In December 2008, Governor Timothy M. Kaine launched Renew Virginia, a year-long series of legislative and administrative actions promoting renewable energy, creating green jobs, and encouraging preservation of the environment.
Governor Kaine won passage of several bills advancing his initiative during the 2009 session of the General Assembly, including rewarding electric utilities for productively investing in energy efficiency, setting a goal of raising the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 15 percent by 2025, and encouraging development of biofuels from non-food crops.
He also has continued to work toward his goal of forever protecting 400,000 acres of open space from development, a goal he will reach during his term.
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Governor Kaine Announces More Land Preserved Toward 400,000 Acre GoalROANOKE– Last week, Governor Kaine highlighted the Virginia Outdoors Foundation's approval of 17,000 acres throughout Virginia to be placed under conservation easement. He also announced that the Roanoke City Council has agreed to support plans to establish two perpetual conservation easements on Mill Mountain and the surrounding 600 acre park. |
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The Renew Virginia initiative includes the following actions :
- Under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce and trade Patrick O. Gottschalk, an Interagency Task Force for Energy Project Recruitment will work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to build Virginia’s compelling case for renewable energy-related businesses. The task force will include state agencies, university research centers, and federal laboratories based in Virginia.
- The Governor has tasked VEDP with assembling an aggressive marketing plan for promoting Virginia’s business case for new investments and employment generating projects in renewable energy production and energy efficiency projects.
- The Governor’s 2009 legislative package, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks, will improve energy conservation, encourage green businesses to relocate to the Commonwealth, and help create a customer base for those already present.
- Through his roles as Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council and of the Southern Governor’s Association, Governor Kaine has pledged to work for more aggressive policies for Bay cleanup, and to create a dialogue within the Southern States on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how our natural resources can be an asset for the nation in the area of energy independence.
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Governor Kaine Announces More Land Preserved Toward 400,000 Acre Goal
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today highlighted the Virginia Outdoors Foundation's approval of 17,000 acres throughout Virginia to be placed under conservation easement. He also announced that the Roanoke City Council has agreed to support plans to establish two perpetual conservation easements on Mill Mountain and the surrounding 600 acre park.
"One of the best things we can do for our children today is to preserve the environment for tomorrow," Governor Kaine said. "These actions will bring us even closer to meeting my goal of preserving 400,000 acres of open space by the end of the decade."
Governor Kaine Encourages Virginians to Use Energy Sales Tax Holiday Starting Today
Governor Timothy M. Kaine encouraged Virginians to take advantage of the state's third annual sales tax holiday on ENERGY STAR and WaterSense-qualified products.
During this annual holiday, which will take place October 9-12, consumers can save money by buying certain qualified products tax-exempt, which will also deliver savings for years to come through lower home utility bills. As with last year's holiday, high-efficiency products with ENERGY STAR or WaterSense certification will be exempt from sales tax.
Significant Improvements in Virginia Air Quality is Announced
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced significant improvements in Virginia's air quality during the past decade. Between 1999 and 2009, the Commonwealth saw a 96 percent decrease in the number of days that exceeded the national air quality standard for ground-level ozone at monitoring stations statewide, with summer 2009 standing out as the best year on record.
"We've made incredible strides in the last decade to improve our air quality through deliberate pollution reduction initatives," Governor Kaine said. "By tackling ozone pollution in particular, we're making steady gains that protect the environment, promote human health, and will continue to benefit Virginians for generations to come."
Partnership with Dominion Virginia Power to Promote Clean Fuel Vehicles is Announced
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced as part of his Renew Virginia initiative a partnership with Dominion Virginia Power to install electric vehicle charging stations at certain state rest areas. These charging stations, installed at no cost to the state, are designed to accommodate most of today's hybrid electric vehicles and use of the stations will be complimentary. Earlier this month the first electric vehicle charging stations were installed at the westbound New Kent Safety Rest Area on Interstate 64 and can charge up to four vehicles at a time.
The stations charge vehicles at 120 volts and will eventually be upgraded to 240 volts. During the fall, the Virginia Department of Transportation will continue to work with Dominion to identify other facilities for electric vehicle charging stations installations.
See all Governor's Releases for Renew Virginia