Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) is partnering with different organizations to create video stories showcasing impactful projects throughout the Commonwealth and highlight opportunities for decision-makers. Virginia Clean Cities (VCC) is committed to improving air quality, increasing energy security, and promoting economic opportunity in the Commonwealth.

This past January, Henrico County was awarded a $1.4 million grant to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the county. This grant will allow the city to expand public access to EV charging stations, especially in places where people work, live, and play but are overlooked by the private sector. The initiative aims to encourage residents to consider transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and healthier communities.

Transportation continues to be Virginia’s largest source of climate pollution. Gas-powered vehicles emit harmful pollutants like sulfur oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory and heart diseases, and even death. These harmful emissions degrade air quality and directly harm public health, affecting everyone in the community. Yet, most transportation funding is still directed toward highways and roads, which encourages more driving, increases emissions, and leads to worsening air quality. Overall, transportation pollution plays a key role in harming the air quality in our communities.

Virginians deserve a cleaner, more equitable transportation system. It’s important to ensure that vehicle owners have the necessary infrastructure in place if they decide to transition to zero-emission vehicles. Expanding EV chargers in places like libraries, parks, and grocery stores makes it easier for people to adopt EVs, especially in locations often overlooked as key charging spots. Switching to zero-emission vehicles significantly reduces emissions and improves air quality. Electricity to power an EV emits less than one-sixth of the climate pollution of an equivalent gas-powered vehicle, reducing emissions that contribute to climate pollution. Providing EV charging stations will give residents the confidence to switch to zero-emission vehicles, leading to cleaner air and healthier communities.