Virginia lost long-time environmental advocate and champion William Tayloe Murphy Jr (Tayloe Murphy) on September 15th at the age of 88.

Murphy’s Leadership as Virginia’s Delegate and Secretary of Natural Resources

While Murphy’s career includes a long list of admirable accomplishments, he is best known in the conservation community for his legislative leadership. Murphy served as a Delegate for the Northern Neck in the late 1900’s, and later as Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources under (then Governor, now Senator) Warner from 2002-2006.

Murphy was a fierce environmentalist during a time when environmental activism was a lonely role, but his dedication to conserving Virginia’s land and the Chesapeake Bay lay the foundation for strong environmental policy which the Virginia Conservation Network continues to work for today. Some of the major legislation he championed included:

• The Water Quality Improvement Act in 1997, which dedicated state funding to improve water quality by modernizing sewage treatment centers;
• The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in 1986, which increased oversight of land use decisions in areas near the Bay in order to reduce pollution;
• Placing restrictions on oil drilling in the Bay;
• Requirements to limit nutrient discharge in wastewater permits;
• Significantly increased spending on clean water programs,
• Expanded regulation of large poultry operations;
• Restricted use of toxic chemicals in boat paints that had contaminated parts of the James River.

Murphy’s Role with the Commission on Population and Development

Some of Murphy’s lesser-known work includes his position as Co-Chair of the Commission on Population Growth and Development from 1990–1995. The General Assembly established the Commission in 1989 after the successful passage of the Chesapeake Bay Act and charged the Commission with “studying and developing a vision for the future of Virginia.”  Kat Imhoff, Senior Conservation Fellow at The Piedmont Environmental Council, recalls working alongside Murphy during his time with the Commission:

“For six years, Delegate Tayloe Murphy, Jr., alongside Senator Joe Garland, valiantly led the Commission and its 33 members. Murphy held workshops across the state, took testimony, and examined the best way to develop a vision for the future. Part of the Commission’s work was to ensure that localities had the necessary tools to manage growth. Sadly, the effort to strengthen growth management at the state and local levels was not ultimately successful. In fact, as the Commission attempted to have comprehensive legislation adopted by the General Assembly, the Richmond Times Dispatch paraded an editorial that likened Tayloe’s and the Commission’s efforts “to a snake in the grass that needed to be killed before it got in the house.”

The tremendous efforts to thwart growth management legislation eventually defeated the Commision’s bill.  As the bill was clearly going down, Tayloe persisted in testifying in all the committee hearings, noting that at least we were costing the real estate and development community some money as we tied up their lobbyists. That did warm Tayloe’s heart, because while always a gentleman, he also knew the value of persistence and what was in the best interest for the Commonwealth (even if his fellow legislators listened to the short-term thinkers).

The Growth Commission’s main work was not successful, but Tayloe, with the help of his legislative colleagues, did manage to establish the Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN). The Virginia Land Conservation Fund and Foundation also grew out of the Commission’s work.

Tayloe never forgot the long game and his conservation vision lives on.”

While the Commission on Population Growth and Development may not be seen as successful during Murphy’s time, many of the same issues are still at play. Sprawling land use patterns are a major source of the greenhouse gas emissions and energy inefficiency that need to be addressed to help Virginia achieve its climate action goals. Building on Murphy’s work, VCN and our Partners continue to advocate for strategic, sustainable, and equitable policies for our land use, transportation, and housing.

Murphy’s Legacy in the Conservation Community

Murphy and his late wife, Helen Turner Murphy, played an active role within the conservation community itself. Murphy spoke at many of VCN’s policy events and served on numerous boards of our Partners. Here are what some Virginia leaders have to say in the wake of Murphy’s passing:

Governor Ralph Northam

“Virginia has lost a quiet giant in Tayloe Murphy. Our waters are cleaner today because of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Water Quality Improvement Fund and all [of] his work in the legislature and as Secretary of Natural Resources.”

Parker Agelasto, Executive Director at Capital Region Land Conservancy:

“CRLC recognizes the passing of William Tayloe Murphy, Jr. on September 15, 2021. Though not very tall, Tayloe really was a giant in the conservation field in Virginia. We all stand on his shoulders. He laid the groundwork for so many important initiatives and he did it methodically and often without much fanfare. He was an incredible legislator and powerful Secretary of Natural Resources to then Governor Mark Warner. Virginia is also in a better place thanks to his devoted service.”

Roy Hoagland, Former Vice President of Environmental Protection and Restoration at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Virginia Environmental Endowment Senior Program Officer

“Though the epitome of the Virginia gentleman, Tayloe was no pushover. A passionate advocate and a savvy negotiator, Tayloe could hold his own with the most vociferous of opponents. Humble, smart, gracious, gentle, kind … he brought out the best in both friend and foe. There will never be another like him.”

William C. Baker, President of the ​​Chesapeake Bay Foundation

“Tayloe Murphy was a friend for over 30 years. He and his wife Helen were passionate about saving the Bay. They loved to spend time on the water with us, especially at CBF island education centers.”

Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters

“Virginia LCV was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Secretary Murphy. He was a champion for the Chesapeake Bay and protecting Virginia’s natural resources, and our environment is cleaner today because of his dedication. Tayloe Murphy will be sorely missed and we send his family our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.”

Virginia Forever

“Tayloe Murphy was a great champion for the environment and for Virginia. He believed in protecting natural resources through water quality improvements and land conservation and VIRGINIAforever was proud to present him with our Bridge Builder award in 2018. He was truly a bridge builder and friend to many and will be missed.”

Cale Jaffe, VCN Board Member & Director of UVA’s Environmental Law and Community Engagement Clinic

“He was a quiet, insistent, unfailingly polite, and always fearless advocate for the environment and (of course) the Bay while serving as Secretary of Natural Resources.  He faced a lot of political pressure while in that role, and he always held firm to his convictions. And Mark Warner has a stronger environmental record from his term as Governor because of Tayloe’s guidance!”