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.

Hannah Chanatry reports for Inside Climate News.

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.

insideclimatenews.org

Virginia's new energy regulators set to steer state's green transition

A new DC ‘museum’ raises awareness about the looming consequences of extreme weather

MAHA’s CAFO conundrum

The FIFA World Cup is brought to you by Saudi oil. These fans and players want to stop it

‘Immediate national priority’: ministers accused of complacency over UK food supply

Oilsands, greenwashing and the Mandela Effect

Podcast: Why restoring earth's capacity will take all of us

Worried about the next heatwave? How southern Europeans keep their homes cool without air con

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.