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Youngkin approves changes to animal waste rules aimed at reducing groundwater pollution
Virginia is on track to implement updated rules for animal waste created by certain farming operations, despite disagreement on how to regulate older earthen lagoons that pose a greater risk of releasing pollutants into groundwater. Wednesday, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin approved the regulation changes for farmers who confine cows, pigs and more for 45 days […]
William & Mary receives $100 million donation for school of marine sciences to study climate change
One of Virginia’s top universities will dedicate a $100 million donation to revamping its marine science school and attracting researchers to help students understand the evolving impacts of climate change. The College of William & Mary announced Wednesday it received the gift from philanthropist Jane Batten to rename its School of Marine Science at the […]
Environmental groups raise issues about Hopewell plant’s air permit
Last week, the Southern Environmental Law Center filed a petition with federal regulators that raises pollution concerns stemming from Virginia’s issuance of an air permit to an AdvanSix Resins and Chemicals manufacturing plant in the city of Hopewell. On July 19, the SELC filed the petition with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of […]
Environmental lawyers share how Chevron doctrine’s overturning impacts Virginia
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine could impact environmental protections in Virginia — or not. While the exact implications are unclear, attorneys with environmental organizations say the overturning could influence Virginia’s tailpipe emissions, but rules around keeping waterways clean appear to be on firmer ground. “There’s no question you’re going […]
Youngkin speaks about energy plan ahead of update in coming weeks
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Friday leaned into his All-of-the-Above energy plan that calls for continued use of natural gas, despite scientists stating human use of fossil fuels is causing climate change’s increasingly intense storms. “We need more gas. We need more solar and wind and we need nuclear and we are going to lead […]
Chesterfield County decides to not take up zoning appeal for Dominion’s natural gas plant
Chesterfield County has denied an appeal to overturn a land use decision for Dominion’s proposed natural gas plant, but community members say they aren’t giving up. Friends of Chesterfield, the group fighting the project, was appealing the county administrator’s determination that a natural gas plant at Dominion’s old coal-fired Chesterfield Power Station on Coxendale Road […]
Defendants seek dismissal of lawsuit alleging fraudulent ownership scheme of Omega Protein
A company created during the 2017 sale of Omega Protein, the lone menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay, is seeking a dismissal of a lawsuit alleging that it lied about its corporate structure to evade the U.S. citizenship requirements. On July 9, Ocean Fleet Services and several other defendants named in the suit filed […]
Data centers, proliferating statewide, could soon be built on mined lands in Southwest Virginia
This is Part 3 of a three-part series on efforts to develop on abandoned mine lands in Southwest Virginia. Read Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Under federal regulations, mine companies begin operation in Southwest Virginia, dig for their coal and then return the land close to its natural condition or in a state that […]
Dominion seeking small nuclear reactor proposals
LOUISA COUNTY – Past the security gate at the North Anna Power Station, beyond the waste storage field and near a lagoon where water cools, two tan domes stand. They house traditional nuclear reactors that each produce about 945 megawatts of electricity for a combined total of over 1,800 megawatts. On Wednesday, Dominion Energy announced […]
Research shows heat exposure disproportionately affects Black Richmonders
RICHMOND – Michael, a resident of Richmond’s Southside who declined to share his last name, sat on Forest Hill Avenue waiting for a bus Tuesday just before 2 p.m., when a car thermometer recorded the temperature at 94 degrees. Michael wasn’t waiting under a bus shelter as he headed home from a doctor’s appointment. Rather, […]
Federal government awards pollution cleanup funding to Dublin, Dumfries
Brownfields, previously disturbed lands that present environmental concerns but could be turned into future economic development projects, may soon be cleaned up and repurposed in some Virginia communities, following a fresh infusion of federal funds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $1 million each to the towns of Dublin and Dumfries through the Multipurpose, Assessment […]
Dominion to purchase second offshore wind lease area off coast of North Carolina
Dominion Energy announced Monday afternoon the acquisition of a second offshore wind project area that could put the utility closer to achieving renewable energy goals outlined in state law. In a news release, the utility stated it will purchase from Avangrid a 40,000-acre lease area that could produce 800 megawatts of electricity off the coast […]