On March 16, 2022, the Sierra Club York River Group heard from three of our legislators who just completed two months working on pro-environmental bills in the Virginia General Assembly 2022 Session.

Senator Monty Mason, SD 1, representing several localities on the Peninsula, spoke about legislation that promotes electric vehicles, SB 575.

Senator Mamie Locke, SD 2, representing parts of Hampton and Newport News, spoke about voting rights legislation, SJ1.

Delegate Shelly Simonds, HD 94, representing part of Newport News, spoke about environmental justice legislation, HB 1276.

The only bill of the three that fared well under the Republican-controlled House of Delegates was SB 575.  From Senator Mason:  This bill requires that before the state purchases new vehicles, the Department of General Services must run a cost calculator for the life of the vehicle comparing the cost of an electric vehicle with a comparable gas vehicle and buy whichever is less expensive overall. This is both a way to save the state money and make good on our commitment to green energy policies.  As of the time of this writing, this bill must still be considered by the Governor.

Voting rights in Virginia suffered a major setback. SJ1, which needed to pass in order to be put on the ballot as a Constitutional amendment on qualifications of voters and the right to vote, was killed in subcommittee in a 7:30 AM vote.

Finally, HB 1276 failed, also in subcommittee. This bill was to help encourage a healthy communities strategies for larger cities and counties when reviewing their comprehensive plans. The bill provided that the strategy would: (1) identify neighborhoods with major sources of pollution or hazardous waste, (2) identify objectives and policies to reduce health risks in such neighborhoods, (3) promote civic engagement by residents of such neighborhoods, and (4) prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of such neighborhoods.