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Governor’s Commission on Climate Change

On December 21, 2007, Governor Kaine issued Executive Order 59 establishing the Commission on Climate Change. In establishing this Commission, the Governor fulfilled one of the recommendations of the Virginia Energy Plan, which was completed in September of 2007.

The Virginia Energy Plan identified four overall goals, one of which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025, bringing emissions back to 2000 levels. The reduction in emissions will be partially achieved through energy conservation and renewable energy actions identified in the Energy Plan. The Commission on Climate Change will further study and formulate an action plan to fully achieve the greenhouse gas reduction goal. The Commission will be chaired by Secretary of Natural Resource L. Preston Bryant, Jr.

Click here to learn more about the Commission.

What We Do

The Secretary of Natural Resources advises the Governor on natural resources issues and works to advance the Governor's top environmental priorities. The Secretary oversees six agencies that protect and restore the Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources. The Secretary's office and all of the natural resources agencies work together to uphold the provisions of Article XI of the Virginia Constitution.

“To the end that the people have clean air, pure water, and the use and enjoyment for recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings. Further, it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth.”

- - Article XI, Constitution of Virginia

NEW!

Secretary of Natural Resources participated in a Sept. 30 global climate change conference in Berlin

Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant (second from left) participated in a Sept. 30 global climate change conference in Berlin, Germany. He is shown here with, from left, Dr. Karsten Sach, Deputy Director General for International Cooperation, German Federal Ministry for the Environment; Mr. Reinhard Butikofer, Chairman, German Green Party; and Dr. Markus Ederer, Director of Policy Planning, German Federal Foreign Office.

Governor Kaine speaks at COVES 2008

The 2008 Commonwealth of Virginia Energy and Sustainability Conference (COVES 2008) focused on "Meeting the Climate Change Challenge". Hundreds of participants from across the Commonwealth and the mid-Atlantic region showcased the actions that state and local governments, institutions, and businesses in Virginia and across the country are taking to meet the most pressing environmental and economic issue of this century.

Governor Kaine spoke to the participants about the initiatives of the Commonwealth of Virginia on energy and the environment, especially those that have a positive impact on climate change issues. Click on the video icon to the left to view Governor Kaine's speech.

New: Materials from the Governor's Conference on Water Conservation and Drought - June 2, 2008

New: Read Secretary Bryant's Environment Virginia presentation--April 2, 2008 (pdf, 141kb)

Where do I report pollution complaints?

If there is a threat to health or property, please call 911. The Department of Environmental Quality's Pollution REsponse Program, known as PREP, provides for responses to air, water, and waste pollution incident.

thermometer Governor Kaine has made land conservation a primary goal of his administration. To that end, he has set a challenge to permanently protect 400,000 acres of land. Among the many benefits of such a conservation effort: maintaining water quality, providing additional opportunities for recreation, and preserving wildlife habitat and historic landscapes. Learn more about our progress towards the 400,000 acres goal.

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