CONSERVATION NEWS ACROSS VIRGINIA
New Laws: Single Staircases Encourage Sustainable Housing
On July 1st, all bills from the 2024 General Assembly session became law in Virginia. One new law directs the Building Codes Commission to conduct a study on allowing single staircases for residential buildings up to six stories instead of three.
New Laws: Reducing Toxic Threats to Our Water and Health
Starting July 1st, most bills from the 2024 General Assembly session became law in Virginia, including bans on high PAHs in pavement sealants and cyanide in gold mining. These laws aim to cut toxic pollution in Virginia's waters and protecting human and ecological health.
New Laws: Protecting Customers from Utility Shutoffs
The Emergency Utilities Protection Act went into effect July 1st, and it prevents utilities from cutting off customers on days of extreme weather, or other situations that warrant high usage. These protections address the ever growing threat of climate change’s consequences in a just manner that brings Virginia up to speed with the rest of the South.
Check It Out: VCN Intern/Fellow Day!
VCN Partner Interns joined us at our Richmond office for our first ever Intern/Fellow Day!
Offshore Wind Propels Virginia’s Workforce Through Cable Manufacturing Facility
Virginia’s offshore wind energy industry continues to build the Commonwealth’s reputation (and economy) as the leader of one of the fastest-growing clean energy sectors in the world with the announcement of a supporting cable manufacturing facility in the City of Chesapeake.
Opinion: The James is healthier today, but our work isn’t finished
Virginia should boldly recommit to the collaborative, multistate effort and vision of a renewed Chesapeake Bay Agreement. In an Op-Ed, VCN highlights how our beloved local waters depend on the Chesapeake Bay Agreement to improve water quality.