CONSERVATION NEWS
Virginia Conservation Photography Contest: 2024 Winners
The votes are in - see the VCN's 2024 Virginia Conservation Photography Contest winners!
New Laws: Safely Bicycling and Walking to School
On July 1st, all bills from the 2024 General Assembly session became law in Virginia, including one that streamlines the process for improving bus stops. This law allows local building officials to review and approve plans for bus shelters, benches, and sidewalks.
New Laws: SAVE Act Saving Energy and Money
The SAVE Act, which went into effect on July 1st, will strengthen energy efficiency savings targets that utilities are required to meet under the Virginia Clean Economy Act. These utility accountability measures will save Virginia residents money and power while working towards the state’s climate goals.
What We’re Focusing On
CLEAN WATER & FLOOD RESILIENCE
Restoring health and water quality to our creeks, rivers, and the Bay by reducing pollution from agriculture, wastewater, and stormwater, and ending plastic waste.
LAND & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Protecting Virginia’s natural resources to support clean water and air, wildlife populations, viewsheds, food security, culture, history, and improved physical and mental health.
LAND USE & TRANSPORTATION
Leveraging smarter land use, expanding alternatives to driving, and electrifying transportation to reduce carbon emissions and lower vehicle miles traveled.
CLIMATE & ENERGY
Responsibly developing clean energy infrastructure, ramping up energy efficiency and solar investments, and ensuring an equitable transition to a clean energy economy.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Achieving our conservation efforts through an equitable and inclusive government, with policies and programs that represent and benefit all Virginians