For Immediate Release:
August 16, 2023
Contact: Tim Cywinski, (540) 272-5358, tim.cywinski@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Virginia Unveils 2023 Legislative Scorecard With New Addition of 2024 Policy Recommendations
Richmond, VA - The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter released its 2023 “Climate, Energy, and Justice” Scorecard, evaluating the environmental record of the state's legislators during the most recent legislative session. This comprehensive scoring record reflects the commitment of Virginia's lawmakers to advance policies that promote environmental protection, clean energy, and a sustainable future for all Virginians. The 2023 scorecard includes for – the first time – policy recommendations to the 2024 legislative session. All recommendations are designed to uphold Virginia's esteemed position as a climate champion in the South, while offering guidance on fortifying state commitments to both climate action and environmental justice.
The Sierra Club's Legislative Scorecard provides an in-depth analysis of key votes and actions taken by legislators on a range of environmental issues, including climate change, clean energy, conservation, air and water quality, democracy, and more. Each legislator is assessed based on their voting record and leadership in supporting or opposing legislation that affects the state's natural resources and quality of life. This year a total of 69 legislators scored an “A” while 66 earned an “F”, emphasizing significant disparities on climate policy and underscoring the pivotal role the upcoming state legislative election will play in shaping Virginia's environmental trajectory.
“Virginia has made significant strides in recent years towards advancing clean energy solutions, protecting our waterways, and addressing climate change, and this scorecard celebrates those efforts while also holding our elected officials accountable for their decisions", said Connor Kish, Director of the Virginia Sierra Club. “We encourage Virginians to use the scorecard and its policy recommendations as a tool to evaluate which candidates are deserving of their vote.”.”
The newly introduced legislative recommendations outline concrete pathways to advance environmental protection, cultivate the growth of clean energy, and chart a course toward a sustainable future that enriches the lives of all households in the Commonwealth. They include:
Strengthening Environmental Justice: Ensuring adequate funding for Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality to bolster the oversight of pollution monitoring and broaden community involvement in environmental matters.
Mitigating Tailpipe Pollution: Creating incentives for electric transportation alternatives and increased funding for affordable housing located near transit hubs.
Equitable Offshore Wind: Enhancing project affordability and underscore fair hiring practices for impacted communities.
Easing School Energy Burdens: Addressing the significant energy cost in school budgets through mandated incorporation of solar-ready designs in new school constructions and major renovations, thereby alleviating energy expenses.
For more information and a comprehensive view of the 2023 "Climate, Energy, and Justice" Scorecard, please visit vasierra.club/2023scorecard.
###
The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is a grassroots, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to building a commonwealth where all people may enjoy our natural treasures, access clean air and water, and thrive in a healthy community. At over 20,000 members strong, the Virginia Chapter coordinates action to promote climate solutions and oppose projects and policies that put the interests of polluters above the needs of communities through an inclusive, justice-centered movement.