Sarah Bucci
Environment Virginia Research & Policy Center
Richmond, VA – As public concern about extreme weather ramps up, cities and counties across Virginia are proving that we can win the fight against global warming.
In lieu of comprehensive state or federal legislation, local governments across the commonwealth have stepped up to implement community environmental programs aimed at protecting future generations from the worst impacts of climate change.
Today, a new report from Environment Virginia Research & Policy Center, Moving America Forward, shows even as federal energy efficiency requirements have helped Virginia reduce emissions, leaders in Richmond could be playing a much larger role in reducing carbon pollution.
While state-level clean energy and energy efficiency policies lag, many local governments across the commonwealth have stepped up to implement community environmental programs aimed at protecting future generations from the worst impacts of climate change and promoting energy efficiency and clean energy.
“Virginians don’t have to look out-of-state for examples of innovative policies addressing global warming,” said Madison Poche, Federal Field Associate with Environment Virginia. “Many Virginia municipalities are blazing the trail in tackling carbon emissions fueling climate change and implementing strong energy efficiency programs.”
Key findings from the report include:
Environment Virginia highlighted just two localities, Fairfax County and the City of Charlottesville, to illustrate the action being taken in many parts of Virginia.
In Fairfax County, highlights from the Environmental Improvement Program include:
“Fairfax County is proud to implement programs that reduce pollution and build a stronger community for future generations,” said Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova. “Fairfax County will continue to work with businesses, residents and community organizations to position the county as a leader in energy efficiency, sustainability, and green technology.”
Fairfax County bases its approach to addressing climate change on its Cool Counties Pledge, originated by U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly when he served as Fairfax County Chairman. The County Board pledged to reduce emissions to 80% below 2007 levels by 2050 and to develop an inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and a regional plan to hit reduction targets.
“As Chairman of Fairfax County we launched the Cool Counties initiative, the first comprehensive environmental plan for the county and a model throughout the country. Now in Congress I’m proud to build on that success and continue to partner with local and regional leaders to address climate change,” said U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly, who represents Virginia’s 11th District. “But this is only one part of the solution. We also need leaders in Washington and Richmond to stand up and finally get serious about comprehensive climate policy by investing in clean energy and cutting carbon pollution from power plants.”
Best practices from the City of Charlottesville and community partners include:
“Energy efficiency programs are reducing pollution, creating jobs, and saving consumers money right here in Charlottesville,” said Charlottesville Vice-Mayor Dede Smith. “Limits on carbon from power plants could help spur even more clean energy here in Virginia.”
“Since 2010, LEAP has helped central Virginia residents, businesses, and organizations reduce their energy use through efficiency,” said Tim Leroux, Director of Operations with LEAP (the Local Energy Alliance Program). “Through partnerships with the City of Charlottesville, we’ve launched programs like the Clean Energy Commercial Loan Program. Through energy efficiency local businesses can save money on their bottom-line and support our community by reducing pollution.”
A majority of Virginians agree that we must take action to cut carbon pollution from power plants and, to date, over 150,000 public comments from Virginians have been submitted to the EPA in support of these standards.
Sarah Bucci, Environment Virginia Campaign Director, pointed to opposition from big polluters as a roadblock to action. This General Assembly session, some Virginia lawmakers even introduced a bill intended to obstruct the EPA’s Clean Air Act authority to limit carbon from power plants in Virginia.
“By using energy more efficiently, and by generating more power from clean, renewable sources, we are delivering a one-two punch in the fight against global warming,” Bucci concluded. “Our leaders can start by continuing to reject attacks on the EPA, and follow the lead of localities like Fairfax and Charlottesville by supporting the EPA’s plan to limit carbon pollution from power plants.”
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