A Year in Review: VCN’s 2022 Annual Report
Over the last year, VCN worked with our 150+ Network Partners to maintain momentum around policy gains while continuing to navigate working within the confines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The year was defined by a gubernatorial election and the infusion of federal money into the state budget. It ended with a vastly different political landscape including a new, untested Governor and a change in conservation strategy from offense to defense.
Our Annual Report reviews Virginia Conservation Network’s work from Spring 2021 to Winter 2022. While it feels almost impossible to cover everything we worked on last year in only a few pages, we did our best to squeeze in the highlights, including:
- our strategy to advance conservation initiatives year-round,
- our policy gains and challenges through the General Assembly session,
- our Network Partner engagement events,
- VCN staff updates,
- …and more!
Read more of our recent updates from our blog:
VIDEO: Hidden Costs of the Cloud
Piedmont Environmental Council provides an overview of Virginia's massive economic, technological, and environmental transformation, all centered around the activities of one industry: data centers.
Inflation Reduction Act Tracker
Our Partners at EDF released an up-to-date tracker tool that records steps taken by federal agencies to implement the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Report: The Peaker Problem
Clean Energy Group and Strategen released a report examining the peaker power plant landscape in 3 major U.S. cities and their context and impact on low-income communities and communities of color.
Dozens Oppose Governor’s Appointments to the Environmental Justice Council
The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter released a statement condemning the Governor’s disregard for environmental justice measures that are mandated by law, and dozens of environmental organizations have signed on.
Report: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions & Risk Management
Engineering With Nature recently released a report that explores recommendations for incorporating nature-based solutions (NBS) into risk models, insurance coverage policies, and resilience financing.
Black In Green Conservation Career Panel Returns!
The Virginia Conservation Network partnered with BlackOak Collective to host Virginia’s 3rd annual Black In Green Career Panel, connecting young Black professionals with Black leaders in the conservation movement.