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Mountain Valley Pipeline contractor cited for workplace injury
A contractor for the Mountain Valley Pipeline is cited for an accident during which a large rock rolled down a steep mountainside and struck an employee in November. Precision Pipeline violated a state law requiring it to keep its workplace safe from hazards likely to cause serious injury or death, an investigation by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry recently found. The Wisconsin-based company, which is handling much of the construction of the natural gas pipeline, was fined $15,375, according to documents released by the department Thursday in response to an open records request.
Political newcomer who blew whistle on Trump faces experienced foes in Democratic primary
Eugene Vindman has never run for office, and he’s far from a household name, but his almost cultlike status among national Democratic activists as a figure from the first impeachment of Donald Trump has elevated him to a leading contender in a key Virginia congressional race. Vindman’s ability to raise money from outside the district has given him an advantage in the seven-person primary in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, to the consternation of other contenders who paid their dues in state or local office before seeking a seat in Congress.
How Hampton Roads leaders are looking at transit to help boost the region’s economy
When Hampton Roads leaped into the public competition to host Amazon’s second headquarters, its application included a laundry list of the region’s best features and the changes it would make for the megacorporation. There were promises that if Amazon needed a huge campus location, Hampton Roads could run a water taxi and dedicated bus line for Amazon employees to Suffolk. If the company wanted to be close to the beach, there were already plans to build light rail to connect downtown Norfolk with the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. … That part of the region’s pitch was clear: Hampton Roads was willing to build a more robust transit system to attract big business.
Surovell: Youngkin’s autocratic decision moves Virginia backward on the transition to EVs
Governor Youngkin’s reckless attempt to unilaterally undo Virginia’s Clean Cars law is an autocratic and unlawful action that will hurt everyday Virginians and set our state back. The General Assembly and Governor Ralph Northam adopted Virginia’s Clean Car Law in 2021 at the request of Virginia automobile dealerships who lacked access to a consistent supply of affordable electric vehicles (EV’s). Fifteen other states had already joined a multi-state compact which caused manufacturers to send most electric vehicles to other states so they could meet sales quotas. One purpose of the law was to provide Virginia consumers with more electric vehicle choices at lower prices so that they could enjoy the same choices and prices as other states.
Top GOP leaders in the 5th District urge Trump to reconsider McGuire endorsement
Top Republican officials in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District are asking former President Donald Trump to rethink his endorsement of Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland County, in the district’s GOP primary election and to instead consider backing the incumbent, Rep. Bob Good, R-Campbell County. “We the undersigned leaders of the 5th District Republican Congressional Committee strongly urge President Donald Trump to reconsider his endorsement of Congressman Bob Good’s opponent in the Republican Primary,” reads an open letter to the party’s presumptive presidential nominee that was signed by 25 party officials, including the vast majority of the district’s unit chairs and all of the district’s State Central Committee members.
Youngkin visits Manassas to promote indoor farming industry
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin was in Manassas Thursday to promote the growth of indoor vertical farming in the state. State officials are aiming to address economic challenges faced by indoor farmers. The concept of “vertical farming” may seem straightforward, but implementing it is complex. The new Beanstalk Vertical Farm in Prince William County features 50-foot grow towers, which will soon fill a massive warehouse.
Primaries in 7th and 10th districts defined by crowded field
Primary elections for two open seats in Congress will largely be determined by turnout, experts told VPM News. Virginia’s 7th and 10th Congressional Districts will be without an incumbent, following the resignations of Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) and Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D). “Most of these candidates are going to agree on 90, maybe even 95% of the issues,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor at the University of Mary Washington. “When you have this kind of intramural party contest, it’s often hard, particularly in a big field, to stand up for something that others are not also standing up for.”
Chesapeake Regional, Anthem reach multi-year agreement over insurance rates
With the contract deadline just weeks away, Chesapeake Regional Hospital and Anthem have reached a multi-year agreement over insurance rates after a public dispute earlier this year. In April, Chesapeake Regional, the only independent community hospital in Hampton Roads, released a statement saying Anthem, one of the largest insurance providers in the region, has been paying them 25% less than what they pay other local hospitals for the same care.
Virginia House speaker confirms special session on military tuition program
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott said state lawmakers will return to Richmond this month to address recent changes to a state program that covers higher education costs for some military families. They will discuss the Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which provides a tuition waiver and an annual stipend to spouses and children of veterans who are killed, missing in action, taken prisoner or at least 90% permanently disabled as a result of military service or combat. But through the budget process this year, the program was scaled back to rein in ballooning tuition waiver costs, which universities have had to cover.
Voyles: Not outsourcing Virginia’s lawmaking to California bureaucrats is a good thing
This week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced, and Attorney General Jason Miyares confirmed in an official opinion, that the commonwealth will no longer be legally bound to follow California’s electric vehicle mandate at the end of this year. Announcing the expiration of a regime where unelected bureaucrats in California dictate Virginia’s policy has inexplicably met some pushback — all of which is unfounded. In 2021, Virginia Democrats, then in control of the governorship and General Assembly, passed a law authorizing Virginia to adopt California’s costly and burdensome vehicle emission standards. These standards are set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a group of unelected bureaucrats.