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:
Bill of the Day: Oppose Chemical Conversion (SB1164)
SB1164 will not reduce plastic waste, but instead will reduce state regulatory oversight over harmful, pollution-producing facilities, allowing them free rein to locate near Virginia's most vulnerable populations.
Bill of the Day: Environmental Justice
Two environmental justice bills, HB2074 and SB1318, build on the Virginia Environmental Justice Act of 2020, which declared environmental justice as the policy of the Commonwealth.
Bill of the Day: Gold Mining
HB2113 hits the pause button on a proposed open-pit gold mine in Buckingham County in order for state agencies to review the water quality and public health impact from this large-scale mining operation.
2021 Post-Crossover Update
Believe it or not, as of this weekend we have reached "crossover" - the day that bills introduced and passed in one chamber of the General Assembly "cross over" to be voted on by the other. VCN provides you an update on the remaining conservation bills this short session.
Bill of the Day: Reducing Plastic Waste
Plastics are now found in our air, water, and soil. Our elected officials need to enact efficient waste reduction policies and reduce waste generation to protect Virginia from the scourge of plastic litter.
Bill of the Day: Safe Walking & Biking
VCN supports HB1841, HB1903, and HB2262 in order to make biking and walking both safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.