| In this edition ● Chesapeake Sustainability Network ● General Assembly ● Data Center Policy ● Comp Plan ● Renewable Energy ● HRT Microtransit Service ● Planning Commission ● City Council ● Green Drinks ● Action Alerts ● Volunteer Opportunities ● In the News |
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Topics of Interest
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February 2026 Newsletter
View this newsletter online at Greening Chesapeake
February Newsletter
In this edition ● Chesapeake Sustainability Network ● General Assembly ● Data Center Policy ● Comp Plan ● Renewable Energy ● HRT Microtransit Service ● Planning Commission ● City Council ● Green Drinks ● Action Alerts ● Volunteer Opportunities ● In the News
Chesapeake Sustainability Network
Join the Chesapeake Sustainability Network for a call on Thursday, February 5, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, to discuss our local efforts. We'll use Google Meet; see the e-mailed newsletter for the link or reach out to us at greeningchesapeake@gmail.com
The agenda will include the Data Center Policy, Renewable Energy, and Earth Day Planning.
General Assembly
Data Center Policy
We submitted comments on behalf of the Chesapeake Sustainability Network supporting the Initiating Resolution and urging the Planning Department to work with the community, hold public meetings, and seek public input on the proposed policies. We asked that the policies address required setbacks, permissible noise and vibration levels, power and water consumption, backup power generation (e.g., diesel vs. gas turbine), landscaping, security, construction, and other such factors. How noise analysis is done before zoning approval should be carefully defined; bad assumptions can provide misleading noise analysis. It is also crucial that the policy address how the City will handle violations after operations begin. For example, the City Noise Ordinance currently exempts HVAC and backup generator operation and needs to be amended.
Comprehensive Plan
The City Council approved the new, revised Chesapeake 2045 Comprehensive Plan for the City on January 20. Overall, the document presented a strong vision for creating a high-quality future for the City that is proactive about developing necessary infrastructure, protects green and open space, works to connect people, and respects the unique character of different parts of the City. We should thank the Planning staff for their diligent work in developing a plan that covers so many critical areas.
At the City Council meeting, we raised concerns that the Staff did not give itself enough time to consider inputs to the final draft last year. The draft document was out for review for two months late last summer, but the staff only gave itself 4 or 5 working days to incorporate any feedback before delivering the final draft to the Planning Commission. Several of our comments were not acted upon. When the City Council was voting on the Plan, Council Member Amanda Newins made a statement that the City should do more about conservation landscaping and environmental education; these were two key policy recommendations we had been making all along. But ultimately, the document was adopted as presented.
The final plan is available at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/3275/2045-Comprehensive-Plan
Renewable Energy
Meanwhile, in Richmond, Governor Spanberger has started work to have Virginia rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). While Virginia was operating in the RGGI framework from 2020 to 2023, carbon emissions declined by 22% according to the Environmental Protection Agency, a reduction that was mostly reversed between 2023 and today after we exited the program. Leaving RGGI was ruled illegal by a judge in 2024, although the ruling was appealed. In parallel, HB397 is now making its way through the General Assembly to remove any future ambiguity on whether Virginia shall participate in the program.
Locally, Eastport Energy has been holding information meetings about its plans to build a Battery Energy Storage System facility, named the Mill Stone Energy Center, in Chesapeake. This facility would be able to store 600 megawatt-hours of energy from the offshore wind project. At peak output, this project will be able to provide the electricity necessary to power all the homes in Chesapeake, and then some, for a 4-hour period. The project will sit on approximately 112 acres, most of which will remain forested, along the existing 230 kV power transmission line, approximately two miles south of the Fentress Substation on the western side of Centerville Turnpike South.
Hampton Roads Microtransit
Planning Commission
Agenda items for the Planning Commission on February 11 include:
- PLN-REZ-2025-009 in Great Bridge to build Low Density Residential on 25.3 forested parcel. This parcel contains forested wetlands but is not in the CBPA. Aerial photos indicate the parcel was clear-cut in 2009 and has regrown since. Sets aside 3 acres for park site. Sets aside 4.2 acres for conservation. Potential Canopy loss - 16 to 18 acres.
- PLN-COMP-2026-001 - Deep Creek Area Plan
Find the full agenda at Planning Commission Agenda
City Council
In January, the City Council approved
- PLN-REZ-2025-008 in Great Bridge to build Low Density Residential at the south side of Hanbury Road West between Kingsbury Drive and Madison Lynn Way.
and denied
- PLN-REZ-2025-014 in Western Branch at 5028 Portsmouth Blvd. to build Gas Station. Includes landscaping.
The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Master Plan is expected is expected to be on the City Council agenda in February.
Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, tentatively at the Black Pelican at the Greenbrier Mall. Our speaker will be Dylan Mason, Public Policy Manager for LRNow. He will talk about his work on Offshore Wind, including workforce development, and Single-use Plastic reduction, abatement, and alternatives.
Action Alerts
- Tree Preservation Bill: HB549, which would give localities the authority to strengthen tree‑canopy requirements and ensure that removed trees are replaced. Tell legislators to support this bill - https://cbf.quorum.us/campaign/treecanopy/
- Invasive Species Bill in the General Assembly. Ask your legislator to support these bills designed to curb invasive plants by:1) removing the commercial viability loophole, 2) managing roadside invasive plants, 3) helping local jurisdictions control invasive plants, and 4) allowing volunteers to assist with invasive plant control on state lands. More info at https://mailchi.mp/blueridgeprism/legislative-alert-january2026?e=4803fc7a4a
- Renewable Energy: Tell legislators to advance clean, affordable energy by unlocking small solar projects and energy storage by cutting red tape, increasing third-party competition, reforming permitting, and advancing consumer protections. Visit https://valcv.org/actions/act-now-tell-your-lawmaker-to-unlock-clean-energy-and-lower-costs/
- RGGI Bill: HB397 - ask your legislator to make sure Virginia rejoins RGGI. https://valcv.org/actions/act-now-support-virginias-ongoing-participation-in-rggi/
- VCAP Funding: Outgoing Governor Youngkin's final budget proposal zeroed out funding for the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program. This is an important program to implement landscaping projects that protect clean water and biodiversity across the state. Contact your legislator using the link in the comments to ask that funding be restored. https://vaswcd.org/help-support-vcap/
Volunteer Opportunities
- Friends of Indian River Volunteer Opportunities
- Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, and Tourism has ongoing efforts for invasive species management and tree planting on multiple dates through 2026. Sign up at Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism: Volunteering Opportunities
In the News
- Elizabeth River Project honors River Star Businesses at Award Luncheon - Inside Business
- Local Chesapeake organizations recognized included Buckeye Chesapeake Terminal (inducted to Hall of Fame), Cox Communications, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast, SeaGate Terminal, Chesapeake Humane Society, Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Chesapeake Sheriff's Office, Friends of Indian River, SIMS Metal Management Chesapeake, and Volvo Penta North America
- The EPA is changing how it considers the costs and benefits of air pollution rules - WHRO
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General Assembly 2026
This is a roundup of some of the Environmental Bills at General Assembly that we're tracking. Overall, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters is tracking 136 Bills at https://valcv.org/2026-bill-tracking/
Links below go to the https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-search
RGGI: HB397 – Direct
DEQ to establish auction program (rejoining RGGI)
Trees: HB549 –
strengthen canopy requirements
Invasive Species: HB88
– remove along highways; HB109 – close
commercial viability loophole; SB89 –
permit local service district to control invasive species;
Data Centers: HB155
– SCC would have to permit facilities > 25 MW; HB507 – limit CO2 emissions from backup generators; HB897 - require renewable energy to get
tax credits; SB339 allocate cost of
transmission infrastructure; HB496 –
disclose water usage; HB589 – water usage;
HB153 – noise assessment; SB94 – restrict data centers to
Industrial Zoning; SB130 noise
assessment; HB641/SB393 – $3/sq. ft. tax to fund Great
Outdoors Act
Renewable Energy: HB628/SB175 – strengthen standards for more
small-scale solar; HB895/SB448 – Energy Storage requirements; HB590 / SB382 – streamline rooftop solar permitting; HB395/SB250 – permit small solar < 1200 W; SB26/HB457 – allow localities to require solar over parking;
Climate Change: HB1356
– adjust precipitation design standards; HB1092
– protection of employees from heat illness
Land Conservation: SB519
– conserve 20% of land in Virginia; HB237
include floodplains in conservation mapping; HB390 – establish Habitat Policy Oversight Committee; HB521 – ensure no net loss of wetlands
while permitting; HB889 –
transmission line construction to use existing ROW first
Housing energy efficiency HB2, HB3, SB5, SB72
Conservation Funding: HB70
– Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund; HB386
– Chesapeake Bay Pay for Outcomes Fund; HB1038
- Virginia Student Environmental Literacy Plan Grant Fund; SB420 – Extreme Weather Taxpayer Protection Fund;
Fisheries: HB389 –
Climate adaption plan; HB1048 –
Menhaden fishery pause; HB1049 – Menhaden
quotas
PFAS: HB938; HB1443; SB138; HB880; HB1047; HB348
Environmental Justice: HB256
– include in Comp Plans; HB1266
public hearing notice
Bicycles: HB661 –
“Idaho Stop” bikes yield at stop signs
Affordable Housing: HB594
- Allows a locality to authorize a zoning administrator to use an administrative
process to approve rezoning applications for affordable housing developments.
Oppose
Rollback renewable energy standards: HB615, HB1031, SB40
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See also the Chesapeake Sustainability Network's Legislative Priorities
January Newsletter
View this newsletter online at Greening Chesapeake
Happy New Year! Coming up in January
Join the Chesapeake Sustainability Network for a call to plan next steps on improving sustainability in Chesapeake on Thursday, January 8, 12:30 pm. Next Green Drinks will be on January 28, 6 pm at the Cutlass Grille, 725 Eden Way N #700 in Greenbrier. Read more about all these topics, as well as upcoming Planning Commission and City Council agendas, Election Results, Action Alerts, Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and what's In the News in our full newsletter below. |
January Newsletter
In this edition ● Chesapeake Sustainability Network ● Deep Creek Area Plan ● Comp Plan - Next Steps ● Planning Commission ● City Council ● Election Results ● Green Drinks ● Action Alerts ● Volunteer Opportunities ● In the News
Chesapeake Sustainability Network
Join the Chesapeake Sustainability Network for a call on Thursday, January 8, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, to discuss our local efforts. We'll use Google Meet; see the e-mailed newsletter for link or reach out to us at greeningchesapeake@gmail.com
The agenda will include the Deep Creek Plan, Parks Master Plan, updates on the Comp Plan and Data Center Policy.
Deep Creek Area Plan
The draft Deep Creek Area Plan was released on December 8. This covers quality of life, transportation, and land use strategies for the Deep Creek and Camelot Planning Areas. The Planning Department will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, January 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Deep Creek Community Center. No specific cutoff date for comments is stated. Get more information on how to comment directly to Planning at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/3501/Deep-Creek-Area-Plan
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Master Plan
The draft Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) Master Plan was released on December 18. This plan addresses the long-term vision, goals, and objectives for the development, enhancement, and management of parks and recreational facilities within Chesapeake. Comments on this Plan are due by Friday, January, 9, 2026. Get more information on how to comment directly to PRT at
Comp Plan - Next Steps
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The draft Chesapeake Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the City Council for approval on January 20.
Several of the issues we raised in our comments letter were addressed in the current draft reviewed by the Planning Commission. However, several important recommendations were not addressed. A key area is educating and connecting residents, businesses, and institutions with conservation landscaping practices such as the use of native plants, creating pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and reducing erosion.
Planning Commission
Going to Planning Commission on January 14 is an amendment to bring the Zoning Ordinance into alignment with the recently updated “South Norfolk Historic Design Guidelines” and three Conditional Use Permit applications.
There are three applications for Conditional Use Permits.
Find the full agenda at Planning Commission Agenda
City Council
In December, the City Council approved
- PLN-USE-CT-2025-005 in Western Branch to build 199’ tall Communication Tower on City Property. Potential canopy loss of about 0.2 acres
The schedule for the City Council in January includes zoning applications for
- PLN-SUBV-2025-003 in Deep Creek to subdivide a 3.2 acre lot into 2 lots for single family homes. Potential canopy loss of about 1.5 acres when homes are built.
- PLN-REZ-2025-008 in Great Bridge at southern side of Hanbury Road West between Kingsbury Drive and Madison Lynn Way to rezone 3 acres to build Low Density Residential. Potential canopy loss of about 1.2 acres
- PLN-REZ-2025-014 in Western Branch at 5028 Portsmouth Blvd. to build a Gas Station. Includes landscaping. Potential canopy loss of about 0.2 acres.
On January 20th, the draft Chesapeake Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the City Council for approval.
Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6 pm, at the Cutlass Grille, 725 Eden Way N #700 in Greenbrier. Speaker to be announced.
Action Alerts
- Are you taking steps to help improve the Chesapeake environment with the landscaping in your yard? If you are, we would love to recognize your efforts and share tips on what more you can do. Sign up for our new Chesapeake Healthy Landscape program at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/1254/Chesapeake-Healthy-Landscape-Program
- 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
Volunteer Opportunities
- Friends of Indian River Volunteer Opportunities
- Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, and Tourism has ongoing efforts for invasive species management and tree planting on multiple dates through 2026. Sign up at Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism: Volunteering Opportunities
In the News
- Dominion’s offshore wind project is one of 5 suspended by the Trump administration - WHRO
- Clean energy is surging despite political attacks. But a slowdown may be looming - WHRO
- SCC Ruling on Dominion Rate Case - Loudon Now - One of the better articles on the SCC setting a new rate class for data centers power costs.
- Federal cuts are taking a toll on the Great Dismal Swamp, local officials say - WHRO
- Chesapeake Bay region leaders approve revised agreement committing to cleanup through 2040 - WHRO
- Large natural gas pipeline expansion through Hampton Roads now in use - Virginian-Pilot
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December Newsletter
Coming up in December
Join the Chesapeake Sustainability Network for a call to plan next steps on improving sustainability in Chesapeake on Thursday, December 4. Read more about all these topics, as well as upcoming Planning Commission and City Council agendas, Election Results, Action Alerts, Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and what's In the News in our full newsletter below. |
November Newsletter
In this edition ● Chesapeake Sustainability Network ● Master Transportation Plan ● Comp Plan - Next Steps ● Data Center Policy ● Single Stream Trash and Recycling Coming to Hampton Roads ● Planning Commission ● City Council ● Election Results ● Green Drinks ● Action Alerts ● Upcoming Events ● Volunteer Opportunities ● In the News
Chesapeake Sustainability Network
Join the Chesapeake Sustainability Network for a call on Thursday, December 4, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, to discuss our local efforts. We'll use Google Meet; see the e-mailed newsletter for link or reach out to us at greeningchesapeake@gmail.com
The agenda will include the draft Comp Plan, Data Center Policy, park expansion for tree preservation, invasive species management policies.
Master Transportation Plan
- December 3, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Greenbrier Library (1214 Volvo Pkwy.)
- December 8, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Major Hillard Library (824 Old George Washington Hwy. N.)
Learn more and view the plan at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/3275/Comprehensive-Plan-Update
Comp Plan - Next Steps
The draft Chesapeake Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the City Council at a Work Session in December (either the 9th or 16th) before going for a final approval vote in January.
Several of the issues we raised in our comments letter were addressed in the current draft reviewed by the Planning Commission. However, several important recommendations were not addressed. A key area is educating and connecting residents, businesses, and institutions with conservation landscaping practices such as the use of native plants, creating pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and reducing erosion. Many local organizations are working on this today, and we need continued support from the City.
The Chesapeake Sustainability Network will be reaching out to the City Council members before the plan is presented to them at the Work Session.
Data Center Policy
James City County becomes latest locality to implement new rules for data centers governing location, water usage and energy consumption. Where still waiting for Chesapeake to introduce an Initiating Resolution to start work on such a policy for our City.
Single Stream Trash and Recycling Coming to Hampton Roads
The Southeastern Public Service Authority SPSA approved a 20-year contract with Commonwealth Sortation LLC to change how we collect trash and recyclables. Phased in over the next three years, all waste will be collected in a single bin and sent to Commonwealth Sortation facilities where AI and robotics will be used to remove recyclables and organics. This contract would guarantee a diversion rate of 50% with 20% of the waste to be sent for recycling and 30% of the waste (the organic material) to be processed by pyrolysis to create biochar. The biochar is to be used to make concrete and provide long-term carbon sequestration; selling carbon credits is part of the business model.
SPSA warned that not adopting the new system would result in all available landfill space will be consumed by 2060. All the SPSA contracted localities, including Chesapeake, approved a 25-year contract extension for the new scheme. The new contract does result in an increase in tipping fees, i.e. the cost per ton to dispose of the trash, but generally lower than the cost of having a separate blue bin collection. But, since Chesapeake already did away with blue bin collection, we're likely looking at a net increase in cost. Conversations at the City Council when they were approving the new agreement with SPSA indicated that the City would consider keeping drop-off point collection for cardboard only.
Another concern is how this will affect the overall perception of recycling and waste reduction. The mantra was always supposed to be REDUCE, then REUSE, then RECYCLE, with reduction of the original use of material and reuse being much more environmentally healthy than recycling. With all the waste going in one bin and "auto-magically" being processed, will that remove incentives for people to try and reduce waste? And while the contract specifies that at least 20% of the waste be diverted to be recycled, that doesn't guarantee how much will ultimately be reprocessed into new useful products vs. how much gets shipped to another facility and ultimately landfilled or burned.
Planning Commission
Zoning applications to Planning Commission in December 10 include:
- PLN-SUBV-2025-003 in Deep Creek to subdivide 3.2 acre lot into 2 lots for single family homes. Potential canopy loss about 1.5 acres when homes are built. (Continued from November)
- PLN-REZ-2025-008 in Great Bridge at Southern side of Hanbury Road West between Kingsbury Drive and Madison Lynn Way to build Low Density Residential. Potential canopy loss about 1.2 acres
- PLN-REZ-2025-014 in Western Branch at 5028 Portsmouth Blvd. to build Gas Station. Includes landscaping. Potential canopy loss of about 0.2 acres. More trees could possibly be planted toward stormwater BMP in back of property, but that is not in the landscaping plan.
Find the full agenda at Planning Commission Agenda
Approved at the Planning Commission in November and going to City Council in December
City Council
In November, the City Council approved:
PLN-REZ-2024-014 to rezone 18.8 acres from A-1 to R-10 for low density residential. Land is currently farm field, so there is a potential net increase of 3 acres of tree canopy if developed.
PLN-REZ-2024-001 in Grassfield seeks to rezone 43 acres from A-1 to Residential. Potential canopy loss about 3.4 acres.
PLN-REZ-2025-012 in Great Bridge seeks to rezone 5.5 acres from M-2 to Residential to build 2 homes. Most of property is wetlands in CBPA and protected. Potential canopy loss about 0.3 acres.
PLN-USE-2025-021 in Rivercrest asks for Conditional Use Permit for a Gas Station and Car Wash on Battlefield between Bypass Interchange and Great Bridge Blvd. Potential canopy loss about 0.1 acres.
PLN-USE-2025-024 in Southern Chesapeake asks for Conditional Use Permit for meeting and banquet hall with an alternative parking surface. No significant tree canopy impact.
Coming up at City Council in December of interest,
- PLN-USE-CT-2025-005 in Western Branch to build 199’ Communication Tower on City Property. Potential canopy loss about 0.2 acres
Elections Results
In Virginia, we hold elections every year, and this year it was for state-wide officeholders, the House of Delegates, and several local offices. Locally, the winners were:
- Commonwealth's Attorney - Matt Hamel
- Commissioner of Revenue - Victoria Proffitt
- Sheriff - Wallace Chadwick III
- Treasurer - Corrie Kring
- School Board - Amanda Quillin
For the House of Delegates:
- HD 84 - Nadarius Clark
- HD 89 - Kacey Carnegie
- HD 90 - Jay Leftwich
- HD 91 - Cliff Hayes
- HD 92 - Bonita Anthony
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who ran for office, helped to run the elections, and voted!
Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Speaker and location to be announced.
Action Alerts
- Sign a petition to let your elected officials know that you support a Bottle Bill for Virginia. Sign the Petition - The Bottle Bill Virginia
- Are you taking steps to help improve the Chesapeake environment with the landscaping in your yard? If you are, we would love to recognize your efforts and share tips on what more you can do. Sign up for our new Chesapeake Healthy Landscape program at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/1254/Chesapeake-Healthy-Landscape-Program
- 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
Upcoming Events
- The Master Transportation Plan community meetings (see details above)
- December 3, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Greenbrier Library (1214 Volvo Pkwy.)
- December 8, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Major Hillard Library (824 Old George Washington Hwy. N.)
- City Council Work Session on Comp Plan - TBD
- Virginia 2026 General Assembly Preview - hosted by Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Saturday, December 6th, 9 AM - 12 PM - https://app.glueup.com/event/general-assembly-preview-159463/
- Virginia 2026 General Assembly Preview Webinar - hosted by CBF - Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 6:30PM - 8:00PM. - https://www.cbf.org/events/va-2026-general-assembly-preview-webinar/
Volunteer Opportunities
- Friends of Indian River Volunteer Opportunities
- Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, and Tourism has ongoing efforts for invasive species management and tree planting on multiple dates through 2026. Sign up at Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism: Volunteering Opportunities
In the News
- EPA moves to limit scope of clean water law to reduce amount of wetlands it covers - AP News
- Dominion Energy seeks its largest slate of solar and battery storage projects yet - WHRO
- Energy bills in Virginia could increase $1,100 annually by 2040, new report says - Virginia-Pilot
- Virginia could show how to manage data center growth. So far, it’s a case study in stalling legislation - Virginia Mercury
- To Weather the Growing Costs of Climate Disasters, Some States Are Getting Creative - Audubon Magazine
- In Virginia Beach, a renewed push for plastic bag fees - Virginian-Pilot
- First-of-its-kind offshore wind turbine vessel arrives in Hampton Roads - Virginian-Pilot
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