Greening Chesapeake

The Governor has now taking actions - signing or vetoing bills passed by the General Assembly. Here are some of the environmental related bills of local interest. Governor Approved SB 1416 - Passed Senate 40-0, Passed Housed 75-20 Amends Virginia Code § 46.2-924 to establish stricter penalties for drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.  HB 1941 - Passed Senate  as amended 27-9, passed House as amended 67-28 SB 1166 - Passed House  as amended 62-44,  Passed Senate  as amended 33-7 Mandates that retailers must post conspicuous signage near each invasive plant display that identifies the plant as invasive, educates consumers about invasive plant species, and encourages them to ask about alternative plant options. HB 2630 - Passed House 63-35, Passed Senate 27-9 Enables localities to establish tree canopy banks or funds to facilitate tree preservation and planting efforts Governor provided Substitute Language: HB2034 - Passed House 80-18, ...

  Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, March 26, 2025 Our next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, March 26, 6 pm, at YNot Italian in Greenbrier. Our guest speaker is Dennis Bagley, Executive Director of the Southeastern Public Services Authority (SPSA) which is responsible for our regional waste management programs including the regional landfill.  Mr. Bagley will be discussing the Alternative Waste Disposal options being examined to divert trash from ending up in the landfill.   SPSA has been leading a multi-year effort to solicit proposals for such alternatives that is moving toward a conclusion. What is Green Drinks?  Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come -- people from environmental groups, businesses, government, academia, and as individuals. There is no 'us and them'. Green Drinks is a chance to mingle, share insights, inspire and delight each other. Come out and order some food or a drink (each part...

Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Our next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, February 26, 6 pm at YNot Italian in Greenbrier. Speaker is TBD. What is Green Drinks?  Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come -- people from environmental groups, businesses, government, academia, and as individuals. There is no 'us and them'. Green Drinks is a chance to mingle, share insights, inspire and delight each other. Come out and order some food or a drink (each participant pays for their own drinks and food; if drinking, please do so responsibly!) and join the conversation. Please do share the invite with others who may be interested. Story of Plastic The Norfolk Environmental Commission and Sierra Club will be sponsoring an airing of the "The Story of Plastic" at the Naro Cinema on Saturday, Feb 8, 10 am. Come out to learn why we are drowning in plastic and why plastic recycling is ultimately not a solut...

Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Our next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, January 29, 6 pm at YNot Italian in Greenbrier.   We'll have a guest speaker this month to tell us about the issues with artificial lights, specifically new, high-intensity, LED street lights, and their impact on our environment. Liz Paiste is a member of Citizens for Responsible Lighting, a grassroots organization lobbying for healthy LED light options for Norfolk.  Liz is an advocate for greenspace and tree canopy within Norfolk and serves as one of 9 Tree Commissioners within the city.  She is also the Co-Chair of the Olmsted Initiative, which the Chesapeake Bay Foundation recently recognized as an example of resilience within Norfolk.  What is Green Drinks?  Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come -- people from environmental groups, businesses, government, academia, and as individuals. There is no 'us ...

Local Election Results Congratulations to the winners of the City Council and School Board Elections:     Mayor Rick W. West     City Council Member S.Z. "Debbie" Ritter     City Council Member-elect Les Smith, Jr.     City Council Member-elect Patricia Y. "Pat" King     School Board Member Angie B. Swygert     School Board Member Norman G. Pool     School Board Member-elect Malia L. Huddle     School Board Member-elect Elijah Colon 2025 General Assembly The League of Conservation Voters will be hosting a General Assembly Preview on Saturday, December 7 from 9 am to Noon. This is an opportunity to hear from statewide environmental experts about anticipated environmental legislation to be considered in Richmond next year.  You can tune in online or join a Regional Watch Party (breakfast included!) at LRNow in Virginia Beach. In-person attendees will be able to network with other local community memb...