2006 VCN Legislative Program
The Virginia Conservation Network Mission
and Purpose
It is the Mission of VCN to protect the
Commonwealth’s air, lands, and waters for the benefit
of the people as guaranteed by the Virginia Constitution.
It is the Purpose of VCN to coordinate and facilitate
the efforts of its member organizations to achieve
the mission. VCN strives to build the capacity of
its member organizations and conservation-minded
individuals of the Commonwealth to effectively protect
these vital resources. |
Enhancing the Protection of Virginia’s Natural Resources - - Seeing that the Commonwealth’s policy to protect its atmosphere, lands and waters from pollution, impairment or destruction for the benefit, enjoyment and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth, as guaranteed in Article XI of the Virginia Constitution, is a VCN legislative priority.
Transportation and Land Use - - Insuring that programs for transportation funding adequately redress implications of traditional road building for the continuance of inefficient land use and sprawl is a VCN legislative priority. The air quality, environmental, and land use implications of transportation alternatives are varied and significant. Any increases in such funding must address the transportation-land use link, accountability through adherence to performance measures, and a more balanced transportation network involving transit, freight and passenger rail, walkability, and bicycle accommodations.
Air – multi-pollutant “Clean Smokestack” Legislation - - Cleaning up power plant emission is a VCN legislative priority. Power plants are Virginia’s largest source of Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Mercury, and other air toxics. VCN supports legislation similar to that adopted in North Carolina, which places system wide caps on these emissions.
Responsible Energy Policy For Virginia - - Developing a Responsible energy policy for Virginia that keeps natural resources and human health in mind is a VCN Legislative Priority.
Support for the Protection of Virginia’s Water Resources - - Identifying an adequate and dedicated funding source to support the state’s portion of the costs to clean up Virginia’s threatened streams and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay is a VCN Legislative Priority.
Support for Virginia’s Land Conservation Toolbox - - Support for funding all three major land conservation tools to conserve resources such as our rural farmlands, public access, and natural areas is a VCN legislative priority. These three tools include: Purchase of Development Rights and Ag Vitality Programs, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, and private conservation through Virginia’s Land Conservation Tax Credit Program. Dedicated funding for land conservation is necessary for Virginia to meet its Constitutional authority to protect the state’s environment.
The VCN Board of Directors has adopted the following white papers. The white papers are available at www.vcnva.org or may be obtained from the VCN Office.
- Investing in Clean Water
- Clean Smokestacks 2006
- A Renewable Portfolio Standard
- Coordinating Pace of Development with APF
- Agricultural Vitality
- A Context Sensitive Design Approach to Road Planning
- Public-Private Transportation Act
- Smart Growth
- VDOT Reform and Transportation Funding
- Virginia ’s Land Conservation Toolbox
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