Today, the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) released Conservation and the Virginia Special Session. This special edition of our annual Briefing Book highlights ways in which investments in natural resources will help relieve the economic and health-related impacts of our prolonged battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. Conservation and the Virginia Special Session was written by VCN’s partners - Virginia’s top conservation advocates. This special edition covers a range of important topics including: VCN Statement on Race and Equity;Meeting our Chesapeake Bay Goals;Protecting our Landscapes and [...]

Yesterday, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) released its final order in Dominion’s energy efficiency case. The ruling contains a slate of Dominion Energy programs that will help customers save energy and money. It also sets parameters in place to ensure Dominion tracks and meets each programs’ goals.   Among the items approved is an improvement in the criteria and process for low-income households to participate in Dominion’s energy-saving programs. This process will open the door for more customers to be eligible to participate [...]

REGISTER HERE The General Assembly will reconvene on August 18th to address budget impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other urgent issues including racial equity and justice. Join Virginia Conservation Network and partners over Zoom on Tuesday, August 4 from 11 am - 1 pm for an inside look at what to expect from this Special Session and how to advocate for policies that provide relief to vulnerable communities while preserving hard-earned conservation programs critical to protecting [...]

On Friday, Governor Ralph Northam announced that Virginia will invest $14 million from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust (VW Trust) to replace all-diesel cargo handling equipment at the Port of Virginia with zero-emission all-electric equipment, and $20 million to fund the Clean Air Communities Program to electrify government fleets across the Commonwealth. You can read more about the announcement here. Wyatt Gordon, Policy and Campaigns Manager, Virginia Conservation Network "Governor Northam's announcement today is a huge step for Virginia as we [...]

After more than six years of environmental violations, vacated permits, and strong resistance from communities across the Commonwealth, it was announced today that Dominion Energy's Atlantic Coast Pipeline project has been cancelled. Thanks to the commitment and persistence of clean energy and environmental advocates over several years, we can turn our attention away from gas and move forward with clean energy options that don't disproportionately burden our rural communities, are more affordable, and keep our air and water clean. "Today's [...]

On June 30th, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released their report, “Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy and Just America.” This 538 page report outlines hundreds of policy recommendations for fighting the climate crisis and is centered on 12 key pillars including public health, environmental justice and a clean economy. This report is the result of a year-long effort, which included solutions-oriented conversations and hearings held across [...]