Resolutions to Ban Fracking, Offshore Drilling Pass Virginia Senate Panel

Richmond, VA -- Yesterday, in a victorious step for climate advocates, two measures enstating bans on fracking (SB 106) in eastern Virginia and offshore drilling (SB 795) passed through a Senate panel, and will now move to the floor of the state Senate for a vote. Although this is the first step of many required for these bans to become law, the move is a promising one, and prompts further demand for statewide bans on fossil fuel extraction in order to protect public health, the environment, and drinking water for millions.

In response to the news, Food & Water Action Southern Region Director Jorge Aguilar made the following statement: 

“As environmental and public health advocates armed with the knowledge that fossil fuel extraction is hugely damaging to Virginia’s communities, we are excited for the possibility of a ban on offshore drilling and fracking in eastern Virginia. We  hope that this momentum so early in the 2020 legislative session will lead to a push for a full statewide fracking ban. Fossil fuel corporations have been eyeing the Taylorsville Basin in Tidewater as a fracking site for several years now, which would endanger the area’s drinking water. In addition, offshore drilling is infamously devastating for the environment.

“Virginia must transition to a thriving green energy economy, one that can provide safe and equitable jobs for all. With legislation like the Green New Deal package on the table this year, we know that we can make real progress on the environment and get Virginia on track to stave off climate catastrophe, cleanly and justly.”