FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14th, 2020
Media Contact: Daniel Willis, daniel.willis@sierraclub.org, (317) 493-9154
RICHMOND, VA. – Today, the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, joined by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund, Clean Virginia and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, hosted a rally and lobby day for unprecedented clean energy legislation. The day-long event brought together hundreds of advocates and community leaders from across the Commonwealth and featured remarks from legislators and energy experts.
Today’s rally and lobby day marks the beginning of a new legislative session with a multitude of bold legislative proposals that seriously address the threat that the climate crisis poses to Virginia. The event outlined Legislative proposals like the Fair Energy Bills Act (HB1132), the Clean Energy and Community Food Preparedness Act (HB981), The Virginia Clean Economy Act and The Solar Freedom Bill. These legislative proposals would set Virginia on a path toward a sustainable future while positioning the commonwealth as a national leader on clean energy. The event centered on environmental justice and the need to invest in energy efficiency as key ideas to incorporate in clean energy policy.
Rally & Lobby Day host groups offer the following statements:
“Every day we are losing valuable time to address the climate crisis. The Virginia General Assembly has a mandate from voters and an unprecedented opportunity to provide a pathway to a 100% clean energy future that ensures, ratepayer savings, clean air, and healthier communities for all in our Commonwealth” Mary-Stuart Torbeck, Senior Organizer for the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter and the Beyond Coal Campaign
“It’s a new era in Virginia, when our legislative leadership can stand side by side with hundreds of Virginia residents to call together for 100% clean energy in the Commonwealth,” said Harrison Wallace, Virginia Director of the CCAN Action Fund. “Let’s bring Virginia to the forefront of clean energy leadership. Let’s pass the Virginia Clean Economy Act as soon as possible.”
“In November, voters across Virginia sent a strong message – they expect climate action in 2020 and it’s time for lawmakers to deliver,” said Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. “After years of obstruction at the General Assembly, we simply can’t wait any longer for serious solutions to the climate crisis – we need action now to protect our health, our economy and our future.”
“Virginia has a critical opportunity in 2020 to advance from laggard to leader when it comes to clean energy, environmental justice, and fair energy bills. We can now power the Commonwealth with clean energy at zero increased cost to customers, but only if those most impacted by the climate crisis and inflated electricity bills are driving the solutions.” Brennan Gilmore, Clean Virginia Executive Director.
