The Piedmont Environmental Council is tracking a broad array of bills and budget amendments, as well as supporting legislative priorities of partners within the Virginia Conservation Network.
General Assembly
Find out more about what we are tracking during Virginia’s annual legislative session.
Taking on State Law in Defense of Family Farms
It’s reasonable that Mike and Tina Roebuck want to hold on to the 112-acre Madison County farm that’s been in the Roebuck family for nearly 150 years. But a clause in a Virginia state law contained an unreasonable requirement that nearly cost the Roebucks the farm, quite literally. And when PEC heard about their predicament, our state policy team went to work.
Report from Richmond: The good, the bad from a busy session
PEC’s summary of the 2022 Virginia General Assembly session.
2022-2024 Virginia Budget Priorities
The 2022-2024 biennium budget is an opportunity to make historic investments in the preservation and enjoyment of Virginia’s natural lands.
HB 206 – Getting Solar Siting Right
HB 206 was a bipartisan bill to improve the utility-scale solar permitting process in Virginia.
Your Action Needed on a Few Good Bills
Three bills that need your advocacy this week, plus more to pay attention to as the General Assembly session continues.
SB 255: A Sweetheart Deal for Big Telecom
If passed, Senate Bill 255 would effectively prevent localities from denying cell tower proposals under 150 feet in height, making it extremely difficult to protect important cultural, scenic and environmental resources.
Eyes Turn Toward Richmond: What To Expect This Session
Beyond the biennial budget bill, where PEC plans to help lead the charge for increased and dedicated funding for natural resource preservation, there are a few key issue areas we’ll be watching closely over the next two months.
2022 General Assembly Preview
The results of November’s general election means that Virginia will head into the 2022 General Assembly session with interesting challenges and opportunities across the levers of state government.
Conservation Outcomes from a Speedy Special Session
Well, that was fast! Less than two weeks after gaveling in on Monday, Aug. 2, the Virginia General Assembly concluded its special session on Tuesday, Aug. 10.