2010 General Assembly Talking Points
Topics include: Energy Efficiency, Land Preservation Tax, Mountaintop Removal and Water Issues.
Clean Energy and Efficiency Legislation:
Repeal Portion of Va Clean Smokestacks Bill Talking Points Link: Oppose SB 128 (McDougall).
Currently the Air Board MAY prohibit power plants in Nonattainment Areas (NAs) from trading from buying credits rather than reducing pollution. The substitute bill limits the Air Board's ability to address sulfur dioxide ("SO2") and nitrogen oxide ("NOx") emissions in any Nonattainment Area (NA) except NoVa. (So2 and NOx are linked to ground?level ozone (smog) and soot pollution connected to numerous bad health effects, including decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, premature death.)Gas Utility Infrastructure Talking Points Link: Support HB533 (McDougle) and SB112 (Petersen) Accelerating the replacement of aging gas utility infrastructure throught a more stable and predictalbe rate recovery process for Virginia ratepayers.
A significant portion of Virginia’s natural gas delivery infrastructure is aging and needs to be replaced due to life cycle and efficiency issues. The current system of recovery for replacement costs limits utilities’ ability to make needed replacements and also results in potential rate shock for Virginia ratepayers.Green Public Buildings Act Talking Points Link: Support SB109.
Petersen's Bill to require executive branch agencies and institutions entering the design phase for construction of a new building greater than 5,000 gross square feet in size, or renovating such a building where the cost of renovation exceeds 50 percent of the value of the building, to conform to the LEED Silver or Green Globes two globe standard. As we face one of the most difficult economic environments since the Great Depression, it is the responsibility of the state to get the most out of every tax dollar spent. Improving energy efficiency in state buildings is one of the quickest and easiest ways for the state government to protect the taxpayers investment.
National Energy Debate Talking Points:
NWF Climate Action Toolbox: An Assessment of theAmerican Clean Energy & SecurityAct (H.R. 2454)
Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009 (S1733) The proposal builds upon the House of Representatives' passage of a climate and energy bill in June, and puts Congress firmly on track to complete climate change legislation.Electric Cooperatives-Renewable Energy Credits Talking Points Link: Oppose HB92.
This legislation would reverse a State Corporation Commission ruling that prohibits utilities from promoting Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) as Green Power. The SCC has held that RECs are not the same thing as Green Power and cannot be marketed as such.
Offshore Oil Development Talking Points Link: Oppose HB787.
This legislation expands the current state policy related to offshore natural gas and wind to promote drilling and development of oil resources as well.
Offshore Drilling No "Silver Bullet" for Virginia Talking Points Link: Oppose SB 394 (Wagner, McDougall)
Repeal Portion of 2006 Va Clean Smokestacks Bill Talking Points Link: Oppose SB1300
Currently the Air Board MAY prohibit power plants in Nonattainment Areas (NAs) from buying credits rather than reducing pollution. Prohibition is option, NOT requirement, to protect human health and economic development in Nonattainment Areas. SB 128 Substitute limits the Air Board's ability to address sulfur dioxide ("SO2") and nitrogen oxide ("NOx") in any Nonattainment Area (NA) EXCEPT NoVa.
Land Use and Transportation Legislation:
Public-Private Act Talking Points Link: Oppose HB1395
HB 1395 was introduced at the request of Governor McDonnell last Thursday, February 25th. It is nearly identical to SB 181 (Stosch) which was already defeated in the Senate Finance Committee on February 11th due to concerns it would tap into the General Fund to provide grants to private developers.
Clean Water Legislation:
Stormwater Talking Points Link: Oppose Legislation That Will Derail Stormwater Pollution Reductions.
General Assembly Action Needed for Clean Water ! Nitrogen pollution is the most serious problem facing the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers. Virginia must stand firm on previous policies to provide clean water and continue pollution reduction efforts.Wastewater Discharge Permits Talking Points Link: Support HB1135
Removes Nutrient removal exemption of those less than 40,000 gallons. Creates even playing field - smaller have to obtain general permit, get offsets, buy credits. Nitrogen and Phosphorous are biig culprits in Bay degradation. Grandfathers current group of smaller "community" dischargers. Approximately 18 plants in process - subject to permit after January 1, 2011.
2005 - Virginia took big steps to reduce N and P but further reductions are needed - this is next step for point sources and helps advance Bay cleanup.
Land Conservation Legislation
Land Conservation Talking Pointss Link:Support HB447 Ware's Bill to fund land conservation activities at the private, local and state level.
One of the most significant challenges to land conservation in Virginia today is the ability of the private, local and state organizations to work with every interested landowner, and then ensure that the land is protected in perpetuity. Del. Ware’s bill, HB 447, would create a funding source that will ensure that adequate resources are available for easement monitoring and enforcement, whether the easement holder is a private land trust or a local or state agency.
View the Land Preservation Tax Credit Map
Virginia Outdoors Foundation Easement Acres by Senate and House Districts
Historic Preservation Legislation:
Historic Preservation Talking Points Link: Protect and Preserve the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, Continue Land Conservation Efforts, Fully Fund the Department of Historic Resources, Ensure Future of Fort Monroe, and more.
Preservation Virginia supports historic rehabiltiation tax credits, supports Governor McDonnell's 400,000 acres under easement and the future of Fort Monroe and Civil War site Preservation.
Maximizing Citizen Impacts: Join a Legislative Contact Team
Overview of the Program (Link)
Together with hundreds of volunteers throughout the Commonwealth, our legislative contact team members have grabbed the attention of delegates and senators with numerous letters, phone calls, e-mails, and meetings. Thanks to the work of these volunteers, Virginia’s legislators are giving unprecedented consideration to natural resource protection.
Not even the strongest conservation organization wields the influence of a citizen who communicates directly with his or her elected official. Hundreds of citizens organized as LCTs, delivering a clear and repeated message to our General Assembly, have helped to elevate to statewide significance Virginians’ concerns about the future of our communities and natural environment.
We need strong Legislative Contact Teams to build on this historic momentum and to make sure our elected leaders fulfill the Commonwealth’s constitutional mandate to protect our land, air, and water. That is why your involvement is so crucial. As a new member of your Legislative Contact Team we’re sure you have many questions.
After you sign up, we will send you a welcome packet. This will give you the information you need to get underway, including
the name of your legislators, as well as the member’s of your team and their contact information in a table directly following the letter. Also be sure to check out the Virginia Conservation Briefing Book.
Remember, most legislators report that as few as five phone calls represent a “groundswell’ of interest on any given issue.Your input really can make a difference!OTHER INFORMATION:
Following the Budget Debate: Tax Credit Bills Link
2010 VCN Legislative Positions Link
Legislative Contact Team Registration Link