virginia
Newsletter
Credit: Deborah L Carlson/Unsplash
Alexandria, Va., tackles sewage overflow with massive tunnel project
A $615 million tunnel project in Alexandria, Virginia, is nearing completion, designed to address sewage overflows exacerbated by climate change.
In short:
- Alexandria's new 2.2-mile tunnel will help prevent sewage from overflowing into the Potomac River during storms.
- The project, driven by climate concerns, aims to reduce the current 37-70 annual overflows to less than three by 2026.
- Similar outdated sewer systems exist in 700 other U.S. municipalities, many of which are also working on expensive upgrades.
Key quote:
“This project is a contributor to cleaning up the river and making it swimmable and fishable for future generations of Alexandrians.”
— Matt Robertson, AlexRenew
Why this matters:
Increasing rainfall due to climate change is making sewage overflows more common, threatening water quality and public health. Addressing these issues requires significant investment and planning to adapt infrastructure to new environmental realities.
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Credit: Andreas Lischka/Pixabay
Virginia to drop California’s emissions rules by year’s end
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the state's plan to abandon California's vehicle emissions standards by the end of the year, citing an opinion from the Attorney General.
Denise Lavoie and Sarah Brumfield report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Governor Youngkin stated that Virginia will cease following California’s vehicle emissions standards starting January 1.
- The decision was based on an opinion from Attorney General Jason Miyares that Virginia isn’t obligated to comply with California’s new mandates.
- The move has been criticized by Democrats and environmental advocates as illegal and detrimental to public health.
Key quote:
“Virginia is declaring independence – this time from a misguided electric vehicle mandate imposed by unelected leaders nearly 3,000 miles away from the Commonwealth.”
— Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
Why this matters:
California's standards are known for their stringent limits on vehicle emissions, including greenhouse gases and other pollutants that contribute to respiratory issues and climate warming. By aligning more closely with federal standards, which are generally less rigorous, Virginia may see increased vehicle emissions, potentially affecting air quality and public health.
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Credit: Roger Starnes Sr/Unsplash
Virginia's bid for federal funds to curb pollution and promote green solutions
In a bid for federal support, Virginia aims to secure funds for initiatives addressing pollution and greenhouse gases, signaling a shift toward cleaner energy and transportation.
In short:
- Virginia seeks millions in federal funding to tackle pollution and emissions, focusing on electrifying transportation and buildings.
- The state's Priority Climate Action Plan outlines ambitious strategies, with community feedback shaping its priorities.
- Both state and local governments are eligible to apply for grants from the Inflation Reduction Act, with a total of $4.6 billion allocated for climate initiatives.
Key quote:
"We're targeting real climate solutions that are going to make progress in Virginia."
— Garret Gee, senior attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
Competition for federal resources is fierce, with states across the nation vying for a piece of the environmental funding pie. In this landscape of fiscal competition, Virginia must articulate a compelling case for why it deserves a share of the funds and demonstrate a commitment to implementing impactful solutions to address environmental concerns.
Will the Inflation Reduction Act mark the time when fossil fuels begin to fossilize?
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Credit: Mischa Frank/Unsplash
Virginia's move toward expanded access to shared solar energy
Virginia is poised to broaden shared solar programs, aiming to include more residents in the push towards solar energy.
In short:
- The proposed legislation seeks to increase shared solar capacity in Virginia, allowing more people to participate in renewable energy without installing panels.
- Low-income participants have been the primary subscribers under the current program, with new bills aiming to extend benefits and reduce costs for a broader audience.
- Additional measures include analyzing shared solar's benefits to the grid and potentially lowering the minimum bill, making the program more attractive to a wider range of customers.
Key quote:
"Where we ended up, we view it as incremental progress to continuing to move the market forward."
— Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic regional director of the Coalition for Community Solar Access.
Why this matters:
The appeal of shared solar lies in its flexibility and inclusiveness. Renters, apartment dwellers, and those with shaded or unsuitable roofs can still participate in and benefit from renewable energy production. It's a straightforward way for communities to come together to invest in renewable energy, reduce carbon footprints, and support the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
In 2020, Brian Bienkowski wrote that solar power was on the rise at US schools.
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Credit: Matthew Henry/Unsplash
Virginia's new energy regulators set to steer state's green transition
Virginia's transition to renewable energy gains momentum with the election of Kelsey Bagot and Samuel Towell as key utility regulators.
In short:
- These roles are crucial under the Virginia Clean Economy Act, aiming for a fully renewable energy grid by 2050.
- The duo's backgrounds in energy regulation and consumer advocacy suggest a balanced approach to upcoming energy challenges.
- The commission's decisions will significantly impact the state's transition to renewable energy and its adherence to environmental laws.
Key quote:
"This is probably the most important decision that 99.9 percent of Virginians have no idea was made."
— Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
The appointment of Bagot and Towell is a significant step in Virginia's commitment to a sustainable future. Their decisions will directly impact the state's ability to meet its renewable energy goals, influencing both environmental health and the national energy landscape.
Appalachia’s fracking counties are shedding jobs and residents.
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Credit: Andrew Wood/Pixabay
Virginia's environmental justice efforts face hurdles under new administration
Despite recent political shifts, Virginia's commitment to environmental justice is being tested, with advocates expressing concern over the state's direction.
In short:
- Despite Democratic control, Virginia's environmental justice progress is threatened under Governor Youngkin's Republican administration.
- Advocates worry about the lack of political will to implement the 2020 Environmental Justice Act effectively.
- Recent decisions, like the approval of a controversial gas pipeline, highlight challenges in public engagement and policy implementation.
Key quote:
"It is beyond absurd that VMRC did less than the bare minimum to notify the public about the opportunity to submit comments—and then did not take into account the fact that 100 percent of comments were in opposition to the project.”
— Charles Brown, Hampton Roads Organizer, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate, and health.
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Photo by SELİM ARDA ERYILMAZ on Unsplash
Environmental justice advocates in Virginia fear recent legal gains could be thwarted by politics in Richmond
The state’s Council on Environmental Justice needs additional funding, they say, while the Republican Youngkin administration hasn’t made community environmental concerns a priority.
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