Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/rss/HomePageRSS.cfm Secretary of Natural Resources - Latest News Releases (c) Secretary of Natural Resources 2009 Commonwealth of Virginia <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Announces Commitment to Mid-Atlantic Offshore Wind Partnership]]> November 11 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine, Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland, and Governor Jack Markell of Delaware agreed on a tri-state partnership for the deployment of offshore wind energy in the Mid-Atlantic coastal region. The three states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creating a formal partnership that will build on the region's significant offshore wind resources to generate clean, renewable energy and a sustainable market that will bring new economic opportunities. ]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1141 <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Announces More Land Preserved Toward 400,000 Acre Goal]]> October 22 — 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."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1119 <![CDATA[Winners of First Virginia Department of Defense Eagle Awards for Environmental Stewardship are Announced]]> October 14 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced the winners of the first Virginia Department of Defense Eagle Awards for environmental stewardship. More than 20 military installations across Virginia were eligible to compete for the award. Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Pickett and Defense Supply Center Richmond were the first three winners.

Results from the first year of competition included air emissions being reduced by 930 tons, hazardous waste by 268 tons, pesticide use by 564 pounds and more than 1,570 tons of materials being diverted from landfills.

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1113 <![CDATA[New Regulation to Protect Seaside Waters for Aquaculture Operations is Announced]]> October 7 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced a new regulation to reduce shellfish condemnations on the Eastern Shore by protecting clam and oyster production in seaside waters. The regulation ensures that the best wastewater disposal methods are evaluated, resulting in the least environmental impact.

"Clams and oysters are vital to Virginia's economy and thriving environment," Governor Kaine said. "This new regulation protects the seaside waters that clams and oysters need to thrive. In addition, it will safeguard important shellfish habitat areas and the sustainability of Virginia's aquaculture industry by providing additional protection for these waters on the Eastern Shore."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1107 <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Highlights Adoption of Stormwater Regulations]]> October 5 — The new regulations are expected to reduce the impact of polluted runoff from new developments into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways in the Commonwealth.

"Today we mark a significant milestone in the protection of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia's rivers, lakes and streams," said Governor Kaine. "As we continue working to reduce the impacts of severe channel erosion and downstream flooding from new development on citizens and communities, we're proud of the progress we're making to ensure today's policies correspond with today's pollution challenges."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1104 <![CDATA[Significant Improvements in Virginia Air Quality is Announced ]]> October 2 — 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."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1102 <![CDATA[Completion of State's Largest Easement is Announced]]> September 14 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that the City of Roanoke has completed the donation of a two-part conservation easement in Roanoke and Botetourt counties that permanently protects 11,363 acres of open space, making it the largest publicly-held easement in the state.

"The latest easement is the culmination of a decade and a half of efforts by the local land preservation leaders, state agencies, and local elected officials," Governor Kaine said. "It exemplifies the spirit of partnership that makes Virginia's land conservation program so successful, and is a testament to the foresight of Roanoke's citizens to protect this critical resource for generations to come."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1069 <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Announces Appointment of Preston Bryant to National Capital Planning Commission by President Obama]]> September 10 — "Secretary Bryant's work in my administration and his private-sector experience make him an ideal choice to chair the commission," Governor Kaine said. "I'm sure he will bring the same dedication, creativity, and hard work to this job that he has demonstrated while serving the people of Virginia." ]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1066 <![CDATA[Statement of Governor Kaine on Release of Draft Reports Required by President Obama's Chesapeake Bay Executive Order]]> September 10 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement today on the release by federal agencies of the seven draft reports required by President Obama's Executive Order on the Chesapeake Bay:

"The Chesapeake Bay has always been important to Virginians - it is clear that President Obama recognizes the Bay is a national treasure. From the more than $80 million in Recovery Act funds recently dedicated to sewage treatment upgrades in Virginia to the comprehensive approach outlined in the President's Executive Order, I am pleased that the long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay is such a high priority of this administration."

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1065 <![CDATA[Governor Kaine Highlights Benefits of EcoDriving Program]]> August 24 — GovernorKaine participated in discussions on energy and transportation in Williamsburg and highlighted the benefits of the EcoDriving program - a comprehensive, nationwide effort to save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce fuel use and cut carbon dioxide emissions.

The discussions took place during the annual meeting of the Southern Governors' Association.

]]> http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1042