Environmental Advocacy in Action at Conservation Lobby Day
Over 200 advocates joined 106 meetings with their legislators to discuss environmental priorities on Conservation Lobby Day!
Virginia Conservation Network (VCN)’s annual Conservation Lobby Day kicked off at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church right off East Grace Street. Over 200 environmental advocates from across the Commonwealth joined us for an exciting day of advocacy!
With guidance from VCN’s Bill Tracker and environmental issue talking points created by VCN, attendees were empowered to lobby their state representatives to support strong environmental policies.
Help us continue Conservation Lobby Day by supporting our work with a $10, $50, or $100 donation today!
Morning Kickoff with State Legislators
Advocates met bright and early to pick up their lobby day materials, fuel up with breakfast burritos and coffee, and get pumped up for the day after hearing from champion state legislators:
- Delegate Katrina Callsen
- Delegate Michael Feggans
Legislator-Constituent Meetings Throughout the Day
We give a huge, “THANK YOU!” to all the environmental advocates from across the Commonwealth that joined us in Richmond. Prepped with tips on lobbying, pre-scheduled meetings with legislators, and a handful of talking points on priority bills, advocates split up into district teams to meet with their legislators. Over 100 meetings were held with Virginia state legislators throughout the morning.
Conservation Lobby Day Lunch & Debrief
After legislator meetings, advocates gathered for lunch and to recap a day well-spent. There was a tour of the Capitol Building and a round-robin from around the room where advocates shared their experiences of the day.
The crowd also heard from the leaders from Virginia’s state agencies, including:
- Tom Ballou, Air Data Analysis & Planning Director at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) shared updates on the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
- Becky Gwynn, Executive Deputy Director at the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) shared their success in relocating relocate Virginia’s largest seabird colony from the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
- Erin Belt, Decarbonization Program Manager at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) shared an update on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program
What’s Next?
Conservation Lobby Day may be over, but our work is not! The General Assembly will conclude in late February. Until then, keep in touch with your legislator on our priority bills. Refer to our General Assembly Advocacy Guide for General Assembly actions to take through the session and key dates to follow!
