ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Our Commitment
Reducing burdens and ensuring benefits of natural resource development for vulnerable communities.
THE ISSUE
At its core, environmental justice is about equity. Communities of color and low-income areas should not bear the brunt of pollution from energy, industrial, and agricultural development while others enjoy the economic gains. We need to ensure that the benefits and burdens of natural resource development and protection are justly distributed across all communities in the state.
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.
ROUNDUP: Local Leaders Oppose Gas-Fired Peaker Plant
Virginia Conservation Network Partners applaud the Central Virginia legislators for sharing a letter of opposition to the proposed gas-fired peaker plant in Chesterfield.
Dominion “Peaker” Plant to Pollute Chesterfield County
Just 2 miles down the road from Bellwood Elementary School, Dominion Energy plans to construct a massive gas-fired power plant in Chesterfield County.
Environmental Justice for All Act Introduced
To honor the late-Representative, Congress introduced the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act in recognition of the congressman's lifelong commitment to environmental justice.
Bill of the Day: Regulatory Citizen Boards
VCN and our Partners are defending the authority of Virginia's Citizen Boards to ensure transparency and decision making for environmental regulations this General Assembly session.
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.
RESOURCES
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.
Map: Gold-Pyrite Belt Downstream Drinking Water
The Southern Environmental Law Center provides a map of drinking water downstream of the Gold-Pyrite Belt. See it here.
Factsheet: Gold Mines Harm Public Health and the Environment
The Southern Environmental Law Center provides a factsheet on gold mining impacts on public health and the environment.
Environmental Justice Video Challenge for Students
Many communities face greater environmental exposures and public health risks due to a history of inequitable environmental policies and access to [...]
