FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6th, 2020
Media Contacts: Tim Cywinski (540) 272-5358, tim.cywinski@sierraclub.org
Daniel Willis (317) 493-9154, daniel.willis@sierraclub.org
Virginia General Assembly Passes the Virginia Clean Economy Act
The VCEA ushers in a new era of clean energy policy in Virginia
RICHMOND, VA - Today, state lawmakers took a significant first step towards Virginia’s 100% clean energy future by voting to pass the Virgina Clean Economy Act (VCEA). This comprehensive climate and energy legislation establishes four cornerstones of policy achievement for the Commonwealth:
1) decarbonize Virginia’s electricity grid by 2045 while closing our most polluting plants by 2030;
2) establish aggressive efficiency standards for electricity use in the state while protecting low-income households;
3) incentivize a broad expansion of rooftop solar generation across the state; and
4) kick start a massive offshore wind industry with firm ratepayer protections.
In response, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Director Kate Addleson released the following statement:
“We commend the General Assembly for creating a path to end our dependence on fossil fuels and moving the state significantly closer to a clean energy future. The Clean Economy Act will enable Virginia to be a top state on climate policy and could not have been achieved without the influence of a powerful grassroots movement.
This victory is proof of what we can accomplish when environmental advocates, activists and clean energy businesses band together. We look forward to continuing to work with a broad coalition of partners to ensure our state protects our environment for future generations and ensures every community can benefit from a clean energy transition.”