What happened during the 2011 General Assembly?
Throughout the world, faith communities have continually provided charitable servies for people and communities. Globally, those of faith are known for their compassion and taking action towards a more just and sustainable world. Currently, the 2011 General Assembly priorities are:
Defeated
SUPPORT: SB907 Electricity Efficiency Incentive
Advocating for Resident Energy Efficiency
Provides guidance to ensure Inclining Block Rate schedules will be designed effectively to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Right now, throughout most of Virginia, the more electricity you use the less you pay, rewarding larger consumers. By incentivizing greater efficiency through adopting an Inclining Block rate pricing strategy, Virginia can move forward in becoming a leader in energy efficiency. An Inclining Block Rate is a common sense pricing strategy that rewards energy conservation with lower cost to utility customers.
Defeated
SUPPORT: HB 1598 Eliminate Restrictive Solar Energy Covenants
Incentivizing Solar Energy in Our Communities
Invalidates any new or existing restrictive covenant adopted by a community association that prohibits or restricts an owner from installing or using any solar energy collection device on the owner’s property. Community associations may establish reasonable restrictions as to the size, place, and manner regarding the placement of these devices on private property and community areas. We support this bill, as it permits all homeowners to save money and utilize clean, renewable energy sources in their homes.
Passed
SUPPORT: HB2191 Voluntary Solar Fund
Allowing More People to Access Clean Energy
Requires electric utilities to provide customers with the option to make contributions to the Voluntary Solar Resource Development Fund. This fund will allow for the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy to provide loans for projects that involve the acquisition, installation, or operation of photovoltaic devices, solar water heating devices, or certain solar space heating devices used in homes, businesses, and non-profit organizations. HB2191 makes it possible for Virginians to directly contribute to Virginia’s efforts to curb its reliance on fossil fuel and invest the furthering of a clean energy economy.
Defeated
OPPOSE: HB1398 National Energy Use Standards
Discouraging EPA Standards
Relinquishes Virginia from the responsibility of enforcing any carbon dioxide standard or cap and trade provision that is included in the federal Clean Air Act, deferring it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It prohibits the Governor from enforcing any climate change international agreement until it is part of an international treaty that has been approved by the U.S. Senate. The Governor, along with the Attorney General, will determine whether Congress has the authority to enact mandates upon the state and then report his findings to the General Assembly. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General to bring an action against the EPA if he feels the mandated standards are not based on a finding that is scientifically demonstrated. HB1398 allows Virginia to disregard national environment protection standards as well as avoid implementing programs aimed at protecting Virginians’ health, safety, and environment.
Defeated
OPPOSE: HB 1397 Residential National Efficiency Standards
Discouraging Building Energy Efficiency
Exempts residential buildings in Virginia from compliance with federal energy efficiency standards introduced under federal “cap and trade” legislation; prohibits state agencies from assisting federal agencies in the implementation of federal climate change building codes; authorizes the Attorney General to sue the federal government over any “law, legislation, or policy” that applies “cap and trade legislation” to Virginia. This bill stands in direct opposition to our support for creating and implementing energy efficient standards at the state level to ensure that we are being good stewards of God’s creation. We oppose this bill.