Virginia Clean Economy Act clears Senate, paves the way for 100% clean energy
For Immediate Release:
Friday, March 6, 2020
Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(804) 225-1902 | lfrancis@valcv.org
RICHMOND – Today’s vote in the Senate ensures final passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, the boldest plan in Virginia’s history to address climate change and accelerate our transition to renewable energy to power our daily lives.
In response to today’s vote, Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:
“This is what a ‘Conservation Majority’ looks like. Today, the Virginia Senate finalized what would have been impossible just a year ago: comprehensive legislation that gets us to 100 percent clean electricity and zero carbon emissions. Voters demanded climate action in November and the legislature just delivered in a big way. This is a true turning point in the climate fight here in Virginia, as we take our place among the top states in the nation working to cut emissions and move away from dirty fossil fuels. This victory couldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Delegate Rip Sullivan and Senator Jennifer McClellan, whose tireless efforts have culminated in a huge win for our economy, our health, and our future.”
Background:
The Virginia Clean Economy Act is the most aggressive legislation we’ve seen yet to address climate change and accelerate our transition to renewable energy in Virginia. It will eliminate electricity sector carbon emissions by 2045, implement the state’s first-ever mandatory renewable portfolio standard, require investments in energy efficiency instead of costly infrastructure, and make it easier to install rooftop solar in Virginia.
The VCEA also prioritizes empowering disadvantaged communities when making electric generating decisions, protects low-income ratepayers and, for the first time ever, actually addresses the social cost of carbon, meaning the the General Assembly has considered the economic, external, and public health impacts that carbon has on local communities.
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.