On Tuesday, January 21, more than 250 conservation advocates met with legislators for VCN’s 2020 Conservation Lobby Day. Advocates completed more than 50 meetings int he Pocahontas building, lobbying their state representatives on legislation including the Virginia Clean Economy Act, cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, and a variety of additional goals for the conservation community.

The sold out event began with a charge from Dels. Bulova, Samirah, and Jones before the group descended on the Pocahontas building. Following the office visits, the lunch program featured remarks from Virginia’s First Lady, Pam Northam, and a panel discussion with Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Bettina Ring, and Secretary of Natural Resources, Matt Strickler.

Photo Gallery

Photo credit: Madeline Smith, Clean Virginia

Event Remarks

“Our life expectancy has increased, but what’s life if our planet doesn’t function?” – Del. Ibraheem Samirah

“I’m proud that we have a solid plan to meet our Chesapeake Bay restoration goals by 2025. But we need to fund it.” – Del. David Bulova

“This is about leaving a legacy for all of us.” – Del. Jay Jones

“We have to ask ourselves every day: Are we being good ancestors?” – Virginia First Lady, Pam Northam