For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(804) 225-1902 | lfrancis@valcv.org
Measure will eliminate single-use plastics at state agencies, universities
LEXINGTON – Today, Governor Northam unveiled Executive Order 77, which instructs Executive Branch state agencies and higher education institutions to eliminate use of single-use plastics within 120 days and phases out all non-medical single-use plastics across state government by the end of 2025. Further, the measure aims to reduce overall solid waste from state agencies by enhancing programs like composting, beneficial reuse, and recycling, and requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to issue a report outlining long-term options and legislative recommendations.
This measure puts Virginia at the forefront of states working to cut harmful plastic pollution, and builds on measures already passed by the General Assembly to reduce our consumption of single-use plastics.
In response to today’s vote, Chris Leyen, Senior Policy Manager for the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:
“Plastic waste from items we use once and throw away is clogging our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, where it is a threat to marine life and an entire ecosystem. In issuing this Executive Order, Governor Northam is leading by example as we work to cut harmful plastic pollution and bolster more sustainable waste management options. More work is clearly ahead of us to tackle this issue while ensuring we’re also protecting the communities already burdened with how we manage our solid waste, and Virginia LCV is committed to working with impacted communities and lawmakers to develop policies that will secure the long-term protections we need to safeguard clean water and our environment.”
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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