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Despite increasing evidence of climate change, there are very few bills in the current session that deal with climate and environmental issues. Even more concerning is the fact many of the bills that could qualify as relating to environment would reverse the current laws, programs, regulations, and policies that are in place to protect the environment. Virginia’s tough environmental regulations did not earn it the top ranking for business-friendly states. But, those who are opposed to government action on climate change and keeping our environment clean are attempting to undermine its programs and laws.
The new governor of Virginia was the first to show the shift in environmental policies. Glenn Youngkin reaffirmed opposition to Virginia’s participation to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This initiative, which involves 11 states, aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the power sector. The main culprit in climate change and other bizarre changes in weather and air quality is CO2. The most surprising aspect of this shift in policy is that RGGI, a market-based cooperative approach supported by many in industry to reduce CO2 emissions across the northeastern region of the country, is not subject to government regulations.
Another worrying sign of a shift of policy was the appointment by the new governor of a former Trump official, known for his opposition against environmental protection regulations, as his Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. The Senate rejected the nomination after a thorough review of the credentials. This is only the second such rejection in the history of Virginia’s cabinet system.
Two bills that would remove citizen boards from their power and responsibilities regarding protecting water and air quality have recently been introduced to the General Assembly. Businesses and industries were the ones who felt it took too long and was too complicated to obtain necessary air or water permits to place their industries in Virginia. Recent court cases and controversy have focused on pipelines that would be built through Virginia. The affected industries blamed the complexity and difficulty of the regulation process on scientific evidence and the public participation that raised concerns about their plans for the State Water Control Board or State Air Board. The governor would likely sign the bills as they move through the legislature.
I strongly oppose the changes to the Air and Water Boards. You can hear my speech against the bills in the House of Delegates.youtu.be/UaAytHE-o_s, and an article that I co-authored with Del. A subject expert and Kathy Tran are available in theWashington Postatwww.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/02/23/efforts-silence-virginias-citizens-boards-commissions-are-wrong/.
The already fragile environment of Virginia could be irreparably damaged by the current policies being implemented in Virginia.
Ken Plum is a member of Virginia House of Delegates.
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