Richmond, VA — Today, a Virginia House of Delegates committee voted against the New Virginia Economy Act, blocking the bill’s path to passage in this year’s short legislative session. Delegate Sam Rasoul’s New Virginia Economy Act, HB 469, would require that Virginia generate 100% of its electricity from clean renewables by 2035, and stop the approval of any large new fossil fuel projects next year.

In response, Food & Water Watch Southern Region Director Jorge Aguilar issued the following statement:

“Virginia needs to wake up. We are well into the final decade remaining to act on the climate crisis before its worst impacts are locked in. In the face of impending disaster, Governor Youngkin is prioritizing environmental and climate rollbacks over real action. Today’s vote to stop HB 469, the New Virginia Economy Act, is a missed opportunity to advance bold climate legislation through the House of Delegates.

“As Governor Youngkin signals significant rollbacks of environmental protections and climate policies that have set Virginia on a path to addressing the climate crisis, the legislature must step up to the plate. While they have abdicated their responsibility to act seriously on climate this session, Virginians will continue to fight the fossil fuel projects coming online in our communities from the Chickahominy Pipeline and accompanying Chickahominy mega fracked gas plant to the massive 300-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline.”

Contact: Phoebe Galt, [email protected]