Local news, first! Roanoke became the first local government in Virginia to implement a plastic bag ordinance starting January 1, 2022! According to the legislation, it aims to curb street litter, protect waterways, minimize solid waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Single use plastic shopping bags are all over in our local, Fairfax county streams; …

Mo Pipeline, Mo Problems The Biden administration urges Americans not to hoard gasoline, following the ransomware attack that caused the Colonial Pipeline to shut down. Gasoline shortages have hit the South the hardest, but this article noted shortages have been occurring in Virginia as well. Transportation is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse …

Can a Story About Litter Be Lovable? This wholesome news about two little girls receiving a response to their letters to Santa sent via balloon demonstrates unintended consequences of balloon releases. In addition to the generous stranger in this story that provided the girls a gift that their family couldn’t afford due to the pandemic, …

The 2021 General Assembly is coming to an end and there were definitely environmental successes. We will forever remember the 2021 General Assembly by the words of Senator Chap Petersen, “The great polystyrene compromise of 2021” and Senator Hanger’s defense of chemical conversion, “I believe my friends in the environmental community will, once they understand …

WE Are So Close To The End–one way or another! SB 1164, the bill that will classify chemical conversion as a manufacturing process will be heard on Wednesday afternoon (2/17) by the House Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources Committee. This bill will exempt polluting facilities from permits mandated for similar facilities under Virginia law. Waste …

The General Assembly has been extended and there are a few bills we’re hoping to see over the finish line. Expanded Polystyrene Food and Beverage Containers: HB 1902 which bans Single Use Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), usually called Styrofoam, food and beverage containers has made it through the House. The bill will probably be heard early …

Crossover, which is a like a legislative version of the “Red Rover, Red Rover” game has happened at the General Assembly and all bills have transferred between the House and Senate. SB 1164 the bill that will classify chemical conversion as a manufacturing process instead of a Solid Waste facility /process will be heard by …

This short legislative session has been a real test on our one last good nerve. In reference to SB 1164, the bill that would classify chemical conversion (chemical recycling) as a manufacturing process, the bill co-patron had this pithy quote aimed at environmentalists who have been working overtime presenting testimony and data for why it …

The collective advocacy efforts of groups across Virginia has stalled SB 1164, the bill to classify chemical conversion (chemical recycling aka burning plastic to create more plastic to burn) as a manufacturing process. Tomorrow, this bill will be heard by the Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee . This action alert is going to …