VIRGINIA LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS Virginia General Assembly Conservation 2019 Scorecard valcv.org Virginia LCV Board of Directors Table of Contents Dana Krauskopf Lori Keenan McGuinness Chair Vice Chair p3 Foreword from Virginia LCV Executive Director Michael Town Sam Bleicher Leslie Cheek III p4 2019: The Awesome and the Awful John Grant Christopher G. Miller p6-7 2019 Legislative Heroes and Leaders George L. Ohrstrom II Jean Perin p8 2019 Special Award Winners Dick Raines Carey Whitehead p9 Scored Legislation Legislature rams through surprise SCC judge p12 Virginia LCV Staff p18 Impactful issues not in this year’s conservation scores Michael Town p20 Bill patrons: Where conservation victories begin Executive Director p21 2019 Scores: Virginia House of Delegates Lee Francis Kelly Tsow p24 2019 Scores: Virginia Senate Deputy Director Development Director Moving our agenda forward, post-scandal Avohom Carpenter Drew Edwards p26 Director of Civic Engagement Director of Finance and Administration Danielle Simms Bridget McGregor 2019 Scorecard acknowledgments Government Relations Manager Northern Virginia Organizer Content: Lee Francis, Kim Jemaine and Michael Town Raz Ahmadi Bri Carroll Graphic Design: Lee Francis Richmond Organizer Development Assistant Front Cover Photo: Sunrise Reflection by Barbara Houston of Quinton | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia Kim Jemaine Molly Negus Communications and Policy Associate Finance and Administrative Assistant

2 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard 2019 General Assembly Chaotic 2019 session yields conservation wins The 2019 General Assembly began on a nies. The coincidence of these two anniversa- energy by mid-century. pretty normal note. By the midpoint of ses- ries should not be lost on any Virginian. Virginia We need climate action now, and a few at sion, we had made steady progress on a host can and should not escape its painful history the General Assembly continue to successfully of important environmental issues with only a with racism and our continuing struggle with stand in the way, time after time. few legislative hurdles to leap over before the racial equality. If Charlottesville exposed the Nov. 5, 2019, we have the opportunity to conclusion of session. fact that racism is alive today in Virginia, these finally break this logjam, and ensure long-term Then came Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, one of political scandals were salt in the wounds. But success for conservation and climate action. I the most difficult and pivotal days in Virginia it wasn’t only our racist past (and present) that can’t overstate just how important Election Day politics in recent memory. That was the day was exposed. Fairfax’s sexual assault allega- is this year: If we are going to make progress the news broke that a racist and offensive tions were the talk of 24-hour news cycles while over the next two years keeping pollution out photograph was printed on Governor Ralph advocates were fighting in the halls of the Cap- of our rivers and drinking water, conserving Northam’s personal page in the 1984 Eastern itol, unsuccessfully, for passage of the Equal our vulnerable and special places, growing our Virginia Medical School yearbook. Rights Amendment. Race and gender politics communities in responsible ways, building an Rather than deny he was in the photograph are alive and well, and not for the better. We equitable clean energy economy for all, and as he would do the following day in an awk- can forget our past and our sins; we cannot leaning-in on climate action, we have to do it ward news conference, the Governor admitted escape them. But we can atone for them. through the General Assembly. All 140 seats he was in the picture. Along with almost every We can’t really talk about what happened of the legislature will be on the ballot this year. elected official and many public interest groups during this year’s legislative session without We must elect new conservation champions in Virginia, Virginia LCV joined the call for mentioning this controversy and the fallout that to office and defend our current allies at the Northam’s immediate resignation. Within the followed, which is why I address it here (we General Assembly to ensure success over the week, our call extended to Lieutenant Governor explore this scandal and its larger implications coming years. Justin Fairfax regarding multiple sexual assault on our work in more detail on page 26). We can’t do this without you, our members allegations. While these scandals were unfold- What’s important to note is that even with and Conservation Voters. I hope you will digest ing Attorney General Mark Herring admitted he Virginia in complete political turmoil, we were this Scorecard, see it as a call to action, and had worn blackface in college while imperson- still able to secure important bipartisan conser- use it as a tool when you head to the ballot box ating a popular rapper. vation victories in 2019; from ensuring long- this year. All this occurred just after crossover at term, safe cleanup solutions for coal ash to the We have a lot of work ahead of us between the General Assembly during a short, 30-day most funding ever to prevent pollution runoff now and Election Day, but we are closer than session, which are chaotic even in the best from farms, we have a lot to be proud of from ever to securing the Conservation Majority of years. No one ever hit the pause button. our work at this year’s session. we’ve been working toward in Virginia. Capitol Square in Richmond was engulfed with There are also a number of issues where TV cameras and reporters from around the we ran into roadblocks, most notably funding Sincerely, country and world. Legislators kept legislating for land conservation and addressing the most and lobbyists kept lobbying even as Richmond important environmental crisis of our, or any

by Edward Episcopo of Fredericksburg | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia Episcopo of Fredericksburg Sunset by Edward Marsh Caledon devolved deeper and deeper into chaos. time – climate change. I can comfortably say This year marked the 400th anniversary of this Scorecard has the most recorded votes on Virginia’s legislature, and the 400th anniversa- climate change that we have ever published, in- Michael Town, ry of the first African slaves arriving in the colo- cluding a pledge to support 100 percent clean Executive Director Photo Credit: Credit: Photo 2019 Conservation Scorecard | 3 2019: The Awesome and the Awful Big win on coal ash, setback on climate action during 2019 GA When it came to our two top bon emissions from power plants Air Pollution Control Board’s vote conservation priorities heading into in the mid-Atlantic and northeast in April to approve a rule at the ad- this legislative session - cleaning up since 2008. ministrative level linking Virginia to Dominion Energy’s toxic coal ash Legislation (SB 1666 and HB RGGI and cutting carbon pollution and taking serious climate action – 2735), which died in a Senate from power plants by 30 percent the legislature demonstrated both committee and House Subcommit- over the coming decade. The state its ability to work together to protect tee along partisan lines, would have budget now bars use of any funds our environment and to retreat to had Virginia join RGGI and direct to join RGGI, casting doubt on partisan corners. proceeds from a larger carbon where exactly this rule stands. With- marketplace back to our state to out funding, it would obviously be Climate Obstruction on Full help fund coastal resiliency efforts, difficult – if not impossible – for the energy efficiency, and economic Department of Environmental Quali- Display at General Assembly development in the coalfields. ty to administer the permitting and Despite the overwhelming evi- Similar legislation has met the compliance side of this program. dence that our climate is changing same fate in the past several years. While we were disappointed because of human activity – and 2019 also saw us again having Northam did not veto this harmful the growing public sentiment that to battle back direct attacks on provision, blame for the stall on our elected leaders need to do climate action through legislation climate action rests squarely with something about it – the Virginia and bad language inserted in the the legislature. General Assembly continues to state budget. Had lawmakers seen reason block efforts to address this envi- Legislation (HB 2611) from Del. when joining RGGI was first pro- ronmental and public health crisis. Charles Poindexter would have pre- posed, these important programs This level of partisan obstruction vented Virginia from joining RGGI would already be in effect and we’d was even more evident in 2019, an without a two-thirds vote of the be seeing cleaner air and millions important election year where com- legislature. This bill passed mostly of dollars of new revenue directed bating climate change and expand- along party lines in both chambers into the state budget for environ- ing clean energy will be focal points (Republican Jill Vogel voted against mental protections and workforce in many battleground districts. it in the Senate) and was success- development. By getting in the way By far the most high-profile of fully vetoed by Governor Northam. of these efforts, Virginia’s legisla- these fights was over ongoing ef- Northam failed to veto a similar ture has left this money on the ta- forts for Virginia to join the Regional prohibition inserted into the state ble and made it much harder for us Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multi- budget, however. His failure to act to ratchet down our share of carbon state cap and trade program that came just on the heels of the State emissions at a time when we need has been successfully cutting car- 4 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard to be taking drastic steps to cut air pollution in order modern environmental regulations were in place. to ward off the worst climate impacts and to protect Testing at these sites routinely revealed high levels public health and our economy. of harmful heavy metals like arsenic, beryllium and Virginia LCV is committed to pushing our com- lead – all known to be harmful to human health and monwealth toward 100 percent clean energy by our environment. mid-century and we see RGGI as a vital and neces- In earlier plans floated by the utility to use a sary first step toward that goal. Electing a pro-cli- cleanup approach called “cap-in-place,” they would mate action majority in 2019 is integral to ensuring have covered their millions of tons of coal ash with we put climate obstruction in the past. a thin, synthetic liner and buried it in place, where it would have become a perennial source of pollution 2019 ushers in huge win on coal ash and an ongoing public health hazard. What began four years ago as a non-starter with cleanup our behemoth electric utility, ended with a biparti- This year, lawmakers from both parties did come san victory for our environment. together to address one of Virginia’s largest envi- We are grateful to the bill patrons of SB 1355, ronmental threats with comprehensive legislation especially Senator Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) requiring the safe cleanup of all 28 million tons of who has carried legislation to address this issue toxic coal ash stored in the Chesapeake Bay water- every year dating back to 2016. Without his dogged shed at Dominion Energy power plants. efforts at the legislature each year, we could not The bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 1355 have built the political momentum and strong coali- marked the biggest environmental victory we’ve tion that helped cement our success in 2019. seen at the General Assembly in a number of years We are also grateful to Secretary of Natural Re- and ensures that coal ash will be dealt with respon- sources Matt Strickler for making responsible coal sibly, either through disposal in a safe, modern ash cleanup a priority in 2019, engaging stakehold- landfill or recycled into usable goods. ers early and often to ensure the job was done right, The byproduct of burning coal to generate elec- and for his determination to finish the job this year. tricity, coal ash contains harmful heavy metals and Once this law takes effect in July, the process carcinogens, which if handled poorly, can make their of permanently closing these sites will begin, put- way into our surface and ground waters. Unfortu- ting us that much closer to putting this toxic legacy nately, we’ve seen what happens with poor coal ash behind us. management in other states. SB 1355 helps ensure ••• that doesn’t happen here in Virginia. Virginians shouldn’t have to choose between Had lawmakers failed to act, Dominion would clean water or clean air – we deserve both. We also have been allowed to move forward with flawed deserve a legislature that won’t pick and choose plans to do the bare minimum at these four sites: between environmental priorities or play politics with Chesterfield Power Station, Chesapeake Energy our public health and the safety of communities Center, Possum Point Power Station in Prince Wil- across Virginia. liam County and Bremo Power Station in Fluvanna In 2020, we intend to pursue a bold conservation County. agenda. While we had some major victories in 2019, Some of these power plants have been amassing it’s clear we have more work ahead of us. coal ash since the 1930s and 1950s, well before by Paul Laurenza of Vienna | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia of Vienna Laurenza Big Meadows by Paul Credit: Photo 2019 Conservation Scorecard | 5 100 % 2019 Legislative Heroes Virginia LCV Legislative Heroes Sen. George Barker Sen. Jennifer Boysko Sen. Creigh Deeds Sen. Barbara Favola Sen. Janet Howell demonstrate a strong dedication and prioritization of our conservation values. This year we recognize 11 Senators and 38 Delegates for voting with Virginia LCV 100 percent of the time.

Of the hundreds of bills these legislators Sen. Mamie Locke Sen. Dave Marsden Sen. Monty Mason Sen. Jennifer McClellan Sen. Jeremy McPike vote on every session, they deserve a special acknowledgment for getting the conservation vote right every time.

On behalf of Conservation Voters in Virginia, we thank the Legislative Heroes

pictured here and look forward to their Sen. Dick Saslaw Del. Dawn Adams Del. Lashrecse Aird Del. Hala Ayala Del. Lamont Bagby continued commitment to protecting the Commonwealth’s precious natural resources.

Del. John Bell Del. Jeffrey Bourne Del. David Bulova Del. Betsy Carr Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy

* Delegate Ibraheem Samirah also earned a 100 percent score in 2019. Because he was sworn in during the last week of the General Assembly, this score only reflects two recorded votes from the reconvened, April session. He is therefore not listed as a Legislative Hero for 2019.

Del. Lee Carter Del. K. Convirs-Fowler Del. Karrie Delaney Del. Eileen Filler-Corn 6 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard 2019 Legislative Leaders Virginia LCV Legislative Leaders scored between 75 and 99 percent on this year’s Scorecard. Ten Delegates and eight Senators earned this recognition for making Del. Wendy Gooditis Del. Elizabeth Guzman Del. Cliff Hayes Del. Charniele Herring Del. Patrick Hope conservation a priority. Virginia Senate Senator Rosalyn Dance – 93% Senator Adam Ebbin – 92% Senator Lynwood Lewis – 92% Senator Louise Lucas – 92% Del. Chris Hurst Del. Jay Jones Del. Kaye Kory Del. Paul Krizek Del. Mark Levine Senator Lionell Spruill – 92% Senator Scott Surovell – 89% Senator Chap Petersen – 83% Senator John Edwards – 82%

Del. Alfonso Lopez Del. Michael Mullin Del. Kathleen Murphy Del. Cia Price Del. David Reid House of Delegates Delegate Mark Keam – 94% Delegate Steve Heretick – 93% Delegate Luke Torian – 93% Delegate Ken Plum – 93% Delegate Sam Rasoul – 93% Del. Debra Rodman Del. Danica Roem Del. Mark Sickles Del. Marcus Simon Del. Rip Sullivan Delegate Cheryl Turpin – 92% Delegate Delores McQuinn – 92% Delegate Matthew James – 87% Delegate Joseph Lindsey – 86% Delegate Roslyn Tyler – 85%

Del. David Toscano Del. Kathy Tran Del. S. VanValkenburg Del. Jeion Ward Del. Vivian Watts | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia Episcopo of Fredericksburg by Edward Tide Low at Sunset Chincoteague Credit: Photo 2019 Conservation Scorecard | 7 Four lawmakers honored with special awards Every year, Virginia LCV recogniz- Delegate Charniele Herring Delegate Karrie Delaney Senator Jennifer McClellan es individual lawmakers who have demonstrated a deep commitment (D-Alexandria) (D-Centreville) (D-Richmond) to conservation issues above merely No one should bear disproportion- A legacy fossil fuel state where coal While renewable energy is on the voting alongside our legislative posi- ate impacts from pollution. But, sadly, long was king, Virginia now has more rise in Virginia, there remain many hur- tions. This year, we honor four such communities of color and low-income jobs in clean energy than in coal, a dles to its widespread deployment in legislators. residents often face the direct impacts trend that will only continue as we the commonwealth. of environmental move away from fos- Legislation intro- Delegate Lee Ware degradation more sil fuels and toward duced by Senator (R-Powhatan) frequently than the a cleaner energy McClellan (SB 1456), The $7.5 billion Atlantic Coast rest of the popula- mix. As we transition and supported by a Pipeline is not only a threat to our tion. to a clean energy broad coalition of lo- environment; if built, every single rate- This is why Gover- economy, it’s import- cal governments, the payer in electricity monopoly Dominion nor Terry McAuliffe ant that no one gets clean energy sector Energy’s territory will be on the hook established by ex- left behind, including and environmental to fund a significant ecutive order the state’s first advisory workers who have traditionally worked groups, would have helped cut the red portion of the project council on environmental justice in in fossil fuel fields. tape surrounding solar installations. regardless of whether 2017; however, the authority of this House Bill 2241 from Delegate Among this bill’s multiple provisions it’s needed. McAuliffe-appointed body came into Delaney would have created a special, were efforts to lift a burdensome The only thing that question in 2018 under the current $1,000 tax credit for the purpose of cap on net-metered energy and allow the Federal Energy administration. retraining this workforce to work in the municipalities more freedom to deploy Regulatory Commis- Legislation (HB 2696) carried by clean energy sector. cost-saving solar energy. sion requires for projects like the ACP Delegate Herring would have estab- As we continue cutting carbon Electric utilities should not main- to move forward is a contract showing lished by statute the Environmental pollution and as renewable energy tain monopolies on clean energy. In that there is a customer for the gas. Justice Advisory Council to help ensure becomes more and more cost-com- order to maximize renewable energy In this case, Dominion is both the environmental justice considerations petitive, the economic transition away deployment in the Commonwealth, we customer and the supplier. are integrated across state govern- from fossil fuels and toward clean need a decentralized approach that Legislation (HB 1718) carried by ment and to protect the common- energy will continue to grow. To ensure includes incentives for homeowners, Delegate Ware this session would wealth’s most vulnerable residents. that the fossil fuel workforce and the business and the public sector to have given the State Corporation Com- While the Northam Administra- communities they call home are not install their own solar arrays. In this mission more power to review pipeline tion reestablished an environmental left behind, we must provide more in way, we can create new, clean energy contracts on the front end to deter- justice advisory council as lawmak- the way of resources and workforce jobs while putting more green power mine whether the projects are in the ers were weighing HB 2696, we still training. on our grid and empowering citizens to public interest, an important regulato- believe this body should exist under We thank Delegate Delaney for be partners in building a clean energy ry reform that protects ratepayers and statute, to protect it from the whims of recognizing this need and for doing economy. shifts the financial risk of large gas future administrations. her part to promote a clean energy We thank Senator McClellan for pipelines to a utility’s shareholders. We thank Delegate Herring for economy in Virginia. recognizing the need to eliminate the We thank Delegate Ware for his standing up for our environment and many roadblocks that stand in the way leadership and urge him to continue Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. of our clean energy future. fighting for these needed reforms.

8 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard Scored Legislation: Virginia to run on 100 percent clean ties of color and to mitigate sea level full bill failed to advance. Climate Change energy by 2036, House Bill 1635, rise and recurrent flooding. and Clean Energy also called the Virginia OFF Act, During a heated floor debate, the Removing anti-climate action made it out of the House Commerce House of Delegates rejected the full and Labor Committee mainly so that floor substitute, a move that then language from the budget House Bill 1700 (the Budget Bill) Moving Virginia to 100 percent climate deniers in the House could kicked off a floor amendment strat- (Recommendations #34 and #38) clean energy by 2050 spur partisan debate on the floor egy that broke several policy aims House Bill 1635 (Floor Amendment over the “Green New Deal.” into three separate amendments. Virginia LCV Position: p #3) – Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) Virginia LCV worked with the bill Amendment #3 deals specifically During this year’s chaotic General Virginia LCV Position: p patron on a floor substitute that with the 100 percent clean energy extended to 2050 the deadline to mandate by 2050, a goal Virginia Assembly, language was insert- ed into the state budget blocking Originally an incredibly ambitious reach 100 percent clean energy, LCV believes is not only achievable, Virginia from moving forward with a bill requiring the drawdown for fossil while also calling for a climate action but necessary. Unfortunately, all plan to cut carbon pollution from our fuel power plants and infrastructure plan that steers funding to low-in- three floor amendments failed on state’s biggest and dirtiest power to begin as soon as 2020 and for come communities and communi- party line votes in the House and the

Know the Score: As an exclusive accountability tool for Con- positions on all priority legislation that impacts voting the way of our communicated position. servation Voters, it is important to know how conservation. As legislation evolves throughout The number of “correct” votes is divided by the we arrive at the final scores for each General the lawmaking process, we communicate our total number of possible votes for each legisla- Assembly session. The Conservation Scorecard position at every step along the way – from tor, which generates a lawmaker’s percentage gives you a comprehensive understanding of subcommittee, to full committee, to the floor of score for the session. Legislators that spon- how your elected leaders represented your each chamber. sored bills supported by Virginia LCV receive a conservation values in Richmond. After session’s end, we closely examine the patron credit, which counts as one additional While some sessions carry more conten- votes and determine a selection of votes which “possible vote” averaged into their final per- tious, high-stakes debates than others, our best illustrates how legislators prioritized con- centage. scorecard allows you to distinguish between the servation issues. While some votes are easier Although some legislators perform more rhetoric and the reality of a legislator’s record than others, our look into what happened on poorly than others from year to year, it is import- by providing you detailed summaries of what the record and behind the scenes gives an ant that they hear from you your encourage- happened inside the State Capitol each ses- encompassing representation of conservation ment to do better. Conversely, we must not take sion. performance. our Legislative Heroes and Leaders for granted How the Votes Were Chosen How the Scores Were Calculated – let them know you appreciate their commit- ment to conservation and look forward to their With hundreds of bills introduced every For every vote recorded on the chosen legis- continued support. session, Virginia LCV carefully tracks and takes lation, legislators receive one “correct vote” for

2019 Conservation Scorecard | 9 plants and trade with the multi-state carbon marketplace RGGI, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Leading up to this year’s reconvened session, Governor Northam amended the budget sent to him by striking this bad language, but not vetoing it outright. Recommendation #34 strikes language barring the appropriation of any funds through regional climate compacts like RGGI and the Transportation and Climate Initiative. This measure was originally upheld in the House, with Hampton Roads’ Del. Gordon Hel- sel crossing over to support it. After some of his colleagues swarmed him at his desk, his vote was reconsidered, and the governor’s amendment failed on a second vote along party lines. Recommendation #38, which eliminated the bad amendment prohibiting the use of any state funds to participate in RGGI, also failed on par- ty lines. With the option before him to veto the language outright, Northam declined to act, in- structing his agencies to look for ways around the obstructionist language and to allow the carbon rule passed in April to move forward on time. We have not yet seen full details of this workaround but are optimistic Virginia will move forward soon with its bold plan to cut carbon. Photo Credit: Mountain Majesty by Bradley Deal of Clintwood | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia Protecting ratepayers from costly, risky gas pipelines House Bill 1718 – Delegate Lee Ware ect to move forward was a contract showing it had sion’s authority to review pipeline contracts to (R-Powhatan) a buyer for the gas. In this case, Dominion, an ensure ratepayers are only charged for projects Virginia LCV Position: p electricity monopoly, is both the supplier and pur- that are clearly in their best interest, shifting the chaser of the gas capacity, which raises big red financial burden where it belongs – to sharehold- Among the many problems presented by the flags over consumer fairness and the regulatory ers. Atlantic Coast Pipeline is the fact that regulators process for pipelines, in general. Under the status Even with vocal opposition by Dominion, this at the State Corporation Commission are not quo, ratepayers could be on the hook to pay for bill made it out of the tough House Committee involved on the front-end to determine if the $7.5 projects like the ACP even if the pipeline is never on Commerce and Labor and the full House Floor billion, ratepayer-funded project is even needed. used or if a better, lower-cost option exists. with broad, bipartisan support. The bill died in the All Dominion Energy needed to supply the Federal HB 1718 would have addressed this issue by Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor on a Energy Regulatory Commission with for the proj- strengthening the State Corporation Commis- 10-3 vote. 10 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard emissions reduction program, including TCI or any General Assembly, passing out of both chambers Retooling workers for a green economy other similar group, absent a two-thirds vote in without any signaled opposition, and is a good House Bill 2241 – Delegate Karrie Delaney both chambers of the General Assembly. The bill step forward for clean air. (D-Centreville) is a clear attack on efforts to improve our econo- my, our health, and our environment by reducing Virginia LCV Position: p Cutting red tape around solar projects carbon pollution, as well as an attack on authority House Bill 2329 – Delegate Mark Keam that has traditionally rested with the executive In an effort to promote a systematic transition (D-Vienna) branch. to cleaner energy sectors, and to ensure that Senate Bill 1456 – Senator Jennifer McClellan This legislation passed out of both the House the fossil fuel workforce is not left behind as we (D-Richmond) and Senate on party-line votes but was success- move toward less carbon-intensive fuels, this bill p fully vetoed by Gov. Northam. Cutting transpor- Virginia LCV Position: would have eased the transition away from fossil tation sector emissions is vital to overall efforts fuel jobs by providing tax incentives for workforce Currently, Virginia law applies a number of re- to reduce climate impacts in the Commonwealth training. strictions on the ability of local governments, resi- and fortunately this important work will move This legislation would have implemented a dents, and businesses to install solar facilities for forward. $1,000 income tax credit per taxpayer for expens- their own use. These restrictions limit third-party es incurred for green energy job training, with the competition to large utilities, create disincentives goal of incentivizing the shift to a clean energy fo- Ensuring objectivity from the SCC on for Virginians to put solar on their homes and cused economy. Unfortunately, this bill was killed energy efficiency farms, and impede the growth and expansion of on a 5-3 vote in a House Finance subcommittee. House Bill 2292 – Delegate Rip Sullivan solar power at a time when renewable energy We fully expect to revisit this issue in 2020, (D-Arlington) installations are on the rise, nationally. because as we transition into a greener economy, Virginia LCV Position: p This legislation sought to remove a number of we must ensure current fossil fuel workers, their restrictive barriers to distributed solar and provide families, and regions can prosper in a new energy The electricity that we don’t use in the first increased flexibility to municipalities and counties sector. place is our cleanest form of energy. Energy effi- in terms of where they are able to deploy solar ciency is also the easiest way for a consumer to while also encouraging businesses and residents Attacking efforts to cut vehicle emissions save money on their monthly electricity bill. to invest in solar. The bill would have saved money House Bill 2269 – Delegate Charles Poindexter This bill makes it easier for important energy for municipalities and counties, and therefore (R-Franklin) efficiency programs to move forward by requiring taxpayers, while creating clean energy jobs and cutting electricity demand and air pollution. Unfor- Virginia LCV Position: X regulators at the State Corporation Commission to report their analysis and testing when determin- tunately, HB 2329 and SB 1456 both died in their respective Commerce and Labor committees. Carbon emissions from the transportation sec- ing that a program is not “in the public interest.” tor account for nearly half of Virginia’s total car- Doing so ensures a degree of objectivity in the bon footprint, making tailpipes by far the largest approval or denial of these important programs. Obstructing climate action in Virginia source of carbon pollution in the commonwealth. The bill also sets forth that for a program to move House Bill 2611 – Delegate Charles Poindexter In 2018, Virginia joined the multistate Trans- forward the SCC has to find its budget to be (R-Franklin) portation and Climate Initiative as a way to work reasonable and prudent and any rate adjustment Virginia LCV Position: X toward solutions to drive down carbon pollution clause would expire if the program is no longer from vehicles. cost-effective or if the utility exhausts its budget Virginia is in the midst of moving forward with HB 2269, however, works to preemptively for the program. the state’s first regulation to cut carbon emissions impede Virginia’s participation in any regional This bill received broad consensus at the from our state’s largest and dirtiest power plants 2019 Conservation Scorecard | 11 Legislature rams through surprise SCC judge The State Corporation Commission coming up in early 2020. The entire epi- is a little known public entity that has sode – from first hearing West’s name Roll Call for SCC Judge Patricia West more impact on our daily lives than to her being elected – lasted less than we might think. This body, established 8 hours. SR 97 State Corporation Commission; in the early 1900s to mainly serve as West served as a check on powerful railroad compa- Deputy Attorney nomination for election of a member. nies, is tasked with establishing and General under Ken YEAS--Black, Carrico, Chafin, Chase, Cosgrove, DeSteph, Dun- reviewing electricity rates as well as Cuccinelli, a nota- navant, Hanger, McDougle, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Peake, investments in energy infrastructure ble climate denier Reeves, Ruff, Stanley, Stuart, Sturtevant, Suetterlein, Vogel, Wag- and important energy efficiency pro- infamous for his ner--21. grams that save us money and help cut office’s persecu- NAYS--0. carbon pollution. tion of University RULE 36--0. In 2018, longtime SCC Judge James of Virginia climate NOT VOTING--Barker, Boysko, Dance, Deeds, Ebbin, Edwards, Favo- Dimitri stepped down from his seat, two scientist Michael la, Howell, Lewis, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Mason, McClellan, McPike, years before his term was up. When the West Mann. Petersen, Saslaw, Spruill, Surovell--19. General Assembly is in session, they West spent 14 years as a circuit and alone have the power to appoint new juvenile and domestic relations judge in judges to the SCC. While hearings were Virginia Beach. Most recently, she was HR 224 State Corporation Commission; held to interview prospective nominees, a professor of law and government at nomination for election of a member. they declined to move forward with a Regent University. YEAS--Adams, L.R., Austin, Bell, Richard P., Bell, Robert B., Bloxom, nomination for almost a year. West’s surprise nomination moved Brewer, Byron, Campbell, J.L., Campbell, R.R., Cole, Collins, Davis, Ed- And when they finally did move so fast, Virginia LCV didn’t even have munds, Fariss, Fowler, Freitas, Garrett, Gilbert, Head, Helsel, Hodges, forward, they did it in the least transpar- time to send a legislative memo sig- Hugo, Ingram, Jones, S.C., Kilgore, Knight, Landes, LaRock, Leftwich, ent, partisan, and politically calculated naling our opposition to this flawed Marshall, McGuire, McNamara, Miyares, Morefield, O’Quinn, Orrock, way possible. process. Because of this, we are unable Peace, Pillion, Poindexter, Ransone, Robinson, Rush, Stolle, Thomas, On Jan. 16, the chairmen of Com- to officially score West’s nomination, Ware, Webert, Wilt, Wright, Yancey, Mr. Speaker--50. merce and Labor committees in the meaning those votes are not included NAYS--0. House and Senate, Del. Terry Kilgore in this year’s official legislator scores. ABSTENTIONS--0. (R-Scott), and retiring Senator Frank We list these votes here only to shed NOT VOTING--Adams, D.M., Aird, Ayala, Bagby, Bell, John J., Bourne, Wagner (R-Virginia Beach), called a spe- a spotlight on a process that came Bulova, Carr, Carroll Foy, Carter, Convirs-Fowler, Delaney, Filler-Corn, cial, joint meeting of their committees under the shroud of darkness. Gooditis, Guzman, Hayes, Heretick, Herring, Hope, Hurst, James, and then brought the surprise nomi- Virginia LCV looks forward to electing Jones, J.C., Keam, Kory, Krizek, Levine, Lindsey, Lopez, McQuinn, Mul- nation of Patricia West to the floor. Her a legislature for 2020 that will prioritize lin, Murphy, Plum, Pogge, Price, Rasoul, Reid, Rodman, Roem, Sickles, nomination passed along party lines in clean energy and climate action and Simon, Sullivan, Torian, Toscano, Tran, Turpin, Tyler, VanValkenburg, both the House and Senate and she will elect SCC judges who have the knowl- Ward, Watts--49. now serve the remainder of Dimitri’s edge and background to properly apply unexpired term, with another vacancy the law for those important priorities.

12 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard by 30 percent over the coming decade and mak- board tasked with developing and administering a well behind other utilities across the nation, a ing Virginia the first southern state to set a limit LMI solar loan and rebate pilot program. transparent and thorough stakeholder process is on carbon pollution. Under this pilot program, Virginia residents integral to seeing through the goals of the GTSA HB 2611 was a cynical attempt to take us in with household incomes at or below 80 percent and ensuring reductions in energy usage and the opposite direction by prohibiting the Governor of median income are able to apply for loans or customers’ electricity bills. or any of his state agencies from adopting any rebates for projects that cut energy usage or add This bill successfully passed out of both cham- regulation to establish a carbon dioxide cap-and- clean energy to their homes. bers unanimously and will take effect July 1. trade program in the Commonwealth or facili- With many of the most vulnerable communities tating participation in an established regional in Virginia are located in rural areas often served Joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas trading market, without a two-thirds vote by the by electric utility cooperatives, HB 2741 aims to legislature. Not only did the bill attempt to curtail help all Virginians regardless of service territory. Initiative Senate Bill 1666 – Senator Lynwood Lewis meaningful efforts to cut carbon and address This legislation passed out of both chambers (D-Accomac) climate change, it also would have robbed Virginia with no signaled opposition and will become law of $75 million in potential revenue from the sale July 1. Its successful passage makes Virginia a Virginia LCV Position: p of carbon allowances which could be utilized to leader on LMI rooftop solar and helps provide a fund coastal resiliency efforts, energy efficiency pathway to clean energy for our most vulnerable Virginia is already moving forward with a rule at programs, and economic development. The bill Virginians, while also reducing household electric- the administrative level to cut carbon emissions also ignored the potential public health benefits ity costs. from power plants and trade inside of the multi- associated with carbon emission drawn-down. state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative carbon This bill passed out of both chambers, mostly on marketplace. However, legislative approval is still a party-line vote (Senator Jill Vogel voted against Ensuring stakeholder input for energy required to put RGGI revenues to work in Virginia. it in the Senate), and was successfully vetoed by efficiency programs The Virginia Coastal Protection Act sought to Gov. Northam. Senate Bill 1605 – Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) provide that pathway by officially joining RGGI and Virginia LCV Position: p steering dedicated funds back to Virginia to en- Expanding clean energy access to low- hance and protect vulnerable communities within the Hampton Roads region and beyond from the income communities The sweeping Grid Transformation and Security Act passed in 2018 called for $1 billion in energy impacts of climate change. Specifically, SB 1666 House Bill 2741 – Delegate Lashrecse Aird efficiency programs that save customers money would have invested an estimated $63 million of (D-Petersburg) and reduce electricity demand, Virginia’s largest these funds in energy efficiency programs that Virginia LCV Position: p investment in these programs to-date. save households money, coastal resiliency efforts This bill will help deliver those programs by to address the risk sea level rise poses to public As we work to expand clean energy in Virginia, clarifying and codifying the stakeholder process safety and our economy, and workforce training in it’s critically important that no one is left behind required under the GTSA. Specifically, SB 1605 Virginia’s coalfields. in this transition, that everyone has access to and ensures that the group of stakeholders will meet Unfortunately, lawmakers left this funding on enjoys the benefits of renewable energy. consistently, every quarter, and deliver a use- the table again in voting along party lines in the This bill addresses the specific barriers facing ful and timely work product, namely, an annual Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Re- Low-to-Moderate-Income (LMI) households when report detailing progress toward energy efficiency sources to kill the bill, a troubling partisan trend it comes to investing in clean energy and energy goals. that emerges with issues dealing with climate efficiency by establishing a 15-person advisory With Dominion’s energy efficiency performance change.

2019 Conservation Scorecard | 13 Water Quality

Protecting public health from pesticides House Bill 1906 – Delegate Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church) Virginia LCV Position: p

Although the EPA regulates pesticides, the regulation of pesticide auto-misters is essentially left to states. Auto-misters are often created with synthetic pyrethroids, which have been linked to a number of human health effects such as early puberty and behavioral disorders. As residential pesticide auto-misters are often installed around the perimeter of a yard, they can affect neighbors who have no means to protect their families or their pets. This bill sought to minimize these health effects by prohibiting the installation and use of residential pesticide misting systems beginning in 2020. However, it was passed by indefinitely in a House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources subcommittee.

Expanding grant funding for water Photo Credit: Seeking Shad by Fritzi Newton of Fredericksburg | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia quality projects better equipping this infrastructure. The bill also Chesapeake Bay. House Bill 2637 – Delegate Michael Webert adds riparian buffers expressly to the list of BMPs SB 1116 was one of a number of bills related (R-Fauquier) eligible for funding. to plastic waste introduced during this legislative p HB 2637 passed unanimously out of both the session. The bill would have reduced the use of Virginia LCV Position: House and Senate and will become law July 1. disposable plastic bags by imposing a 5-cent per bag tax on plastic bags provided to consumers, Virginia’s highly successful cost-share program allowing retailers to retain 20 percent of the tax to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) Curbing plastic bags in the Bay proceeds. on farms, is helping keep farm runoff from enter- watershed This bill focused specifically on localities within ing local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. Senate Bill 1116 – Senator Chap Petersen the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and would have Current law allows funds from the Virginia Wa- (D-Fairfax) directed revenue from the tax to support the ter Facilities Revolving Fund to construct facilities Virginia LCV Position: p Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan. or structures to help implement BMPs on farms. Despite the clear benefits to water quality in This bill expands that authority by allowing these Plastic waste is a huge environmental problem this legislation, it failed to reach the Senate floor funds to also go toward improving, renovating or and a significant threat to our waterways and the 14 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard and was voted down in the Finance Committee. working to ensure that Dominion Energy cleans its ciated industries are vital to the strength and suc- coal ash up in the most responsible way possi- cess of Virginia’s economy. Virginia’s open waters Expanding Stormwater cleanup funding ble. SB 1355 is the culmination of that fight and are pivotal to the defense, tourism, and seafood Senate Bill 1328 – Senator Emmett Hanger a huge victory for clean water. Under SB 1355, industries and the citizens they employ. (R-Mount Solon) Dominion is prohibited from leaving any of its This bill would have prohibited the Virginia Ma- p toxic coal ash in place at its four power plant sites rine Resources Commission or the Department of Virginia LCV Position: in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: Bremo Power Mines, Minerals and Energy from granting leases Station in Fluvanna County, Possum Point Power or permits for oil or gas exploration or drilling in Virginia continues to make gains in the ongoing Station in Prince William County, Chesterfield any waters of the Commonwealth, and would have Chesapeake Bay cleanup, but still faces head- Power Station and Chesapeake Energy Center. All also banned infrastructure from rigs in federal winds when it comes to reducing pollution from told, Dominion will have to recycle or dispose into territory from crossing Virginia’s 3 miles of sover- two sources: stormwater and agricultural runoff. a modern, lined landfill the nearly 30 million tons eign waters. SB 1328 was an attempt to address one of of coal ash currently onsite at these facilities. Had The bill also sought to repeal a section of the these problem areas by expanding state funding the legislature not acted, Dominion could have Code of Virginia, which expressed support for to help localities reduce stormwater pollution. moved forward with their initial plans to bury in federal exploratory efforts for oil and gas 50 miles More than half of the stormwater pollution place all of this waste, where it would remain an off the coast. loads that enter the Bay come from non-urban ongoing source of toxic pollution and a threat to The bill was unfortunately killed on a party-line and unregulated lands. In order to facilitate pol- clean water. vote in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Con- lution reduction in these unregulated areas, this SB 1355 was a true bipartisan effort, and it servation and Natural Resources. bill would have allowed DEQ to designate monies passed out of both chambers with limited opposi- appropriated to the Stormwater Local Assistance tion. The bill will go into effect July 1. Fund to provide grants to local governments for Protecting children from lead-tainted the planning and implementation of stormwater water BMPs. Although many localities have worked to Protecting our coast from offshore Senate Bill 1622 and Senate Bill 1629 – address stormwater pollution, smaller localities drilling Senator Jeremy McPike (D-Woodbridge) often face obstacles in funding or struggle to Senate Bill 1573 – Senator Bill DeSteph Virginia LCV Position: p achieve the minimum project sizes set forth by (R-Virginia Beach) the current SLAF guidelines. This bill would have Virginia LCV Position: p The crisis over lead-tainted water sources in addressed these challenges by providing further Flint, Mich. has raised the profile of a very real funding through the state. The bill passed unan- Coastal Virginians have been living with the on- threat to clean water across the United States and imously out of the Senate, and the House Com- going threat that the Trump Administration will put here in Virginia. mittee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural into play waters off our coast for offshore drilling, Legislation introduced this year would have Resources, but was re-referred to an Appropria- a move that would endanger our economy and en- helped protect children from possible lead con- tions subcommittee where it died on a 5-3 vote. vironment and ignore the widespread opposition tamination. to offshore drilling in Virginia and up and down Children are particularly vulnerable to the Cleaning up Dominion’s toxic coal ash the Atlantic seaboard. harmful effects of lead exposure, and there is no Senate Bill 1355 – Senator Frank Wagner SB 1573 was introduced as a means to protect safe level of lead for children. Children absorb (R-Virginia Beach) Virginia’s coastal waters and communities against more lead than adults. Up to 50 percent of the Virginia LCV Position: p this threat and to clarify Virginia’s evolving stance lead a child ingests can be absorbed, compared against offshore drilling. to only 10 percent in adults. For the past three years, Virginia LCV has been Virginia’s coastal communities and their asso- According to the EPA, low levels of lead expo- 2019 Conservation Scorecard | 15 sure have been linked to learning disabilities, stunted growth, loss of IQ, and impaired hearing. SB 1622 would have required licensed child day care programs and certain other programs that serve preschool-age children to develop and implement a lead testing plan for drinking water. SB 1629 would have required school boards to submit plans to test and report lead levels in drinking water sources. Both bills passed on near unanimous votes out of the Senate. Unfortunately, SB 1622 was killed in a House Appropriations subcommittee while SB 1629 was referred to a subcommittee on the House side but never taken up.

Land Use & Transportation

Eroding local land-use authority over agritourism House Bill 2364 – Delegate Barry Knight (R-Virginia Beach) Virginia LCV Position: X

The conservation community recognizes that agriculture is a vital part of the Virginia economy, Photo Credit: Big Meadows Sunset by Edward Episopo of Fredericksburg | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia and supports providing reasonable ways for farms to participate in agritourism opportunities. Howev- cal governments to address the regional impacts sweeping transportation funding overhaul dubbed er, the preservation of the rural quality of life and of weddings. This legislation reported out of sub- SMART SCALE, which required transportation the success of local agriculture itself are depen- committee and committee on fairly close votes, projects to compete for funding based on a range dent upon reasonable local regulation of intensive but was killed on the House floor after Virginia of criteria with the goal of ensuring that only the agritourism activities. LCV and our partners explained the unintended best projects – those that meet a true need – are This bill would have added weddings to the consequences of this bill to lawmakers. funded. list of agritourism activities that local govern- This hasn’t stopped the now annual attempt to ments are prohibited from regulating. The bill as Bypassing SMART SCALE to build I-73 build the $4 billion proposed Interstate 73. amended would have removed all opportunity for Senate Bill 1014 – Senator Bill Stanley The bill would have redirected funding ($40 local governments to balance the impacts (traf- (R-Franklin) million each year in recordation taxes) currently fic, noise, lighting, runoff, etc.) of large events on earmarked for Route 58 as a result of unique Virginia LCV Position: X neighboring residences and agricultural opera- provisions the General Assembly adopted over 25 years ago — long before the adoption of current tions and would have undermined the ability of lo- In 2014, the General Assembly passed a transportation funding and planning provisions. 16 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard The commitment made to Route 58 should be This bill makes it easier to garner more legis- on a 10-10 tie. The bill was then brought back up honored, but when that project is completed lative support for VLCF as lawmakers learn more in committee where it was amended and reported the funding stream should return to the General about potential conservation projects in their out on a 12-9 vote, only to be defeated on the Fund. districts. It also makes it easier for advocates and House floor through a second tie vote, 48-48. Virginia LCV has opposed the I-73 effort year conservationists to highlight specific projects with- after year because we believe it should compete in their districts that will be neglected if legislators Codifying the Environmental Justice with other transportation projects for funding. do not fully fund VLCF’s grant program. Passage of this bill would have opened the door This commonsense legislation successfully Advisory Council House Bill 2696 – Delegate Charniele Herring to a parade of similar proposals to fund particular passed out of both the House and Senate without (D-Alexandria) projects that would defeat the whole reason for opposition and will become law July 1. project prioritization. Virginia LCV Position: p Although the bill passed out of a divided Senate, it was tabled in a House Appropriations Good Government In 2017, Governor Terry McAuliffe established subcommittee. through executive order an Advisory Council on Enhancing environmental curriculum Environmental Justice on the premise that “no House Bill 1908 – segment of the population, especially individu- Land Conservation Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico) als most impacted and vulnerable, should bear disproportionately high or adverse effects from Virginia LCV Position: p Increasing transparency for conservation pollution.” projects Environmental awareness should begin at an This commission continued into the new House Bill 2009 – Delegate Paul Krizek early age, which is why it’s taught in our public administration in 2018; however, after recom- (D-Fairfax) schools. This bill was introduced in an attempt mending putting a halt to natural gas pipeline construction in Virginia, members were told their Virginia LCV Position: p to increase awareness of conservation issues in school-aged children. legal authority had lapsed with the transition from McAuliffe to Governor Northam. Since 1999, the Virginia Land Conservation HB 1908, which had industry support, direct- ed the Department of Environmental Quality and HB 2696 aimed to codify this commission by Foundation (VLCF) has been helping to drive land statute, making it a permanent advisory body with conservation efforts in the Commonwealth by Department of Education to update the existing “Window into a Green Virginia” curriculum for the goal of helping to identify and lift barriers, awarding matching grants to state agencies, local increase participation and ensure sustained com- governments, non-profit organizations and public sixth-graders in order to add a chapter on recy- cling, specifically pertaining to the benefits of munication between the state and marginalized bodies to preserve open space and secure great- communities while ensuring environmental justice er public access to Virginia’s scenic and culturally recycling and reuse, including the energy benefits of recycling. was integrated throughout the Commonwealth’s and historically important lands. programs, regulations policies and procedures. With state funding for VLCF varying from year This simple bill only sought to expand the cur- riculum and would have had no budget impact. Unfortunately, HB 2696 failed to make it out of to year, HB 2009 provides increased transparency a House Rules subcommittee on a 3-4 vote. to the VLCF grant program by allowing appro- While simple in its intent, this legislation has one of the strangest journeys through the legisla- A week prior to that vote, Northam issued Ex- priators to see which projects will be funded at ecutive Order 29 establishing the Virginia Council certain levels, the same process that applies to ture that we saw this year. The bill reported out of subcommittee but orig- on Environmental Justice. Members to that body the federal and highly successful Land and Water were announced in early May. Conservation Fund. inally died in the House Committee on Education

2019 Conservation Scorecard | 17 Impactful issues not in this year’s conservation scores

Every year, Virginia LCV scores the land and build more homes. It had legislation we think tells the full story the opposite effect, especially in of where the legislature stands on high-growth counties. With proffers our priority issues. These efforts are off the table, localities opted to aimed at educating voters on where reject rezoning applications outright their lawmakers stand on a host of rather than approve projects they issues - clean air and water, trans- knew would impact taxpayers and portation and land use, a healthy the broader community and quality democracy, and open space protec- of life. tions. In 2019, Del. Bob Thomas (R-Staf- In 2019, we took positions on ford) and Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Ar- more than 60 bills, which are not all lington) introduced legislation (HB reflected in our score tallies. What 2342 and SB 1373) softening some follows are important legislative is- aspects of the flawed 2016 law, but sues that warrant mentioning in this in a way that still favored developers year’s scorecard even though they over localities. are not counted in this year’s legisla- We originally opposed this legis- tor scores. lation outright. We changed our po- sition to neutral only after a commit- Proffers repeal ‘reform’ ment from the Chairmen of the Local In 2016, the General Assembly Government Committees tasking the passed incredibly flawed legislation state housing agency to study the preventing localities from requiring issue and report back to the legis- proffers from developers. Proffers lature, the end result of a debate have long been an important zon- over related legislation from Senator ing tool for localities to ensure the Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland). Photo Credit: Bike Ride by Erin Vasquez of Williamsburg | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia HB 2342 and SB 1373 passed impacts of a rezoning don’t fall to again hold developers account- structure funding following the out of both the House and Senate squarely on taxpayers, that when a able and to responsibly manage unsuccessful push to build a new and will become law July 1. Zoning 500-home neighborhood is built, for growth and the impacts that come Route 460. This multi-billion dollar is one of the only powers the Gen- example, the developer helps cover with it in their communities. boondoggle, which was opposed eral Assembly gives localities broad the bill for increased school capac- by localities along the route as well leeway over – laws such as these ity, roads and other infrastructure Attacks on SMART SCALE as environmentalists, exposed just necessary to cover the increased undermine that authority and often Virginia’s current transportation what can go wrong when politics – population growth and impact to the come with many unintended conse- funding model, known as SMART not smart policy – govern important community. quences. Our hope is that in 2020, SCALE, was passed in 2014 and and costly infrastructure decisions. The goal of this law was to make lawmakers see reason and make the came in response to a lack of trans- Under SMART SCALE, transpor- it easier for developers to rezone necessary reforms to allow localities parency around transportation infra- tation projects must compete for 18 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard funding on their own merits. In this at transportation in a holistic way, and not destructive projects that Creating the Virginia Citizens way, limited transportation dollars statewide, instead of a piecemeal harm our environment while wasting only go to projects that meet a crit- approach. tax dollars. Redistricting Commission ical need. Scoring criteria include Senate Joint Resolution 274 – factors like environmental quality Senator Emmett Hanger (R-Mount Interstate 81 improvements The State Budget Solon) and Senator Mamie Locke and land use impacts as well as Funding needed improvements When Governor Northam in- (D-Hampton) public safety, congestion relief and to Interstate 81 was by far the most troduced his amendments to the economic development. high-profile and complex transpor- biennial budget, the conservation Virginia LCV Position: p Despite the fact that this pro- tation issue in 2019. After failing community was roundly supportive gram has been successful in to come up with a funding model of increased investments in water Elected officials should not be ensuring that only the projects during the regular session, lawmak- quality, land conservation and a allowed to pick their voters, but in that efficiently meet transportation ers approved amendments from stronger Department of Environ- much of Virginia, that’s the case due needs move forward, there have Governor Northam in April that will mental Quality. to partisan gerrymandering. been repeated attempts to bypass raise an estimated $288 million The budget passed by lawmakers A bipartisan effort, Senate Joint SMART SCALE. per year by increasing taxes on fuel fully delivered in only one of those Resolution 274 would have addressed In 2019, Virginia LCV opposed and the tractor-trailer registration areas, giving us a record $89.7 mil- this problem through an amendment HB 2326 by Del. Emily Brewer fee. An earlier I-81 funding proposal lion in FY 2020 for Agricultural Best to Virginia’s constitution to create an (R-Suffolk), which would have added including placing tolls on the heavily Management Practices (BMPs), independent, nonpolitical redistricting “maintenance of primary evacu- travelled highway, which met resis- which help keep farm runoff from commission. ation routes” to the list of SMART tance at the legislature. fouling our state’s creeks, streams, In establishing the “Virginia Citizens SCALE criteria, which would have Virginia LCV remained neutral rivers and, eventually, the Chesa- Redistricting Commission,” SJ 274 was heavily weighted the funding for- throughout the I-81 debate, never peake Bay. the most comprehensive approach yet mula toward Hampton Roads, while registering support or opposition on While this is definitely prog- on redistricting reform. The commis- siphoning money away from other any of the various legislative propos- ress, the budget under-delivers on sion was tasked with a clear set of cri- transportation needs. This bill died als. We do support needed improve- funding for the Stormwater Local teria when drawing new districts, and in House Transportation on a 21-1 ments to the I-81 corridor and share Assistance Fund, providing only would be independent of the legisla- vote. the concerns of many of our conser- $10 million in FY 20 to help local ture and fully transparent with its data. We also opposed HB 2633 from vation partners that this money will governments invest in infrastructure The member selection process under Del. Karrie Delaney (D-Centreville), be allocated outside of the SMART that controls runoff from impervious SJ 274 would have been open to the which would have undermined SCALE process. surfaces, well under the $50 million public and included a vetting process objective project prioritizing by Approximately $150 million per that is needed to help cut this major led by the General Assembly as well as over-emphasizing congestion above year of the total raised under this source of Bay pollution. retired Virginia Circuit Court judges. all other factors. This bill also died funding model will go directly to Lawmakers also stripped pro- Unfortunately, this effort failed to in House Transportation on a 22-0 fund the $2 billion worth of identi- posed $11 million increase to the get out of the Senate Privileges and vote. fied improvements to I-81, while the Virginia Land Conservation Foun- Elections Committee, where it died on While we respect lawmakers’ remainder will be steered to proj- dation as well as proposed $2.5 a vote of 9-5. attempts to respond to constituent ects on other interstate corridors. million boost for the Department of concerns over transportation, we We will need to remain vigilant to Environmental Quality, which would have SMART SCALE for a reason – ensure this funding is going to fund have helped increase the agency’s to take politics out of the equation smart improvements that address on-the-ground enforcement capac- and to ensure that we’re looking the serious problems facing I-81 ity. 2019 Conservation Scorecard | 19 2019 Bill Patrons Senator Jeremy McPike – SB 1622 Child day programs; potable water; lead testing. SB 1629 Local school boards; lead testing; report. Where conservation victories begin Senator Scott Surovell – SB 1533 Coal combustion residuals; Chesapeake Bay Virginia LCV recognizes the efforts of legislators that promote and purchase agreements; pilot programs. Senator Jeremy McPike – SB 1176 State watershed; closure. lead on conservation issues each session. These patrons are ac- Corporation Commission; natural gas utili- Senator Frank Wagner – SB 1355 Coal knowledged for the value of their commitment in each of their final ties, investigative reports combustion residuals impoundment; closure scores. Note that though some members introduce multiple bills that Senator Glen Sturtevant – SB 1769 Elec- tric utilities; net energy metering. receive Virginia LCV support, each member receives acknowledgment Senator David Suetterlein – SB 1583 Land Use & Transportation for only one patron credit in their final legislator score. Electric utilities; retail competition. SB 1584 Delegate Chris Hurst – HB 2112 Natural Electric utilities; retail competition, renew- ates, fuel procurement arrangements. gas companies; right of entry upon property. able energy. Climate Change Delegate Rip Sullivan – HB 2292 Electric Delegate Mark Keam – HB 2331 Wildlife utilities; energy efficiency programs. HB Corridor Action Plan; Advisory Council. & Clean Energy 2293 Electric utilities; stakeholder process Water Quality for energy efficiency programs. HB 2294 Delegate Lashrecse Aird – HB 2741 Clean Electric and natural gas utilities; energy effi- Land Conservation Energy Advisory Board; established, solar Delegate Riley Ingram – HB 2786 Coal Delegate Paul Krizek – HB 2009 Virginia ciency goals. HB 2500 Electric utilities; man- combustion residuals impoundment; closure energy installation rebates. datory renewable energy portfolio standard. Land Conservation Foundation; project Delegate Karrie Delaney – HB 2240 Vir- Delegate Mark Keam – HB 2333 Trees; proposals HB 2692 Multifamily residential building; replacement during development process, ginia Energy Plan; covenants restricting solar sale of electricity to occupants. energy collection devices. HB 2241 Green exceeding requirements to meet certain Delegate David Toscano – HB 2697 water goals. job training; creates tax credit. Electric utilities; retail competition. HB 2735 Good Government Delegate Barry Knight – HB 1769 Menha- Delegate Mark Cole – HJ 615 Consti- Delegate Wendy Gooditis – HB 1809 Virginia Coastal Protection Act; recasts Va. den; VMRC to adopt regulations for manag- tutional amendment; Virginia Redistricting Electric utilities; renewable energy and ener- Shoreline Resiliency Fund. ing the Commonwealth’s fishery. Commission (first reference). gy efficiency programs. HB 2641 Third-party Delegate Kathy Tran – HB 2792 Electric Delegate Kaye Kory – HB 1906 Residen- Delegate Charniele Herring – HB 2696 power purchase agreements; regulation of utilities; municipal net energy metering. tial automatic pesticide misting systems; Environmental Justice Advisory Council retail sales of electricity under agreements. Delegate Lee Ware – HB 1718 Electric prohibition; civil penalties. established. Delegate Tim Hugo – HB2547 Electric utilities; fuel cost recovery. utilities; net energy metering. Delegate Alfonso Lopez – HB 2395 Haz- Delegate Joseph Lindsey – HJ 616 Coal ardous Waste Site Inventory; DEQ to compile dust blown from moving trains; report. Delegate Chris Hurst – HB 1869 Net Senator Jennifer Boysko – SB 1648 and update at least annually. Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg – HB energy metering; schools. Electric utilities; limitations on fossil fuel Delegate Michael Webert – HB 2637 1908 Sixth grade science; Department of Delegate Michael Mullin – HB 2117 Elec- facilities. tric utilities; retail competition, renewable Loans and grants for agricultural best man- Education, et al., shall update curriculum. Senator Creigh Deeds – SB 1483 Net agement practices; riparian buffers energy. energy metering; schools. Senator George Barker – SJ 306 Consti- Delegate Mark Keam – HB 2329 Distrib- Senator Adam Ebbin – SB 1605 Electric Senator John Cosgrove – SB 1046 tutional amendment; Virginia Redistricting uted renewable energy; promotes establish- utilities; stakeholder process for energy Menhaden; VMRC to adopt regulations for Commission (first reference). ment of solar and other renewable energy. efficiency programs. managing the Commonwealth’s fishery. Senator Emmett Hanger – SJ 274 Consti- Delegate Israel O’Quinn – HB 2789 Senator John Edwards – SB 1714 Net Senator Bill DeSteph – SB 1573 Offshore tutional amendment; apportionment, criteria Energy conservation measures; establish- energy metering; schools. oil and gas drilling; prohibition. for legislative and congressional districts. es, providing incentives for development of Senator Lynwood Lewis – SB 1666 Va. Senator Adam Ebbin – SB 1070 Local Senator Lynwood Lewis – SB 1561 Sixth electric energy. Coastal Protection Act; recasts Va. Shoreline paper and plastic bag tax. grade science; Department of Education, et Delegate Sam Rasoul – HB 1635 Fossil Resiliency Fund. Senator Emmett Hanger – SB 1328 al., shall update curriculum. fuel projects moratorium; clean energy Senator Jennifer McClellan – SB 1456 Stormwater Local Assistance Fund; grants to Senator Mamie Locke– SJ 274 Constitu- mandates (Floor Amendment #3). HB 2501 Distributed renewable energy; promotes non-MS4 localities. tional amendment; apportionment, criteria Greenhouse gas emissions; inventory. HB establishment of solar and other renewable 2503 Public utilities; transactions with affili- Senator Chap Petersen – SB 1116 Plastic for legislative and congressional districts. energy. SB 1460 Renewable energy power bags; tax in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 20 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard p= right X = wrong NV = Not Voting AB = Abstained House Scorecard

Delegate District Party 2019 2018 Career p= Patron Credit Score Score Score Since 2000 HB 1700 Recommendation #34 HB 1700 Recommendation #38 HB 1635 Floor Amendment #3 HB 1718 Fuel Cost Recovery HB 1906 Pesticide misting; ban HB 1908 DEQ; sci. curriculum HB 2009 VLCF; proposals HB 2241 jobs; tax credit Green HB 2269 TCI; prohibition HB 2292 Utilities; EE programs HB 2329 Solar energy; reforms HB 2364 Agritourism; weddings HB 2611 RGGI; prohibition HB 2637 BMPs; loans, grants HB 2696 EJ council; established HB 2741 Clean Energy Board SB 1014 I-73 Construction Fund SB 1328 grants to localities SLAF,; SB 1355 Coal ash cleanup SB 1622 lead testing Daycares;

Adams, D. 68 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p p p p p Adams, L. 16 R 54% 25% 42% X X X p X p X p p X p p p pAird 63 D 100% 88% 95% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p Austin 19 R 43% 50% 48% X X X X X p X p X X p p p p Ayala 51 D 100% 86% 95% p p p p p p p p p p p p p Bagby 74 D 100% 100% 98% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p Bell, J. 87 D 100% 88% 98% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p Bell, R.B. 58 R 43% 43% 38% X X X X X p X p X p X p p p Bell, R.P 20 R 46% 38% 41% X X X X X p X p p X p p p Bloxom 100 R 50% 56% 50% X NV NV X X X p X p p X p p p Bourne 71 D 100% 100% 97% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p Brewer 64 R 38% 43% 40% X X X X X p NV X p X X p p p Bulova 37 D 100% 100% 95% p p p p p p p p p p p p p Byron 22 R 46% 30% 40% X X X p X p X X p NV p X p p NV Campbell, J. 6 R 38% 20% 39% X X X X X p X p X X p p p Campbell, R. 24 R 46% NA 46% X X X X X p X p p X p p p Carr 69 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p Carroll Foy 2 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p p p p p Carter 50 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p pCole 88 R 47% 38% 47% X X X X X p X X p p X p p p Collins 29 R 54% 57% 50% X X X p p p X p X X p p p Convirs-Fowler 21 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p p p p p Cox 66 R 38% 43% 42% X X X X X p X p X X p p p Davis 84 R 38% 43% 41% X X X X X p X p X X p p p pDelaney 67 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p p p p p Edmunds 60 R 42% 38% 53% X X X X X p X p AB X p p p Fariss 59 R 33% 38% 46% X X X X X p X p X X p p NV Filler-Corn 41 D 100% 100% 99% p p p AB p p p p p NV p p p p p Fowler 55 R 50% 40% 48% X X X p X p X X p p X p p p Freitas 30 R 43% 29% 31% X X X p X p X X p X X p p p Garrett 23 R 40% 43% 45% X X X X X p X p X X p p p p X Gilbert 15 R 38% 38% 31% X X X X X p X p X X p p p pGooditis 10 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p p p p p

2019 Conservation Scorecard | 21 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p Delegate Orrock O’Quinn Murphy Mullin Morefield Miyares McQuinn McNamara McGuire Marshall Lopez Lindsey Levine Leftwich LaRock Landes Krizek Kory Knight Kilgore Keam Jones, S.C. Jones, J. James Ingram Hurst Hugo Hope Hodges Herring Heretick Helsel Head Hayes Guzman 22 |2019Conservation Scorecard = rightXwrong NV=NotVoting AB=Abstained = Patron Credit ititParty District 54 34 93 82 70 56 14 49 90 45 78 33 25 44 38 81 35 76 89 80 62 12 40 47 98 46 79 91 17 77 31 5 3 8 1 D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R Score 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 2019 40% 40% 36% 46% 92% 46% 46% 38% 86% 46% 54% 44% 35% 36% 94% 38% 87% 38% 50% 38% 93% 46% 36% Score 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 2018 50% 27% 88% 44% 33% 43% 27% 89% 40% 43% 44% 86% 50% 44% 38% 71% 38% 88% 36% 40% 80% 63% 43% 71% NA Career Score 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Since 2000 45% 43% 97% 43% 42% 93% 46% 45% 38% 92% 98% 46% 45% 45% 98% 42% 39% 98% 42% 83% 43% 95% 48% 47% 96% 89% 54% 41% 90% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1635 Floor Amendment #3 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1700 Recommendation #34 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1700 Recommendation #38 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1718 Fuel Cost Recovery NV p X X X HB 1906 Pesticide misting; ban NV NV NV p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1908 DEQ; sci. curriculum p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2009 VLCF; proposals NV p X HB 2241 Green jobs; tax credit p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 2269 TCI; prohibition

p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2292 Utilities; EE programs NV NV p p p p X X X X HB 2329 Solar energy; reforms p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 2364 Agritourism; weddings p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 2611 RGGI; prohibition NV NV p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2637 BMPs; loans, grants

X X X HB 2696 EJ council; established

p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2741 Clean Energy Board

SB 1014 I-73 Construction Fund p X X X SB 1328 SLAF,; grants to localities

p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p SB 1355 Coal ash cleanup p X X SB 1622 Daycares; lead testing p p p p p p p p p p this year’s sessionandmissed themajorityofthisyear’s scoredvotes. * Del.Samirahwas sworn into representthe86thHouse Districtduringtheclosingdays of Delegate Average Yancey Wright Wilt Webert Watts Ware Ward VanValkenburg Tyler Turpin Tran Toscano Torian Thomas Sullivan Stolle Simon Sickles Samirah* Rush Roem Rodman Robinson Reid Rasoul Ransone Price Poindexter Pogge Plum Pillion Peace = Patron Credit = rightXwrong NV=NotVoting AB=Abstained ititParty District 94 61 26 18 39 65 92 72 75 85 42 57 52 28 48 83 53 43 86 13 73 27 32 11 99 95 96 36 97 7 9 4 D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R Score 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 2019 70% 38% 54% 43% 53% 53% 85% 92% 93% 54% 40% 38% 47% 93% 36% 40% 46% 93% 36% 57% Score 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 2018 68% 43% 44% 44% 63% 50% 88% 86% 75% 57% 43% 88% 38% 57% 25% 38% 43% 43% 50% NA Career Score 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Since 2000 51% 44% 43% 50% 88% 50% 88% 95% 85% 95% 98% 90% 55% 98% 47% 96% 42% 50% 95% 35% 98% 37% 39% 94% 43% 52% p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1635 Floor Amendment #3 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1700 Recommendation #34 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1700 Recommendation #38 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X HB 1718 Fuel Cost Recovery p X HB 1906 Pesticide misting; ban p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 1908 DEQ; sci. curriculum p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2009 VLCF; proposals

HB 2241 Green jobs; tax credit p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 2269 TCI; prohibition p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2292 Utilities; EE programs NV NV NV p X X X HB 2329 Solar energy; reforms p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X HB 2364 Agritourism; weddings p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X X X X X X X X X X X X X X HB 2611 RGGI; prohibition p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2637

2019 Conservation Scorecard |23 BMPs; loans, grants p p p X HB 2696 EJ council; established p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p HB 2741 Clean Energy Board p p p p p SB 1014 I-73 Construction Fund p X X SB 1328 SLAF,; grants to localities p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p X SB 1355 Coal ash cleanup p X X SB 1622 Daycares; lead testing Senate Scorecard p= right X = wrong NV = Not Voting AB = Abstained

Senator District Party 2019 2018 Career SB 1014 SB 1116 SB 1355 SB 1456 SB 1573 SB 1605 SB 1629 SB 1666 SJ 274 HB 1718 HB 2009 HB 2269 HB 2611 HB 2637 HB 2741 I-73 Plastic bags; Coal ash Solar energy; Offshore Stakeholder School Va. Coastal Constitutional Fuel cost VLCF; TCI; RGGI; BMPs; loans Clean energy Score Score Score Construction reforms drilling; process; EE boards; Protection amendment; recovery proposals prohibition prohibition and grants board p= Patron Credit tax in Bay cleanup (Since 2000) Fund watershed prohibition programs lead testing Act redistricting pBarker 39 D 100% 80% 83% p p p p p p p p p p Black 13 R 38% 42% 37% X p X X X p X X p X X p p pBoysko 33 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p p p p Carrico 40 R 60% 10% 36% X X p p p p X X p p Chafin 38 R 43% 50% 43% X p X X p p X X X p X X p p Chase 11 R 60% 58% 54% X p p p X p X X p p pCosgrove 14 R 62% 45% 48% X p X p p X p p X X p p Dance 16 D 93% 86% 83% p p p p p p p AB p X p p p p p pDeeds 25 D 100% 100% 89% p p p p p p p p p p pDeSteph 8 R 64% 40% 56% X p p p X p X X p p Dunnavant 12 R 60% 50% 53% X X p p p p X X p p pEbbin 30 D 92% 93% 97% X p p p p p p p p p p p pEdwards 21 D 82% 75% 82% X p p p X p p p p p Favola 31 D 100% 100% 99% p p p p p p p p p pHanger 24 R 54% 57% 48% X X p X p p X p X X p p Howell 32 D 100% 91% 89% p p p p p p p p p p p pLewis 6 D 92% 86% 86% X p p p p p p p p p p Locke 2 D 100% 100% 88% p p p p p p p p p Lucas 18 D 92% 90% 78% p p p p p p X p p p p p Marsden 37 D 100% 83% 86% NV p p p p p p p p p p Mason 1 D 100% 92% 98% p p p p p p p p p p p pMcClellan 9 D 100% 100% 98% p p p p p p p p p p p McDougle 4 R 50% 50% 45% X X p X p p X p X X p p pMcPike 29 D 100% 100% 100% p p p p p p NV p p Newman 23 R 58% 56% 38% X X p X p p p p X X p p Norment 3 R 45% 60% 51% X X AB X p p X p X X p p Obenshain 26 R 43% 45% 38% X X p X X p p X X p X X p p Peake 22 R 50% 45% 48% X p p X X p X X p p pPetersen 34 D 83% 85% 89% X X p p p p p p p p p Reeves 17 R 60% 42% 47% X p p p X p X X p p Ruff 15 R 46% 43% 38% X X p X p p X X p X X p p Saslaw 35 D 100% 82% 75% p p p p p p p p p p p p pSpruill 5 D 92% 90% 75% p p p p p X p p p p p

24 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard p= right X = wrong NV = Not Voting AB = Abstained

Senator District Party 2019 2018 Career SB 1014 SB 1116 SB 1355 SB 1456 SB 1573 SB 1605 SB 1629 SB 1666 SJ 274 HB 1718 HB 2009 HB 2269 HB 2611 HB 2637 HB 2741 I-73 Plastic bags; Coal ash Solar energy; Offshore Stakeholder School Va. Coastal Constitutional Fuel cost VLCF; TCI; RGGI; BMPs; loans Clean energy Score Construction reforms drilling; process; EE boards; Protection amendment; recovery proposals prohibition prohibition and grants board p= Patron Credit Score Score tax in Bay cleanup (Since 2000) Fund watershed prohibition programs lead testing Act redistricting Stanley 20 R 55% 25% 46% X p X p p X p X X p p Stuart 28 R 42% 67% 52% X X p X X p p X p X X p AB pSturtevant 10 R 58% 55% 51% X p X p p X p X X p p pSuetterlein 19 R 50% 43% 39% X X X p p X p X X p p pSurovell 36 D 89% 91% 92% X p p p AB p p p p Vogel 27 R 60% 83% 78% X X p p p X p X p p NV pWagner 7 R 54% 45% 43% X X p X p p X p X X p p Average 73% 68%

Photo Credit: Last Light at the Peaks of Otter by Yung-Han Chang of Chesapeake | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia

2019 Conservation Scorecard | 25 Moving our agenda forward, in the wake of February’s scandals The month of February, 2019 will go our agenda and re-evaluating our agenda down as one of the most turbulent and when necessary to ensure it best pro- transformational months in Virginia’s tects our environment and communities, modern political history. The events that and does not leave people behind in its unfolded significantly shifted not just wake. This last point is an imperative, the political trajectory of those who hold and one Virginia LCV is committed to do- Virginia’s office, but also exposed deep ing. The environment is not only a place fissures in our society regarding sex and you go, it is where we live. race, and demonstrated just how far we We must do better to bring different have to go to ensure a more inclusive viewpoints to the table, both their criti- and equitable Virginia for all of its citi- cisms and their ideas. We must do better zens. to ensure that the policies we support do In the course of just a week, all three not have the unintended consequence of of Virginia’s statewide office holders had harming communities already vulnerable lost public trust and confidence, and the to small changes in our economy. We path forward looked incredibly uncertain. must do better to fight for all Virginians All three statewide officials remain in – the single mother in Richmond, the office to this day, the targets of contin- suburban immigrant family in Loudoun, ued criticism heading into an important the coal miner in Wise, the farmer in Au- election year where a Conservation gusta, the commercial fisherman on the Majority is in play at the General Assem- Eastern Shore, and the seasonal worker bly. Whether they remain in office for the in Virginia Beach. Our conservation agen- remainder of their terms or not, we hope da from this point forward will intend to their actions from this day forward are do all these things and more. deserving of the titles the voters have We are committed to supporting our bestowed upon them. champions and holding accountable our What we know is this: In order to adversaries – at the ballot box and in secure environmental victories over the the public square – to move our state in next two years, we must elect a strong, the right direction. This means working pro-environment legislature this fall to toward equitable environmental policies help drive progress on land conservation, that benefit all Virginians – regardless clean air, clean water and climate action of race, gender, geography, and politi- for all Virginians while also striving for a cal party – ensuring that no one is left more equitable, just Commonwealth. behind in the transition to cleaner energy The events of early 2019 have been sources, climate action and a healthier frustrating and painful, but from pain environment.

often comes growth. We are committed Too much is at stake to wait any lon- Divins of Henrico | Courtesy Into The Mist by Kevin of Scenic Virginia Credit: Photo 26 | 2019 Conservation Scorecard to moving forward, driving progress on ger. Virginia LCV: Conservation’s Political Voice in the Commonwealth

The Virginia League of Conservation Conservation Endorsements As conservation’s political voice in Voters is the political voice of conservation the Commonwealth, Virginia LCV proudly in the Commonwealth. We work tirelessly endorses and seeks to elect and re-elect to protect all of Virginia’s treasured natural candidates to office who prioritize conserva- resources – clean air and water, thriving tion. In addition to using the Conservation communities and rural landscapes, produc- Scorecard, we issue an inclusive candidate tive farms and forests, historic battlefields questionnaire, research the dynamics of and Main Streets, and ample public lands races, and lead candidate interviews to and open spaces. determine which candidates deserve our To do this, we advocate for and secure “conservation seal of approval.” strong public policy at the state level, hold Virginia LCV’s endorsed candidates elected officials accountable for their posi- receive our guidance on how to make tions on conservation issues, and endorse conservation issues a priority in their races, conservation-minded candidates to state our financial support, and our outreach office. Of the organizations in Virginia’s con- efforts to ensure Conservation Voters in Photo Credit: Bay Reflection by Kevin Duncan of Adelphi, Md. | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia servation community, Virginia LCV is unique their districts know of our endorsement. All in that we provide the political power of of these factors are important to seeing our bringing legislators’ records on conservation Conservation Leadership Circle candidates win and to seeing a Conserva- issues to the forefront of their campaigns tion Majority in the legislature. Members of Virginia LCV’s Conservation Leadership Circle demonstrate extraor- and the minds of their voters. dinary support of our work to protect Virginia’s natural resources. When you join Virginia LCV’s Conservation Leadership Circle you help sustain Conservation Advocacy our work to elect conservationists to office, pass legislation that protects our envi- Conservation Accountability After candidates are sworn in, Virginia Virginia LCV’s annual Conservation ronment and hold accountable those who help – or hurt – these efforts. To learn LCV staff and members work diligently to Scorecard provides the only comprehen- advocate for conservation values in the more, call our office at (804) 225-1902 or visit www.valcv.org. sive look at how legislators voted on the General Assembly. Our efforts are essential year’s most important conservation issues. Blue Ridge - $25,000+ Loral and Roy Hoagland Liz Gibbs and Dan Gecker to guaranteeing legislators are best educat- Jacqueline Mars Lisa and George Neall Vicki and Paul Hasse From land conservation, to water quality, ed on the importance and value of protect- Irene and Alan Wurtzel Missy and Bill Janes to transportation, to energy, the scorecard ing our natural resources and safeguarding Piedmont - $10,000 - $24,999 Joan and Freeborn Jewett provides an inside take on what happened our clean air, clean water and open spaces. Sam Bleicher Tidewater - $2,500 - $4,999 Mary Lynn and Nick Kotz in Richmond on a full spectrum of issues. The more they hear from us, and especially Marilyn and Les Cheek Carol and Landon Butler Judy and Michael Lamana Further, the Scorecard provides a distinctive from you, the more victorious we will be. Bunny and Dan Gabel Sherri and Jesse Crawford Susan and Jim Lang and useful tool for voters as they choose Loren Hershey Thayer Drew Anthony LaRocco who represents their conservation values in Lori Keenan and Sean McGuinness Mary Buford and Fred Hitz Ronda and Henry Lavine Richmond. As a constituent and a Conserva- Dana and David Krauskopf Carey Whitehead Cathy and George Ledec Join Our Team Karin and Mark Ohrstrom Mark Logan tion Voter, it is important for you to let your Check in at valcv.org to keep updated on George Ohrstrom Chesapeake - $1,000 - $2,499 Bonnie Mattingly elected officials know you saw their scores. what’s happening with conservation issues Jean Perin Deanna and Charles Akre Katherine McLeod Thank those who helped protect Virginia’s in Virginia. There, you can take important Nancy and Dick Raines Dave Belote Robert Moler natural resources and urge those who didn’t conservation actions, support our work, get Marguerite and Sheldon Clark Karen and Mark Perreault to do better. updated on Virginia LCV news, and follow Shenandoah - $5,000 - $9,999 Caroline and Bertrand Collomb Marjorie and Jerold Principato our positions on critical legislation during Steven Dahllof and Tom Foster Lucy and Brian Conboy Marie Ridder the General Assembly session. Marcia and George de Garmo Josephine de Give Belinda and Craig Stevens Anne Edwards Nancy and Tom Dungan Robert Whitescarver 2019 Conservation Scorecard | 27 Photo Credit: Sharp Top at Peaks of Otter by Rob Marshall of Lynchburg | Courtesy of Scenic Virginia The Virginia League of Conservation Voters is the political voice of conservation in the Commonwealth. We work tirelessly to protect all of Virginia’s treasured natural resources – clean air and water, thriving 100 West Franklin Street, Suite102 communities and rural landscapes, productive farms and forests, historic Richmond, VA 23220 battlefields and Main Streets, and ample public lands and open spaces. Phone: 804.225.1902 Virginia LCV is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization and gifts to VIRGINIA LEAGUE OF Web: valcv.org it and its Political Action Committee are non-tax deductible. CONSERVATION VOTERS Email: [email protected]