We've been rather critical on RK with regard to Gov. Kaine and Dominion Power's proposed Wise County coal-fired power plant. That's definitely the wrong way to go when it comes to protecting the environment. Today, however, Gov. Kaine did the right thing, incorporating an amendment to ensure that only the strong, rigorous LEED standard for state buildings is used -- not the weaker, "Green Globes" substitute standard favored by forestry and other corporate interests. Thanks to Gov. Kaine and also to Del. Moran (see his statement below) for this one.
MORAN SUPPORTS GOVERNOR'S ACTION ON GREEN BUILDINGSALEXANDRIA - House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran made the following statement after Governor Kaine announced his amendment to the state budget to include only the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard for new construction of state buildings rather than lowering the standards by including "Green Globes". The "Green Globes" standard does not include third party verification, mandatory energy consumption reductions and has been used by less than 10 percent of those who use the LEED standard. Delegate Moran asked the Governor to take this action in a letter dated March 19, 2008 (attached).
UPDATE: Also, see here to read about Sen. Creigh Deeds' two policy amendments to the state budget on "Requiring State Buildings to Meet Stringent Energy Efficiency Requirements" and also on "Purchasing Energy Efficient Appliances and Equipment." Thanks to Creigh for his hard work on this!
"I thank Governor Kaine for his responsible action to preserve our environment for the next generation and generations to come," Delegate Moran said. "With the looming threat of global warming, we cannot afford to lower the environmental standards for state construction. Building 'Green Buildings' reduces energy usage, preserves the environment and lowers energy costs. Virginia ranks 38th in the nation for energy efficiency and conservation programs - we can do better.As a father with two young children, I want them to be able to enjoy the same God-given natural treasures we have today. I urge my colleagues to accept this important, responsible and forward-looking amendment."
Delegate Moran introduced "Green Buildings" legislation during the 2008 session of the General Assembly (HB1195). Today's amendment makes the budget language consistent with that in Governor Kaine's Executive Order 48.
Governor Kaine proposed amendments to SB464 (Whipple). This bill creates the Virginia Commission on Energy and Environment. The Governor's amendments direct the Commission to work with the Department of Environmental Quality to establish a voluntary greenhouse gas reporting system. Under this system, DEQ will request that all stationary sources of air pollutants that are required to report emissions under the Air Pollution Control Act include greenhouse gas emissions under the report. The system would also require DEQ to request annual information from the Department of Transportation regarding annual vehicle miles traveled, traffic trends, and characteristics of vehicles. DEQ would provide the Commission with the information gathered annually.The Governor also proposed an amendment to SB596 (Norment) that would set as the official policy of the Commonwealth a goal of reducing the projected increase in energy use in Virginia over the next fifteen years by 40%. The 40% conservation goal matches the goal set by the Virginia Energy Plan, approved by the Governor last summer.
The Governor proposed amendments to HB538 (Orrock). This is the "puppy mills" legislation. The amendment changes the enactment date from July 1, 2009 to January 1, 2009. There are several other technical amendments to the bill that do not affect the substance of the legislation.
On the subject of green leadership, Green Globes, and Creigh Deeds... I may be wrong, but I thought Sen. Deeds was in favor of the weak Green Globes initiative. Is he also making a turn for the better?
http://creighdeeds.com/2008/03...
"Senator R. Creigh Deeds today applauded the inclusion of his budget amendment requiring all new and renovated state-owned facilities to be designed and constructed according to criteria set forth by either the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Globes program."
That kind of judgement makes me worry about his progressive environmental credentials.
Virginia Association for Parks Legislator of the Year (one of only two recipients in the associations's decade-long history)
Co-Chair of the 2002 Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment which recommended increase staffing levels, maintenance and operational budgets for all 34 of Virginia's state parks.
Creigh sponsored the Land Conservation Incentives Act of 1999, and HB1747 from the same year... which greatly extended the power of the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation.
Just this past year, he co-sponsored Steve Lande's bill (identical to Senator Whipple's) to create the Virginia Natural Resources Commitment Fund, increasing grant funding to promote agricultural best management practices with a particular focus on areas within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Energy policy is just one component of overall environmental policy. Creigh has demonstrated a strong track record and sound judgment in the policy area during his 15 years in Richmond.
Most governments that adopt LEED for their buildings these days are in fact opting for LEED Silver, which is well affordable and not hard to reach once you get the hang of the system. Those who opt for LEED Certified too often go for the cheap and easy points, like adding bike racks and changing rooms -- and skip the big opportunities with major energy savings.
But I guess I shouldn't mock progress in the Old Dominion. Better to move forward slowly under moderate Dems than backward quickly under right-wing Repubs, eh?