RICHMOND – Today, Senators from both sides of the aisle came together to pass Senate Bill 1398, an important step forward in protecting water quality and public health from the impacts of toxic coal ash.
SB 1398, sponsored by State Senator Scott Surovell, requires electric utilities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to give environmental regulators a full assessment of their coal ash impoundments before any draft permit can be issued for closure of these facilities.
In response to today’s vote, Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:
“Today’s bipartisan vote proves that access to clean water is a critical issue to all Virginians. This legislation helps ensure coal ash is managed safely and responsibly in the long-term by identifying red flags on the front end, not after toxic pollution has already made its way into our water supply. It is now up to the House of Delegates to do the right thing for Virginians’ public health and the sanctity of the Commonwealth’s waterways by passing this important bill.”
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About Virginia LCV: 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. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.