News
A Change in Wind Direction on Virginia Energy Policy?
A Change in Wind Direction on Virginia Energy Policy? By Stephen D. Haner “The Department of Energy, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality, shall analyze the life cycle of renewable energy facilities, including solar, wind, and battery storage components. The analysis shall assess the (i) feasibility, costs, recycling and salvage opportunities, waste strategies, […]
Raising the bar
Raising the bar Businesses worry as state increases minimum wage On May 1, Virginia’s minimum hourly wage will rise to $9.50 for most non-farm jobs, and for many business owners, that won’t be too disruptive. But the state’s upcoming Jan. 1, 2022, mandated raise to $11 “is of greater concern” to businesses, says Eric Terry, president […]
Hudgins: Let science speak: Time to restructure activist citizen boards after denied air permit
On Dec. 3, in a 6-1 vote, the activist Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board voted to deny an air permit for a compressor station in Pittsylvania County as part of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. State Air Pollution Control Board member Hope Cupit stated, “I have concluded that when we equitably consider — not just […]
Virginia agencies are getting rid of single-use plastics. Not everyone is pleased.
Virginia agencies are getting rid of single-use plastics. Not everyone is pleased. Business groups hope Youngkin will roll back executive order The road to getting rid of single-use plastics at the Virginia Department of Corrections is littered with security protocols — specifically, ensuring that nonplastic bottles and cutlery can’t be used as weapons. “There’s a […]
Charlie Baker drops out of TCI, admitting initiative ‘no longer best solution’ for state
Charlie Baker drops out of TCI, admitting initiative ‘no longer best solution’ for state Gov. Charlie Baker has pulled the plug on a regional climate initiative that would have capped tailpipe emissions and was projected to hike gas prices at a time of record inflation, admitting the multi state-deal is “no longer the best solution.” […]
Time To Reform Virginia’s Energy Policies
Time To Reform Virginia’s Energy Policies Dominion Energy Virginia’s announcement Friday that its proposed offshore wind project has jumped almost 25% in cost to $10 billion, with years to go before construction even starts, has put Virginia’s energy policy and its response to claims of climate disaster on the front burner for 2022. Below are my suggested […]
Confirmed: Virginia Economy Lags National Growth
Confirmed: Virginia Economy Lags National Growth It’s official now: Even the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) has documented and highlighted how poorly Virginia’s economy is performing, how far our state is lagging national growth averages. The admission comes in the most recent summary on state spending trends, an annual report (detailed version here) which was submitted […]
VMAPAC Launches MFGMAKESVA.COM
VMAPAC Launches MFGMAKESVA.COM ~Find information on voting, candidates, VMAPAC issues, and more~ RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Manufacturers Association Political Action Committee (VMAPAC) launched their new campaign site MFGMAKESVA.COM, a comprehensive resource for voting information, details on candidates for legislative office, and VMAPAC issues. There is also a portal to make contributions to the PAC. “The manufacturing community faces many […]
James City County Unveils Pilot Glass Recycling Program
James City County Unveils Pilot Glass Recycling Program [link] TOANO — Starting today, Sept. 22, James City County (JCC) residents who regularly use the county recycling convenience centers will notice a brand new bin in which to drop off their glass bottles. The bins, which are painted a bright purple, are the start of a pilot program […]
Letters to the Editor for Oct. 4, 2021: Stakes are high for city gas utility’s future
Letters to the Editor for Oct. 4, 2021: Stakes are high for city gas utility’s future Editor, Times-Dispatch: When Richmond City Council indicates an intention to eliminate the Richmond Gas Works, as it did with a resolution on Sept. 13, that decision does not stop at the city line. Tens of thousands of Henrico and […]