The Green New Deal has got people talking in Washington, and now it looks as if it will in Richmond, too. Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, has filed a Virginia Green New Deal Act, which aims to move the state away from fossil fuels.
He hopes the legislation will have a good shot in 2020, since Democrats will control both house of the General Assembly for the first time in a generation.
The bill includes — possibly of particular interest to the operators of coal piers in Newport News and Norfolk — a moratorium on any state agency or local government approval of “any maintenance activity relating to an existing import or export terminal for a fossil fuel resource that expands the import or export capacity for a fossil fuel resource.” There would be a similar freeze on any outright expansion, too.
Much of the bill focuses on mandates for electric generating plants. There’d also be a moratorium on approving any new plants that burn fossil fuels, as well as a requirement that 80% of electric utilities’ sales be generated from clean fuels after 2028. Sales would have to be entirely from clean sources starting in 2036.
The bill defines clean energy as energy efficiency, energy conservation, demand response, energy storage, and energy derived from solar, onshore wind, offshore wind, geothermal and ocean tidal sources. It does not include nuclear power, which accounts for nearly a quarter of Dominion Energy’s total capacity and generally supplies a much larger percentage of actual use at any point in time, since many Dominion plants only operate when demand is particularly high.
Pipelines, too, are a target, since the bill would put a freeze on approval of any that require the use of eminent domain to secure a route, as well as any new lines or maintenance work that would enhance an existing line’s capacity.
The measure also would require a 36% reduction in electric energy consumption in buildings by 2035.
In addition, it would set up programs to help workers in fossil fuel businesses and affected communities cope with its changes, and proposes measures to provide environmental justice protections.
“The Green New Deal Act puts working families and vulnerable communities — not special interests — front and center,” Rasoul said.
“Our voters spoke loud and clear in November that they are ready for change.”
Shad Plank is the Daily Press blog that tracks Virginia politics. It takes its name from the traditional Shad Planking political get-together, though hopefully it is tastier than the roasted fish featured at that Sussex County event. To contact Dave Ress with tips or questions, call 757-247-4535 or email dress@dailypress.com.
