2007 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. |
Energy - Working for a Cleaner, Safer Energy Future - - Developing a responsible energy policy for Virginia that prioritizes natural resources and human health and reduces Virginia's contribution to global warming is a VCN legislative priority. VCN will work to promote energy efficiency and conservation in our buildings, homes, factories, and power plants; to increase markets for clean, responsible renewable energy in Virginia while reducing reliance on fossil-fuels; and oppose reduction of local government control in the siting of energy facilities and/or transmission lines.
Transportation and Land Use - - Insuring transportation programs and funding transcend traditional road-building decisions that have contributed to 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 funding must address the transportation-land use link, accountability through adherence to performance measures, priority consideration for existing communities, and a more balanced transportation network involving transit, freight and passenger rail, walkability, and bicycle accommodations.
Funding for Water Quality Improvement - - Obtaining adequate funding to protect Virginia's water quality is a VCN legislative priority. Dedicated funding for water quality enhancement is necessary for Virginia to meet its Constitutional authority to protect the state's environment.
Virginia's Land Conservation Toolbox - - Dedicated and adequate funding sources for the protection of the Virginia's land and open space is a legislative priority for VCN. Protection of land and natural resources that supply us with clean air, safe drinking water, scenic open space, and abundant wildlife is vital to the future of the Commonwealth. This future can only be assured with adequate, consistent, and reliable funding for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation and local purchase of development rights programs coupled with strong tax incentives for private voluntary land conservation through donations of conservation easements and fee simple interests in land.
Citizen Involvement - - Supporting meaningful public participation is a VCN priority. VCN will oppose any attempts to erode democracy by undermining the authority of true citizen boards or by hampering public involvement through threat of unwarranted reprisal.
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The VCN Board of Directors has adopted the following white papers.
Click to view a PDF of the white paper
- Global Warming
- A Renewable Portfolio Standard
- Energy Efficiency
- Wind Power Project Siting
- Transmission Corridors
- Healthy Air for Virginia
- Cleaner School Buses
- Smart Growth
- Public Private Transportation Act
- Context Sensitive Solutions
- State Assumption of the 404 Wetlands Program
- Land Conservation Toolbox
- Virginia Wineries
- Jurisdictional Conflicts in Forestry
- Sustainable Forestry Certification
- Citizen Environmental Boards
- SLAPP Suits
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