On September 15, 2021, the Sierra Club York River Group held its second online roundtable meeting on climate solutions. Sustainability managers and representatives from six Peninsula localities provided updates on their existing and proposed programs working toward the goal of clean energy. Speakers were from Newport News, Williamsburg, York County, James City County, Poquoson, and Hampton.
Newport News Councilperson David Jenkins initiated the program by highlighting the urgency for taking action in the face of the undeniable effects of climate change. For our area, these effects include sea level rise. Closing remarks were provided by Eileen Woll, VA Chapter Offshore Energy Program Director. She described some of the initiatives of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club that are geared toward addressing climate change.
Roundtable Participants, in order of their presentations:
- Newport News: Jennifer Privette, Sustainability Manager
- Williamsburg: Caleb Rogers, Councilmember
- York County: Samantha McNeil, Outreach Coordinator, Public Works
- James City County: Cassie Cordova, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator
- Poquoson: Tonya O’Connell, Assistant City Manager
- Hampton: Carolyn Heaps, Resiliency Officer, Resilient Hampton, Community Development Department
As some examples, many of the regions are installing (or considering) solar panels, LED lighting, and electric, hybrid, or propane vehicles for their city or county assets.
The program can be viewed (for a limited time) at the following link: