A number of legislators at this year’s session of the Virginia General Assembly, which starts on January 7, 2023, will seek to roll back progress made in the 2020 and 2021 sessions to put Virginia on an equitable path toward decarbonizing the electric grid and transportation through the Virginia Clean Economy Act, participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, clean car standards that ban fossil fuel cars by 2035, and other legislation. While protecting these gains must be the priority, there may be opportunities to advance legislation for solar-ready schools, rate payer reform to prevent utility monopolies from overcharging, and other legislation with bipartisan support.
The General Assembly session is fast-paced and opportunities arise throughout for citizens to contact committee chairs and their representatives to support or oppose pending legislation. To become part of our effort to fight climate change and advance Arlington’s goal for climate neutrality during this session please fill out the volunteer form below and we will send out action alerts with fact sheets, sample letters, and information on who to contact throughout the session. You might also want to participate in the Virginia Conservation Network’s Lobby Day in Richmond on January 31 for an opportunity to meet with your legislators and advocate for the environment with like-minded citizens.
See here for more information on how to advocate at the state level
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This content originally appeared in The EcoAdvocate newsletter produced by the EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee.