Environment

Problem

As a mother and former foster parent, I believe that protecting our environment is one of the most important things we can do for the future of our children. Climate change is not a distant threat, but rather an immediate danger that’s impacted the lives of all Virginians. When I learned in 2017 that water in my district was being contaminated with lead and arsenic from a Dominion Energy plant, I vowed to lead the clean-up effort — for my two boys, Xander and Alex, and for my neighbor’s children. My bipartisan legislation forced Dominion Energy to clean up the coal leaks in my district and across the Commonwealth. 

Virginia Stats

In Virginia, a changing climate has meant more frequent storms and flooding that wreak havoc on our communities, especially in the Hampton Roads region. And vulnerable communities, especially communities of color, are often hit hardest by environmental stressors that can have devastating effects on our health.

Record & Experience

That’s why as a Delegate, I proposed legislation to protect our environment, and by extension, the health and safety of Virginians. Since elected to the House of Delegates, I: 

• Passed legislation to clean contaminated water ponds around the Commonwealth
• Helped to secure funding to protect Widewater State Park
• Co-sponsored legislation to reward businesses and homeowners for investing in renewable energy. 
• Co-sponsored legislation to reward property owners who switch to renewable energy
• Pushed for the creation of new, green jobs on wind farms

Because of my record of results, I am proud to have earned a 100% grade from the Virginia Sierra Club in 2020. As Governor, I will continue the fight to make sure all of our children inherit a clean, safe Commonwealth. I’ll invest in green energy production, bringing high paying jobs to the Commonwealth, protect funding for state parks and safeguard additional land for public use, and work to pass the Virginia Green New Deal.