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 solution. Space is limited; register for this free event at The Story of Plastic"The Story of Plastic is a searing exposé revealing the ugly truth behind plastic pollution and the false solution of plastic recycling. Different from every other plastic documentary you’ve seen, The Story of Plastic presents a cohesive timeline of how we got to our current global plastic pollution crisis and how the oil and gas industry has successfully manipulated the narrative around it. From the extraction of fossil fuels and plastic disposal to the global resistance fighting back, The Story of Plastic is a life-changing, Emmy-winning film depicting one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. A discussion with local experts will follow." - Sierra Club post.
Citizens for Responsible Lighting
We had a great presentation at our January Green Drinks meeting by Liz Paiste from Citizens for Responsible Lighting, a grassroots organization lobbying for healthy LED light options started Norfolk. This is an issue that affects all our area cities. As street lighting are being upgraded, there is a real need to avoid going for the bright, blue lighting and sticking with the warmer, yellower lights for both human and wildlife health. It's important to keep the LED color temperature at 3000K or lower. Learn more on their Facebook page.General Assembly Updates
Cross Over Date for the General Assembly is Tuesday, February 4th. This is the date by which all bills introduced in one chamber need to be passed in that chamber (e.g. the House) and then "cross over" to the other chamber (e.g. the Senate) to be considered. From the Virginia Conservation Network and other sources, here are the status of some bills of interest:
HB 1883 - Passed House 96-0; referred to Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor
SB 1040 - Passed Senate 26-14; sent to House
- Modifies the renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) program for electric utilities, specifically expanding the definition of "behind-the-meter solar" to include solar electric generation and battery storage systems connected on the customer's side of the utility meter. The bill increases the requirement for Phase II utilities to meet a portion of their RPS program requirements with behind-the-meter solar, wind, or anaerobic digestion resources of three megawatts or less, starting at 3% in 2026 and increasing to 5% in 2028. It also removes the previous 50-kilowatt minimum requirement for solar or wind generation facilities to qualify for third-party power purchase agreements.
SB 1166 - Passed Senate 29-9; sent to House
- 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.
- Establishes a new Living Shoreline Grant Fund to be administered by the Marine Resources Commission, with the purpose of providing grants to local governments or federally recognized tribes in Virginia to match federal or other funding sources.
- expands local government authority to conserve and replace trees during the development process, increasing tree canopy percentage requirement particularly for low density developments. Allows hardship exceptions. Allows localities to monitor tree canopy conditions for up to 20 years after planting. Provides detailed provisions for how tree canopy can be preserved, replaced, or credited, including allowances for off-site tree planting, preservation of existing trees, and bonus credits for planting trees that provide environmental benefits like pollution reduction or wildlife habitat. Additionally, the bill enables localities to establish tree canopy banks or funds to facilitate tree preservation and planting efforts
- Requires Dominion Energy Virginia and Appalachian Power to develop comprehensive plans for renewable energy facility construction that prioritize local economic development and workforce opportunities. Specifically, when constructing renewable energy facilities, these utilities must submit a plan to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) that addresses (1) utilizing local workers, (2) demonstrating economic development benefits for Virginia including capital investments and job creation, (3) advancing workforce development goals through apprenticeship and training programs, and (4) prioritizing hiring and training of local workers, workers from historically economically disadvantaged communities, and veterans.
- Directs the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to investigate whether the current method of allocating electricity costs unfairly requires non-data center customers to subsidize the electricity costs of data centers.
- (Recommend Oppose) Repeals several existing provisions related to carbon dioxide emissions regulations and renewable energy portfolio standards.
- plan for at least 1.5 feet of relative sea level rise by 2050, 3 feet by 2080 and 4.5 feet by 2100,
- plan for precipitation levels that account for projected climate change, adopting a standard that increases NOAA Atlas 14 values by a minimum of 10%,
- incorporate "tailwater elevations" used for stormwater management calculations and design standards accounts for sea level rise based on projected project lifespan.
- should account for sea level rise based on projected project lifespan.
- adopt design storm requirements that account for this sea level rise and increased rainfall.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), in collaboration with the City of Chesapeake, held several public meetings on high-capacity transit options that improve connectivity, enhance the economy and align with future growth plans in Chesapeake. This study looks at options for bring Express Bus, Bus-Rapid Transit, or Light Rail to Chesapeake. They've narrowed the study to four route options running from Summit Point or the Chesapeake Regional Hospital to downtown Norfolk. See the latest meeting materials at Winter 2025 Updates — Connecting Chesapeake
In December, the Planning Commission acted on the following. These should go before City Council in January:
- (Recommended Approval) The South Norfolk Historic District Design Guidelines focusing on guidelines to help ensure that renovations and construction within the district were appropriate to the historic character and qualities of the neighborhood.
- (Recommended Denial) Homestead Pet Crematorium that would have a net loss of about 0.6 acres of tree canopy in the Sunray area.
City Council Updates
In January, the City Council
- Approved Tow Yard on a 1.1 acre lot in Camelot
- Chesapeake residents in the Elizabeth River watershed can receive a free native tree from the Elizabeth River Project. Limit one tree per home; homeowners are responsible for planting and providing proof of planting within 30 days. Free Tree Program - Elizabeth River Project
- Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism: 2025 Volunteering Opportunities - Park and Facility Planning Division (signupgenius.com)
- Friends of Indian River Volunteer Opportunities including Adopt-A-Park/Invasive Species Removal at Indian River Park
In the News
- Trump Executive Orders Target Environmental Policies and Regulations - National Law Review
- 2024 Is Officially the Hottest Year on Record | Scientific American
- Most of Greenbrier Mall to be auctioned off in February | WAVY.com
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