Energy
VCN works to move Virginia toward an ambitious, clean and safe energy program. A responsible program begins with energy efficiency and conservation programs that benefit working Virginians and should protect Virginia's air for the health of its citizens.
VCN's Energy Organizations
Virginia needs to maintain its clean and safe air. Click on this link to view the list of VCN energy and air member organizations.
Energy Efficiency
According to independent studies, Virginia ranks at the bottom of states in energy efficiency funding. This must change. Investments in energy efficiency are the most effective means of meeting future energy needs.
Renewable Energy
The U.S. is the largest consumer of energy in the world. 84% of energy used during the first six months of 2009 came from fossil fuels. The over consumption of energy poses serious risks to Virginia's communities and environment.
Green Buildings
Heating, cooling and lighting buildings leads to the consumption of large amounts of energy, mainly from burning fossil fuels—oil, natural gas and coal—which generate significant amounts of carbon dioxide, the most widespread greenhouse gas.
Inclining Block Rates
Changing the residential electricity rate structure to use inclining block rates, wherein users pay more for marginal units of electricity used, should be part of a package of programs that will easily and cost effectively reduce residential energy usage.
Coal-Fired Power Plants
VCN calls on ODEC to abandon the proposed coal plant in the Hampton Roads area and instead invest in energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy as ways to build a 21st century green economy.
Mountaintop Removal Mining
Surface mines have destroyed 156,000 acres of mountainous terrain in the state. An EPA report also found that between 1992 and 2002, 1,200 miles of Appalachian streams were destroyed—either buried by valley fills or mined-over—avg. 120 stream miles/yr.
Offshore Drilling
The risk to Virginia's coastal economy from offshore drilling outweighs perceived benefits.
Uranium Mining
Virginia Conservation Network opposes lifting the moratorium on mining and milling of uranium in Virginia.
Reports
Published reports related to the topics of energy and air quality.