Maryland Grid Can Easily Accommodate Electrification of Building and Transportation Sectors, State Study Concludes

Prominent Climate Groups Praise Study Findings, Optimistic About Electrification

Baltimore, MD — A report commissioned by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) shows that Maryland’s grid is equipped to accommodate high electrification of vehicles and buildings, especially if coupled with achievable gains in energy efficiency and load flexibility.

“The results from this study deliver good news to Marylanders,” said Chris Stix, a volunteer with Sierra Club who participated in the study. “We can achieve Maryland’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% without overloading the electric grid by widely deploying heat pumps. For space and hot water heating, the use of heat pumps is much more efficient than existing electric and fossil fuel appliances. As a result, they contribute only modestly to peak electric loads.”

The study shows that electrification of buildings and vehicles will result in very limited additional load growth relative to what the utilities are already planning in their own growth forecasts over the next ten years. In the high electrification scenario that assumes best-in-class technology (such as highly efficient cold-climate heat pumps), the Maryland system would see 1.1% annual load growth. This load growth could be even further reduced to 0.3% with ambitious but achievable energy efficiency and load flexibility measures.

“All Marylanders deserve a healthy and safe place to live. This study shows that not only can we upgrade homes across the state with clean, highly efficient equipment that will slash pollution and improve public health, but we already have the grid capacity to make those updates,” said Ruth Ann Norton, President & CEO of the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative. “Our state leaders in the General Assembly and Governor Moore must now pursue policies that will equitably deliver healthy, pollution-free homes.”

The expected load growth is comparable to or less than the Maryland system has seen year-by-year over the past 40 years. Historically, the system experienced significant load growth in the 1980s of 4.9% per year and more moderate growth of 1.2-1.5% from 1990-2010. Load declined between 2010-2020.

One reason for the limited impact of electrification is that there is existing headroom available on the grid to handle winter and summer peaks in demand. Heat pumps are also far more efficient than fossil-fuel-powered equipment. They provide both heating and cooling and are two to four times more efficient than gas furnaces and use 29% less electricity than the best-performing central air conditioning units.

In 2022, as part of the Climate Solutions Now Act, the Maryland General Assembly considered whether to require electric heating and cooling equipment in all newly constructed buildings in the state. Concerned about the impacts that new construction would have on the grid, legislators directed the PSC to create the Electrification Study Working Group (ESWG) to study the issue.

“This study completely puts to rest the question of whether the grid can handle electrification of new construction,” said Anne Havemann, Deputy Director and General Counsel for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, who also participated in the ESWG.

The PSC commissioned the Brattle Group to model five scenarios, two of which meet the state’s goal of 60% GHG reduction from 2006 levels by 2031. The first, 3A, employs a high level of cold-climate heat pumps, with 90% of space heating sales in buildings being heat pumps by 2030.  The second, 3B, employs a high level of conventional heat pumps by 2030. Water heater sales are assumed to be 90% heat pumps by 2027. For electric vehicles, all scenarios achieve Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations.

The assumptions used in Brattle’s study were carefully considered by the Electrification Study Work Group and all stakeholders, including the utilities, had the extensive ability to comment on them. As a starting point, Brattle used each electric utility’s 10-year plan. The starting level of heat pump deployment is based on a 2022 survey commissioned by the PSC.

“Maryland is on the cusp of an exciting transition to a 21st-century energy future,” Havemann added. “To manage this transition equitably and responsibly, Maryland must commit to policies such as zero-emissions equipment standards that can accelerate the adoption of highly efficient technologies such as heat pumps and modernizing its grid to ensure all residents reap the health and economic benefits of pollution-free homes. Targeted incentives and new regulations that prioritize equity must be implemented now to achieve the transition to a highly electrified future in a way that doesn’t leave Marylanders behind. This future is achievable and manageable and we encourage the state to commit now.”

#   #   #

Virginia Marine Resources Commission Approves Water Permit for Pipeline Project Despite 100% Public Opposition

VMRC allowed little time and made little effort to solicit public comments – and then ignored the 174 public comments opposing the project.

RICHMOND, VA. Yesterday, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) approved a wetlands permit for the Virginia Reliability Project, which would dig up 49 miles of a 12-inch diameter pipeline running from Hampton Roads to Central Virginia and replace it with a 24-inch pipeline. The project would quadruple the pipeline’s capacity to channel dangerous, planet-warming methane gas. Within one mile of the pipeline’s route, more than half the population are communities of color and nearly half the population live below the poverty line.

VMRC allowed for just 15 days of public comment, starting the Monday of Thanksgiving week, and did not publicize the opportunity in the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall Public Notices. Nevertheless, 174 comments were filed to oppose the project, constituting 100% of all public comments received. VMRC issued a decision on the permit on the day that the comment period closed, so it is unclear whether commissioners reviewed the comments. 

Statement from Charles Brown, Hampton Roads Organizer for Chesapeake Climate Action Network:

“It is beyond absurd that VMRC did less than the bare minimum to notify the public about the opportunity to submit comments – and then did not take into account the fact that 100% of comments were in opposition to the project. What is the point of public comment periods if the public is neither engaged nor listened to?

CCAN has spoken with thousands of people along the route of the proposed pipeline project. Residents of the directly impacted community have been clear that they are fearful of the impact this will have on their health and wellness, or have not been engaged with whatsoever by TC Energy and Columbia Gas. These frontline community members are not being heard.” 

Thirteen public schools and one hospital are within 1.5 miles or less of the route, including Hillpoint Elementary in Suffolk, just 300 feet from the pipeline’s path — and well within its “blast zone.” The project would also cut through 4.2 miles of the Great Dismal Swamp, a key protected habitat home to some of the most important wildlife in the mid-Atlantic region.

#   #   #

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with climate change  in the Chesapeake Bay region. For 20 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Over 40 Maryland Groups Tell Governor Moore to “Get it Done by ‘31” for the Climate

Governor Moore with Maryland Flag
Take Action: Tell Governor Moore to make a strong climate action plan!

As Governor Moore finalizes the state plan to reduce climate pollution 60% by 2031, a broad array of organizations declare that “Commitments, promises, and unfunded recommendations, regardless of how bold they are, will simply not be enough”

Annapolis, MD — Before the end of December, the Moore Administration must put forward a comprehensive plan to meet Maryland’s climate goals. As the details of that plan are being finalized, more than 40 Maryland grassroots and business leaders signed a letter to the Governor urging him to include concrete investments with guaranteed funding mechanisms to reduce pollution at the speed required by law. 

The letter emphasizes the need to dedicate additional resources toward successfully cutting Maryland’s climate pollution 60% by 2031. “We will not meet our climate goals without investing more to reduce emissions,” said Jamie DeMarco, Maryland Director at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, “Maryland’s climate plan cannot be silent on revenue, that’s what this letter is communicating.” 

Governor Moore has shown tremendous leadership on climate issues, the letter makes clear. Already, under his leadership, Maryland has made historic investments in offshore wind, sped up the transition to electric vehicles, made community solar a permanent program, installed leaders committed to climate action in the state agencies and at the PSC, and much more. These actions have brought the promise of new union jobs to our state, eased the burden of air pollution, and helped low and moderate income Marylanders benefit from solar power. The state’s final climate plan should match the ambition of what Governor Moore has accomplished during his first year in office. 

But the new plan needs real funding. The letter to Moore says, “Maryland needs the plan and resources to meet our goal. We are asking you to issue a strong climate plan and to commit to a funding mechanism that provides significant resources in order to “get it done by ‘31.”” 

Signatories include:
Advance Maryland; Annapolis Green; Audubon Mid-Atlantic; Baltimore 350; CASA; Cedar Lane Environmental Justice Ministry; Center for Progressive Reform; Chesapeake Climate Action Network; Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility; Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA); Climate Communications Coalition; Climate Law & Policy Project; Climate Reality Greater Maryland; Earthjustice; Elders Climate Action Maryland; Elders for Climate Action; Environment Maryland; Friends of Sligo Creek; Green Sanctuary, Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring; GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic; Howard County Climate Action; Indivisible HoCoMD; Institute for Market Transformation; Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake; Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA); Maryland League of Conservation Voters; Maryland Legislative Coalition; Maryland Legislative Coalition; Climate Justice Wing; Maryland Ornithological Society; Maryland PIRG; Mizrahi Family Charitable Fund; Mobilize Frederick; Oceantic Network; Policy Foundation of Maryland; Rebuild Maryland Coalition; Safe Skies Maryland; Sierra Club Maryland Chapter; The Nature Conservancy, Maryland/DC Chapter; Towson Therapy Group; Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland; Waterkeepers Chesapeake.

Take Action: Tell Governor Moore to make a strong climate action plan!

 

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with climate change in the Chesapeake Bay region. For over 20 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Activists Across Virginia Rally Against Gov. Youngkin’s Repeal of Popular RGGI Program

In four rallies, activists deliver suppressed public comments previously submitted to Virginia DEQ in support of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

 

RICHMOND, VA: Yesterday, scores of activists across Virginia rallied against Governor Glenn Youngkin’s plan to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). In Richmond, Norfolk, Woodbridge, and Blacksburg, crowds of concerned Virginians spoke up for the popular and highly beneficial program, which has already generated more than $624 million for flood resilience and energy efficiency programs across the Commonwealth.[1]

Analysis from the Southern Environmental Law Center shows that 88% of Virginians who submitted public comments expressed support for RGGI. But when Youngkin’s government reviewed those public comments, they ignored a vast majority of the pro-RGGI comments, classifying them as “off-topic.” 

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

In Woodbridge, more than 30 activists broadcast audio of the Youngkin administration calling pro-RGGI comments “off-topic,” then delivered suppressed comments to the regional Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) office. They also displayed them on signs for the public to see, and read them aloud, before singing together: “The tide is rising and so are we.”

Image

 

Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, stated: “The simple truth is that the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has been overwhelmingly successful in reducing air pollution in Virginia and regionally; it has continuously overperformed by creating hundreds of millions of dollars every year for essential programs that deliver results to Virginians who need them most; and it is an indispensable tool in our fight against climate change. RGGI just works – it works to protect our coasts and low-lying areas from flooding, to keep Virginians in their homes, and to drive down energy bills for low-income Virginians. Without RGGI, Governor Youngkin has no plan to deliver these life-saving programs to Virginians. We will fight back against his illegitimate, anti-democratic, anti-scientific agenda at every chance we get.”

Jordan Seurattan, Northern Virginia Organizer with the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, stated: “The people have spoken time and again, but Governor Youngkin won’t listen. Governor Youngkin believes he can gaslight us into believing that RGGI is harmful for Virginia, when in reality it’s his policies that are hurting our communities. When people in power use their position to put polluters first, it’s up to us to hold them accountable. That’s why we are here today. To tell Youngkin that he’s not fooling us, and Virginian’s deserve better.” 

 

 

 

RICHMOND

Image

Meanwhile, in Richmond, steps away from the Governor’s Mansion, Mayor Levar Stoney and City Council Member Katherine Jordan joined the call for Youngkin to stop his unlawful efforts to kneecap Virginia’s biggest climate adaptation program.

 

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney related a personal experience: “Folks who are living hand-to-mouth, who are living paycheck to paycheck…these funds are going to help with upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient, let it help them cool or heat their homes. People like my grandmother are living paycheck to paycheck on a fixed income. It’s hard to afford a day’s living on a fixed income. These dollars would help people like my grandmother, grandmothers all across not just the city of Richmond but the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

 

 

Photo by Jen Lawhorne, Appalachian Voices

NORFOLK

Down in Norfolk, community members were joined by Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan to rally virtually in the face of thunderstorms and discuss the benefits of RGGI in Norfolk, where the RGGI-backed Community Flood Preparedness Fund has funded a flood protection system.view?usp=sharing

 

Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan stated: “RGGI is a drop in the bucket and if we can’t save this, how are we going to find funding for everything we need to do?”view

Mary-Carson Stiff, Director of Wetlands Watch, stated: “This is the only source of grant funding for flood preparedness and climate adaptation in Virginia. It’s it. The proceeds are consistent and reliable, which our communities need so they can plan to apply and then continue applying for years to come.” 

BLACKSBURG 

And in Blacksburg, 15 protesters gathered bearing colorful signs and t-shirts to make their voices loud and clear and spread the word about support for RGGI.

view?usp=sharingPhoto from Chesapeake Climate Action Network

The New River Valley Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America stated: “Governor Youngkin’s decision to remove Virginia from the RGGI will have lasting consequences for southwest Virginians and the mountains they love. We needed to organize this rally to make sure Virginia voters understand what we stand to lose without action on climate.”

 

The four rallies were organized by Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Appalachian Voices, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Sierra Club – Falls of the James Chapter, Third Act Virginia, and Virginia League of Conservation Voters.

Biden/McCarthy Debt Ceiling Agreement Betrays Virginia and Frontline Communities, Putting People and Climate at Risk

CCAN says: “We will not take this lying down. Our fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline is not over.”

Richmond, VA — Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to approve the debt ceiling agreement and against an amendment to remove provisions that fast-track approval for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). The MVP is a proposed 303-mile fracked-gas pipeline that would run through West Virginia and southwest Virginia and result in as much carbon pollution annually as 26 coal-fired power plants. Its approval was inserted into the agreement as a political favor from President Joe Biden to Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) in return for his vote for the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. 

An amendment to remove the MVP provisions was introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in the Senate and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) in the House of Representatives, and supported by the entire Virginia Democratic delegation, but neither effort was successful. 

The Fiscal Responsibility Act, which now awaits the President’s signature, declares that completion of the MVP “is required in the national interest.” It requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue all permits within 21 days of the law’s enactment and hamstrings other government agencies, bypassing their long-established environmental review processes. Finally, it prohibits courts from reviewing all pending and future permits for MVP. The bill also undercuts the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), undermining decades of environmental protections. 

 Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director for Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), stated:  

“First, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Kaine and Congresswoman McClellan for championing the effort to remove MVP from this bill. Today, we are grieving for the families in southwest Virginia who have fought this pipeline tooth and nail for eight years. Their home should not be sacrificed as a political favor. We are grieving for ourselves, and especially our young people, for whom this represents a huge step backwards in our urgent fight against climate change. Their future should not be a bargaining chip. And we are grieving for our lands and waters, cherished places which will now be less protected.

But let us be clear: more than anything, we are furious. We feel betrayed by the Biden administration, who transparently traded the people and land of Southwest Virginia for a vote. The President’s commitment to climate and environmental justice is merely rhetoric if he continues to approve massive new fossil fuel infrastructure and reduce and sidestep community and judicial review. We’re equally furious at the Republicans who threatened to drive our economy off the cliff to pursue their political ends. We will not take this lying down. Our fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline is not over.”

Chesapeake Climate Action Network has been involved in the fight to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline since 2015 through organizing and legal action. With our partners, CCAN successfully defeated attempts to build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Chickahominy Gas Plant and Pipeline in Virginia, as well as numerous other fossil fuel infrastructure projects.

# # #

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For more than 20 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

CCAN Applauds EPA’s New Carbon Rules As A Step Towards Climate Justice

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to tighten restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel power plants. EPA proposed two new rules: one for existing coal and gas plants, and one for new gas plants. The largest facilities must make the earliest and most substantial carbon emission cuts, while retiring coal plants and peak-demand gas units face more lenient standards. New gas plants must implement the latest emission reduction technologies within a specific timeframe.

Continue reading

Climate Ride 2023: Team CCAN

 

Team CCAN Bikes Through the Shenandoah Valley for Climate Action

 

We did it! CCAN’s first ever (official) Climate Ride team participated in the Green Fondo Climate Ride in Shenandoah, VA and we had a BLAST! It was one of the most memorable events I have ever participated in, and I want to tell you about it so that you all join me on Team CCAN next year! 

What is Climate Ride?

The Green Fondo– a play on “Gran Fondo” (Italian for “Great Ride”) for all of you cycling people out there– is a weekend biking event hosted by Climate Ride, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that mobilizes people to protect our planet through life-changing adventures. They organize charitable biking, running, and hiking events to raise awareness and support sustainability, active transportation, and environmental causes.

 

Team CCAN, which consisted of seven riders, has already raised almost $17,000, all of which will go directly to CCAN! Every detail throughout the weekend was thoughtfully planned by the Climate Ride organization – from the bike routes to the food– and even though we had quite a bit of rain come down over the course of the weekend, it didn’t put a damper on the fun! 

 

Day One: 37 miles on Skyline Drive:

On Friday night, we arrived at the Northern Virginia 4-H Conference center and were greeted by the friendly Climate Ride staff– shoutout to Amy, Patrick, and the entire team for the warm welcome! We had smores, got acquainted with our fellow climate riders, and stayed warm next to a roaring fire! We hit the hay early, after we got the rundown on the plan for the morning. 

On Saturday, we woke up bright and early and ready to ride. After a delicious breakfast, and a safety talk, we hopped on the bus, our bikes were loaded into the truck, and we were shuttled to the Thorton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park. One of the great perks of participating in a Climate Ride event is that they do almost everything for you except the pedaling! They provide the route, the water stops, the lunch, emergency bike repair along the route, the shuttle, and snacks! You quite literally just have to show up with your bike (and do your fundraising of course!) 

We hit the road at around 10:30 AM and started our journey northward on Skyline Drive. I have driven along Skyline Drive many times, and I have always thought  “wow, those people must be crazy” as I passed bikers, but this time, I was one of them. In all seriousness, I can honestly say that I felt very safe the entire time. The Climate Ride Guides encouraged us to take all of the necessary safety precautions and made sure we were ready to go out and have a safe and fun day in the park on our bikes.

After a long day in the saddle, we rode back into camp having covered 37 miles and climbed 3,000 ft of elevation. Phew- I was beat! We were treated to a restorative yoga session followed by a much needed hot shower. In the evening, Palmyra performed live while we enjoyed local beer and wine and chatted it up with the other riders about the day’s adventures.

The Party:

After a delicious dinner catered by Blue Wing Frog restaurant (check it out if you’re in the area), we listened to a special talk by Alex Clark, who is the founder of Prime Ability– a youth development program with the mission of building communities and inspiring the lives of young people through fitness. Alex, who is a teacher at Dunbar High School in Washington, DC, started Prime Ability in the summer of 2020 with the goal of getting “more kids on bikes and less kids on the streets.” The organization has been growing exponentially year after year, Alex was named a 2023 DC Teacher of the Year finalist, and he has established a National Interscholastic Cycling Association team that is expected to grow to almost 30 riders this coming year! You can follow Prime Ability on Instagram here. They host weekly rides in the DC area for students looking to get out and ride! 

 

Day Two: Biking in the Rain

On Sunday, we got WET. It was pouring when we left camp for the 20 mile ride, but about 30 of us persevered and we had a wonderful time. Our route took us through wine country, fields filled with adorable cows and their calves and past the roaring Shenandoah river. The Climate Ride team had Apple Cider donuts waiting for us at the water stop before we continued along the route to our first big climb of the day. I’ll admit–my legs went on strike at one point and I jumped off my bike to walk up a steep hill. Thank goodness for my awesome fellow climate riders encouraging me up every hill. Everytime I felt like giving up there was someone behind me telling me to push through and keep going. 

 

Everyone in the Climate Ride community was so welcoming on my first climate ride. I was inspired by the passion these people have for not only the sport, but for the organizations they raise money for year after year riding in events all over the country. 

Our Team:

I am so proud of Dan, Lisa, Katie, Connor, Kurt, and Reid! All together, we have already raised ~$17,000 – all of which will go directly to CCAN! If you would like to donate to our team, we would love your support! We have a goal of raising $25,000 and we are able to accept donations until June 30th! Climate Ride is also generously matching all donations. 

 

 

 

Join Team CCAN Next year:

One thing is for sure, I will be back. Like so many others I’ve talked to, after one event with Climate Ride, you’re hooked! It’s an incredible way to fundraise for an environmental organization you are passionate about, a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, and a great way to hang out with people who care about the environment. I’m looking forward to the next East Coast Climate Ride,and growing team CCAN’s participation in the event, so be on the lookout for an email from me next year (sign up for our email updates here) to join me out there!

 

Take a Climate Ride or Hike on Your Own:

Climate Ride hosts hikes and biking trips throughout the year and around the world! They have something for everyone. You can check out their upcoming events here.

 

CCAN is always looking for grassroots fundraising opportunities like this for our supporters to be a part of. If you would like to participate in a Climate Ride in support of CCAN, have another idea for a peer-to-peer fundraising event, or would like to host a benefit concert or other form of fundraiser, please reach out to our Major Gifts and Events Officer, Jessica Rampulla, at jessica@chesapeakeclimate.org. 

 

It’s also not too late to support Team CCAN and our 2023 ride through Shenandoah! Every dollar donated will go to CCAN AND will be matched by Climate Ride! Support our Climate Ride team today.

 

Nicole Schroyer 

Communications Manager CCAN & CCAN Action Fund 

Take Action

US Fish & Wildlife Reissues Controversial Permit for Struggling Mountain Valley Pipeline – CCAN Objects

The MVP still lacks several permits necessary to finish the project. CCAN joins groups in seeking to block construction until ALL challenges are resolved.

 

RICHMOND, VA. Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reissued a Biological Opinion detailing the expected and potential impacts on wildlife from the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). The previously issued Biological Opinion was vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit last year, concluding that the MVP’s environmental assessment did not adequately protect endangered species like the Roanoke logperch and the candy darter. In yesterday’s announcement, USFWS said that MVP has addressed those concerns and therefore reissued the document, removing one of several permitting barriers that must be resolved before the project can be completed. 

However, USFWS noted that petitioners in Fourth Circuit litigation had submitted “voluminous materials” to the Service as they were in the process of finalizing this Opinion and those materials were not addressed. USFWS said that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other agencies will need to assess whether those materials contain new information that might prevent them from relying on this Opinion to meet their obligations.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a 303-mile fracked gas pipeline running through West Virginia and western Virginia, majority-owned by Equitrans Midstream Corporation. If completed, it would account for the carbon equivalent of 26 new coal-fired power plants annually. The MVP is still waiting on verdicts from both the DC and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and requires a Clean Water Act 404 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition, the MVP is seeking a renewed permit to cross the cherished Jefferson National Forest after two prior issuances were struck down by courts. 

Chesapeake Climate Action Network and other environmental groups are objecting to the new permit and seeking to block any construction until all permits are acquired and unchallenged. 

Statement from Elle De La Cancela, CCAN’s Central Virginia Campaign Coordinator:

“The Mountain Valley Pipeline still has much to answer for and a long way to go until the project is completed. The company’s exorbitant track record of vacated permits and water quality violations should signal that the MVP is incapable of abiding by the law. Coupled with our national and necessary shift to clean energy, I’m questioning — and I imagine investors are, too  — how much money the MVP is willing to waste for a project that is billions of dollars over budget and totally out of step with national climate goals.” 

In documents submitted to regulators, Equitrans expressed trepidation on a firm completion date. The company said that they were uncertain of returning the expected returns to joint partners. The Mountain Valley Pipeline is currently several years over timeline and $6 billion over budget. 

Contact: 
Elle De La Cancela, Central VA Campaign Coordinator, elle@chesapeakeclimate.org, 804-723-0441

KC Chartrand, Communications Director, kc@chesapeakeclimate.org, 240-620-7144

# #  #   

Youngkin Uses State Air Board to Illegally Repeal Popular Climate Policy

Proposed regulation would pull Virginia out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which was enacted by the legislature, delivers hundreds of millions of dollars to the state, and has overwhelming public support.


RICHMOND, VA- Today, the State Air Pollution Control Board, at Governor Glenn Youngkin’s behest, voted to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is an overwhelmingly popular climate policy that produces hundreds of millions of dollars per year for flood resilience, affordable housing, and energy efficiency in the Commonwealth as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Air Board, stacked with Youngkin appointees and boasting numerous fossil fuel connections, voted to repeal RGGI despite that 95% of comments provided during a public comment period were in support of the policy.

Statement from Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director for Chesapeake Climate Action Network:

“Governor Youngkin has proven time and again that his allegiances are with the fossil fuel industry, not the people of Virginia. Participation in RGGI is a commonsense policy that reduces air pollution, keeps us on track to meet our climate goals, and provides necessary funding to address the flooding we see today and that we know will get worse in the coming years. Because of RGGI’s overwhelming public support, Youngkin failed to repeal this popular policy through the legislature. It is appalling that the Governor has now turned to using unelected members of a citizen board to enact his extremist agenda. This transparently undemocratic and illegitimate attempt at repeal reveals the lengths to which Youngkin will go to drag Virginia backwards on climate.”

The state legislature voted to join the Commonwealth to RGGI during the 2020 General Assembly. Removing the state from the program requires action by the legislature, which was affirmed by 61 state lawmakers in a letter to the Board in September. Pushing repeal through the Air Board is Youngkin’s third attempt to undo the policy, after failing in the legislature and through executive action.

Contact:
KC Chartrand, kc@chesapeakeclimate.org, 240-620-7144
Victoria Higgins, vhiggins@chesapeakeclimate.org, 201-937-70174

#   #   #

Related campaign:

Youngkin is Marching Virginia Backwards