Initiatives
“We know that when we take common sense steps to encourage conservation and environmental protection it is good for our environment, our quality of life and our economy…We must continue to work together across party lines to put in place policies that protect our environment while promoting job creation and economic development. I encourage all Virginians to conserve, preserve and give back to clean up our environment, and create a healthy, vibrant and beautiful Virginia for all of us and for future generations to come."
-Governor Robert F. McDonnell
On Earth Day, 2010
CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION:
The Chesapeake Bay is a marvelous estuary and one of our nation’s greatest natural resources and as a Commonwealth, we must ensure that we are responsible stewards so that future generations may enjoy this natural treasure. The Bay provides a great source of recreation for Virginians and many others, and provides food, jobs and significant economic opportunities in the form of ecotourism. We will work with other Atlantic coast states and continue responsible policies to protect and improve the health of the Bay, including making every effort to meet the goals for the nutrient reduction outlined in the Chesapeake Bay agreement signed in 2000.
The Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) webpage
LAND CONSERVATION:
With the goal of preserving an additional 400,000 acres of land in the Commonwealth during his term as Governor, the conservation and preservation of Virginia’s beautiful open spaces is an ongoing bipartisan effort. As our population increases, and land is developed in Virginia at a rate of roughly 60,000 acres a year, it is important we continue this bipartisan conservation effort. The McDonnell Administration will help keep Virginia beautiful by ensuring that we conserve another 400,000 acres by the conclusion of the Governor’s term in January 2014.
Office of Land Conservation webpage
ENERGY IN VIRGINIA:
The Governor recognizes that there is a need for a broad energy plan that utilizes all aspects of Virginia’s natural resources and that benefits both the producer and the consumer. Currently, Virginia is the second largest importer of electricity in America, trailing only California. In order to increase our energy independence, the Commonwealth of Virginia needs to take immediate steps to produce more energy in a comprehensive manner. We need more oil, coal and natural gas, but we also need more wind, solar, biomass and nuclear production as well. By exploring new energy technologies and improving current energy processes, Virginia aims to become the “Energy Capital of the East Coast.” An effective energy plan cannot just rely on a variety of energy sources and research and development; it must also address the core issue of what we can do to reduce our energy demand and improve efficiency.
the Virginia Division of Energy webpage
150th Anniversary of the American Civil War: :
The commemoration of the American Civil War began in 2009 with the anniversary of John Brown's Raid on Harper’s Ferry and runs through 2015 with the anniversary of Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Over the course of the McDonnell Administration, there will be many events across the commonwealth that will mark this anniversary, providing educational and cultural benefits to Virginians and those who come to visit. For a list of events, click here.
The 150th Anniversary of the Americal Civil War website
