putting federal dollars to work here in the Commonwealth, we can take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic investments in clean energy, further growing our clean energy economy, cutting pollution, and creating good-paying jobs as we work toward achieving our clean energy future. We are thankful for the leadership of Majority Leader Surovell and urge Governor Youngkin to sign this legislation so we can seize on the incredible opportunity to bring clean energy dollars to our state.” 

 

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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For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(804) 225-1902 | lfrancis@valcv.org

RICHMOND – Today, Virginia LCV released the Virginia delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters’ 2023 National Environmental Scorecard highlighting how some members chose to champion the environment and protect our democracy, while others failed to do so. Since 1970, LCV’s Scorecard has been the primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of members of Congress. It is available for download in English here, in Spanish here, and online in both languages at scorecard.lcv.org.

The 2023 Scorecard shows the stark contrast between pro-environmental members of Congress and extreme MAGA Republicans in Congress. This year, many in our state’s delegation like U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and U.S. Reps. Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly, Jennifer McClellan, Bobby Scott, Abigail Spanberger, and Jennifer Wexton worked to fight back against attacks on our democracy and environmental protections unleashed by a chaotic, MAGA Republican-led House that took hundreds of dangerous votes to cater to Big Polluters and the most extreme wing of their party.

This was a dramatic change from 2022, when climate champions led both the House and Senate, passing the most significant climate and clean energy investments in American history. In 2023, Congressional gridlock and chaos created by MAGA extremists led to one of the least productive Congresses ever.

“We are grateful here in Virginia to have a congressional delegation that by and large works to advance strong environmental protections, address the climate crisis, and protect our democracy from extreme, MAGA attacks. The dysfunction and chaos in the House of Representatives throughout 2023 was a disservice to Virginians and the American people and we sincerely hope that better days are ahead in Congress,” said Virginia LCV Executive Director Michael Town. “We don’t have time to waste when it comes to addressing the climate crisis and securing our clean energy transition, and it’s imperative that the next Congress picks up where we left off in 2022. Here in Virginia, one of the state’s most impacted by rising sea levels, we’re working hard to stay the course on cutting pollution, creating clean energy jobs, and protecting clean air for all Virginians. Virginia’s Congressional delegation must continue doing everything it can in Washington to bring investment to our state and to pass policies that protect clean air and water and secure a democracy that works for everyone.”

“Following the most productive Congress in history for climate action, 2023 was not only the hottest year on record, it was one of the least productive legislative years ever because of MAGA House Republicans’ extreme leadership,” said LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld. “The last Congress showed that transformational change that works for both our communities and our planet is possible when our elected leaders come together to pass meaningful legislation that will tackle the climate crisis and environmental injustice. In 2023, the near record number of House votes included underscores that the new House Republican majority did the bidding of Big Polluters and sought to undo the Biden-Harris administration’s historic leadership on climate change. We appreciate our allies in the House who consistently opposed these attacks and, thanks to champions in the Senate and the President’s steadfast leadership, these attempts to undermine the historic affordable clean energy plan were unsuccessful.”

For the second year, the 2023 Scorecard highlights the leadership of the Tri-Caucus, including the history-making election of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries as the first member of the Tri-Caucus elected to lead either chamber. Leadership of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) scored an average of 99% on the 2023 Scorecard. These champions in Congress led and supported many of the climate, conservation, environmental justice, and equitable democracy bills and initiatives in 2023, in addition to helping to educate constituents and connect communities to the transformational investments within the affordable clean energy plan.

The growing impacts of the climate crisis required an all-of-government approach that Congress helped deliver, despite relentless attempts by the fossil fuel industry and other entrenched interests to put their profits over Virginia.

The 2023 Scorecard includes 36 votes in the House several of which were messaging amendments offered on major funding bills. The Senate in contrast approved 69 lifetime federal judges with exceptional environmental records.

The full delegation’s scores for 2023 are:

U.S. Senate

 

U.S. House of Representatives

LCV has published a National Environmental Scorecard every Congress since 1970. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from more than 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored. LCV scores votes on the most important issues of the year, including energy, climate change, environmental justice, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, democracy, and spending for environmental programs. The votes included in the Scorecard presented members of Congress with a real choice and helped distinguish which legislators are working for environmental protection. More information on individual votes and the Scorecard archive can be found at scorecard.lcv.org.

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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For Immediate Release:
Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Commission Will Oversee Virginia’s Clean Energy Transition, Hold Utilities Accountable

RICHMOND – Yesterday, the General Assembly filled two long-vacant posts on the State Corporation Commission, sending Kelsey Bagot and Sam Towell to join Jehmal Hudson on the regulatory body that oversees our state’s big electric utilities and which will determine the trajectory of Virginia’s clean energy future.

In response to this decision, Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:

“Today’s State Corporation Commission appointments are a win for ratepayers and the environment. This SCC will oversee much of our state’s transition to an affordable, clean energy future and will be a much-needed check on our state’s big electric utilities, ensuring their investments are in line with Virginia’s laws to completely decarbonize our grid by 2045 – protecting clean air and Virginia consumers. Chairman Deeds and Chairwoman Ward deserve a ton of credit for getting the job done and filling these vacancies with two individuals that will make excellent commissioners.”

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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Held Senate, flipped House translate to good environmental outcomes, defeat of Youngkin’s anti-climate action agenda

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

RICHMOND – Today, voters returned a Conservation Majority to the General Assembly, defeating an extreme, MAGA agenda that would have taken us backwards on climate action, clean air and water, safe open spaces and a democracy that works for all Virginians. The Virginia League of Conservation Voters’ Political Action Committee ran a $2.2 million electoral program this cycle – the largest in the organization’s history for legislative races – to elect environmental champions in key swing districts across Virginia. When taking into account the additional investments made in Virginia by our national affiliate, the League of Conservation Voters, that number is $2.75 million.

In response to tonight’s outcome at the polls, Michael Town, Executive Director of Virginia LCV, issued the following statement:

“Tonight, voters sent a clear message: they want to see a Virginia that works for them, not big, corporate polluters. With a Conservation Majority headed to the General Assembly we have the opportunity to continue pushing forward policies that protect clean air and water, address the climate crisis, grow the green economy, protect communities, and make Virginians’ lives better. Our Governor will now have a choice in the closing two years of his term: will he continue to side with his dirty fossil fuel donors or do what’s right for our Commonwealth? We intend to do everything we can to put bills on his desk to find out just that.”

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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‘Record of Decision’ paves the way for enough clean energy to power nearly 1 million homes

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

 

RICHMOND – Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued its Record of Decision in favor of moving the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project forward. The largest project of its kind, CVOW will consist of 176 wind turbines roughly 23.5 nautical miles off Virginia’s coast, capable of generating enough clean energy to power nearly 1 million homes.

In response to this decision, Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:

“Virginia’s truly reached a clean energy milestone and we wouldn’t be here without the Biden Administration’s leadership on renewable energy and the visionary policies enacted by the General Assembly in 2020 and 2021 – policies that Governor Youngkin and his allies have repeatedly tried to weaken or repeal, despite the clear economic and environment benefits of advancing a clean energy future. This project is a milestone, but is hopefully the first of many to come – we must do everything we can to transition to a clean and just energy future and offshore wind will play an outsized role as we commit to 100 percent clean electricity by mid-century.”

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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