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:
Report: Air Pollution Impacts from Data Centers in Northern Virginia
VCU's Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment published a report examining the extent of current and potential future air pollution emissions from data centers in Northern Virginia.
Crossover Update from Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly Session
As of this Tuesday, we have reached “crossover” – the day that bills introduced and passed in one chamber of the General Assembly must “cross over” to be voted on by the other. VCN provides an update on the unprecedented amount of remaining conservation bills in this long session.
Bill of the Day: Monitoring PFAS Contamination
Virginia does not currently require testing, disclosure, or limits on PFAS, including on our drinking water sources like in private wells or runoff from sewage sludge.
Advocating for Environmental Priorities at Conservation Lobby Day
Over 250 advocates met with their legislators to discuss environmental priorities on Conservation Lobby Day.
Bill of the Day: Data Center Reform
Legislation is needed to hold data centers accountable for their fair share of environmental burden while reducing harmful impacts, preventing pollution, and protecting the public.
Bill of the Day: Investing in the Transition to Electric Vehicles
VCN is supporting legislation to invest in the transition to electric vehicles across the Commonwealth.