For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Media Contact:
Lee Francis | Chief Program and Communications Officer
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org
RICHMOND – Yesterday, as part of a package of measures aimed at boosting the fossil fuel industry, President Trump issued an Executive Order attacking state-level policies intended to expand affordable and clean energy and that address the climate crisis. Specifically, the EO directs the U.S. Attorney General to identify state laws that address climate change, environmental, social and governance, or “ESG” initiatives, environmental justice, and carbon emissions, and to take action to block them.
In response to this action, Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:
“Ironically, Virginia’s where we are in our clean energy transition in part because of Trump’s refusal to take climate change seriously during his first term. His failed leadership then in the face of the growing climate crisis compelled Virginia policymakers to step up and take bold action that led to a cleaner energy mix, billions of dollars of investment in our economy, and thousands of good-paying jobs. This illegal Executive Order is a blatant handout to Trump’s ‘Big Oil’ donors at our expense. At a time when renewable energy is our cheapest option to keep the lights on, this Order would instead prop up expensive, dirty and outdated fossil fuels – raising Virginians’ energy bills at a time when this Administration’s reckless policies are already hurting Virginia families and endangering our economy.”
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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