VA and MD Passing Green Legislation
- by Brandon Fuller on Thursday, April 9, 2009
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It’s relatively easy to push progressive environmental legislation through the DC Council. Moving similar bills through state legislatures is a very different task. That’s why it’s important that we stay informed on such legislation in nearby states and support it however we can.
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is tracking two pieces of climate-related legislation in Maryland and Virginia.
The first is the “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act” or SB 278/HB 315 in Maryland. This bill sets a goal of reducing global warming emissions by 25% in ten years. CCAN feels this bill will make a dramatic difference in the amount of Maryland carbon emissions and will encourage the Feds to take similar action. If you live in Maryland, you can send a note to the state legislature on CCAN’s site and urge them to support this bill.
Yesterday, the “Energy Efficiency Programs” or HB2506 was passed in the Virginia General Assembly. This bill aims to help privately-owned electric companies pay for energy efficiency improvements. CCAN was unhappy with the original bill because it did not go far enough in setting standards for energy efficiency. The legislation that passed last night included amendments from Gov. Kaine which add new efficiency targets and set a goal for mandatory efficiency standards in future legislation. You can read the Twitter account of the passage of this bill on CCAN’s site.
Photo Credit: Flickr CC User Willem van Bergen
Sphere: Related ContentAbout the Author
Brandon Fuller has written 178 stories on this site.
Brandon Fuller works at the intersection of environmental policy and communications. Currently, he publishes a blog on environmental issues and green living that has been featured in the Washington Post Express, Washingtonian.com, GreenPlanet.com and more. He is also a member of the advisory committee for CarbonFreeDC, a grassroots initiative dedicated to mobilizing DC-area residents to dramatically reduce local carbon emissions. He recently earned a law degree in environmental law and policy and has served as both a Law Clerk and Legislative Assistant for the State of Florida.
