Solar Power Shines by the U.S. Capitol: Electric Vehicles Parade on the National Mall to Kick Off International “Sun Day” Celebrations of Clean Energy

Senator Ed Markey (MA) addresses a Sun Day weekend rally on the National Mall.

Parade and press conference bring together legislators and activists to launch a weekend of over 300 events across 50 states with the goal of promoting cheap, reliable solar energy. CCAN sponsors 9 events in the DMV region.

 

WASHINGTON, DC — The first-ever electric vehicle (EV) parade near the U.S. Capitol was held today to kick off a historic campaign for greater solar energy deployment worldwide. This initial “Sun Day” weekend celebration featured dozens of electric cars, bikes, and scooters decorated with pro-solar messages, circling on the National Mall. Just prior to the EV parade’s arrival, Congressional and state legislators joined clean energy and climate activists at a press conference to call for broader use of clean energy and a faster transition away from fossil fuels.  

At the press conference, a historic solar hot water panel, originally installed on the White House roof by President Jimmy Carter over 45 years ago and still operational, was displayed as a symbol of America’s enduring potential for clean energy leadership. View the full array of inspiring events nationwide on the Third Act “Sun Day” webpage.

Watch a recording of the live stream HERE.

“Solar and wind are the most affordable sources of electricity in our country,” said U.S Senator Ed Markey (MA). “Last year 94 percent of all new electrical generation installed in the United States was wind and solar and battery storage technologies. That’s what builds the fear into the coal and natural gas industry’s heart, they can see it coming. Because if it’s 94 percent then 95 percent, year after year, we have replaced the dependence which we’ve had upon coal and natural gas. So that’s our job. Last year 50,000 new megawatts of solar was installed in the United States. In 2009 we had a cumulative total of 2,000 megawatts…. We’re coming out on Sun Day, we’re letting everyone know that if they are not going away, we’re not going away. We’re on the right side of history.”

“As Virginia and the entire country are facing increasing energy demand, solar is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to develop energy generation to meet this coming demand,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan, 6th District, Virginia House of Delegates. “Outside of just providing energy, these projects help families and communities by providing a critical source of income while also supporting local schools, emergency response programs, and much more through the revenue to localities. There is no doubt that the path to affordable and reliable energy depends on the continued development and installation of solar.”

“Solar power isn’t just a clean energy issue,” said Laurie Welch, a leader with the volunteer group Third Act Maryland. “It’s a housing affordability issue. Rooftop and community solar lower utility bills, which means residents have more money to cover their rent or mortgage. As our founder, Bill McKibben, says, ‘Renewables are no longer an ‘alternative’ energy – not Whole Foods. Renewables are now the Costco of energy – cheap, available, and ready to go!’”

“Solar is the cheapest and fastest-to-build source of new power, with enormous potential to cut energy bills, create jobs, and help us tackle the climate crisis,” said Charles Harper, Power Sector Senior Policy Lead at Evergreen Action. “Fossil fuel interests know that the promise of solar and other clean energy technologies threatens their bottom line, so they’ve tried to shut it down at every turn. But the momentum is too great, and we won’t let them. This first Sun Day is about celebrating how far we’ve come — and building the people power we need to push our leaders to deliver even more clean energy now.”

“Solar power is not new to America; 45 years ago, President Jimmy Carter installed solar hot water panels on the White House roof,” said Mike Tidwell, executive director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). “One of those panels is here today, and it’s still operational. Think about that, a panel built almost 50 years ago is still able to harness free power from the most abundant resource in our solar system, whereas fossil fuels require endless costly searches for a new supply and pollute our air every time they are burned. Today’s solar systems can provide the cheapest and cleanest energy for your homes and businesses for decades to come. It’s long overdue for solar panels to become the new symbol of America’s clean energy leadership.”

Electric car driving past U.S. Capitol part of EV Parade and Press Conference

This EV parade and rally in D.C. kicked off a weekend of “Sun Day” actions across America and worldwide – organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events are planned across all 50 states, starting this weekend and extending into October.

In the DMV region, CCAN is sponsoring or co-sponsoring 9 events, ranging from a Sun Day For Peace & The Planet in Virginia to a tour of solar-powered homes across the District. Most activities will culminate on Sunday, September 21, the autumnal equinox, declared International Sun Day. For information about CCAN’s Sun Day events, visit our website.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.

Hundreds Pack DEQ Hearing to Oppose Dominion’s Chesterfield Gas Plant

Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Del. Mike Jones, and Del. Rodney Willett join residents urging denial of the air permit

CHESTERFIELD, VA — Hundreds of residents, community leaders, and public health advocates filled the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) air permit hearing Monday night to oppose Dominion Energy’s proposed methane gas plant in Chesterfield. Speaker after speaker warned of higher energy bills, more pollution for nearby neighborhoods, and a costly step backward for Virginia.

Check out the live stream recording of the hearing here.

Senator Hashmi speaking at the Chesterfield Gas Plant hearing 9/8/25“Tonight’s turnout makes one thing unmistakable: Chesterfield families do not want a new gas plant,” said Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-SD15). “This project would raise costs and increase pollution when cleaner, more affordable options are available right now. DEQ should deny this permit and protect public health.”

 

Delegate Mike Jones speaking at the Chesterfield Gas Plant hearing 9/8/25“Virginians are already stretched, and communities closest to this site have lived with industrial health burdens for generations,” said Delegate Mike Jones (D-HD77). “Dominion’s proposal asks the public to pay more for more pollution. We can meet our energy needs by investing in efficiency, storage, and renewables that lower bills and create jobs.”

 

Delegate Willet speaking at the Chesterfield Gas Plant hearing 9/8/25
“Families in Chesterfield and across Virginia are already paying too much for electricity,” said Delegate Rodney Willett (D-HD58). “Dominion’s proposal would force customers to bankroll outdated fossil fuel infrastructure instead of investing in cleaner, cheaper energy solutions that are readily available. We should be building a system that lowers bills and safeguards public health, not one that keeps us tied to the past.”

 

“People showed up because they understand what is at stake,” said Glen Besa, board chair and co-founder of Friends of Chesterfield. “This plant would lock in years of fossil fuel costs and emissions at a site already harmed by coal. DEQ should listen to the community and reject an outdated, risky project.”

The proposed facility would be built at the retired Chesterfield Power Station site. Residents and experts testified that the project would add to local air pollution, undermine Virginia’s clean energy goals, and expose customers to volatile fossil fuel prices. Speakers urged DEQ to require cleaner, lower-cost alternatives.

DEQ will now review public comment and testimony from the hearing before making a permitting decision.

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The No New Gas Plants Coalition is a statewide alliance of grassroots organizations, community leaders, environmental advocates, and policy experts working to stop the expansion of costly and polluting energy infrastructure in Virginia. Formed in response to Dominion Energy’s plans to build up to six new gas-fired power plants, the coalition is united by a vision of an affordable and clean energy future. Together, we advocate for the health and voices of Virginia communities most impacted by pollution and rising energy costs. 

The Coalition includes Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, Appalachian Voices, CASA, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Chesterfield County NAACP, Clean Virginia, Friends of Chesterfield, Mothers Out Front, New Virginia Majority, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Southern Environmental Law Center, Sunrise UVA, Virginia Conservation Network, and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.

Chesterfield Residents Pack VA Department of Environmental Quality Briefing, Call for Clean Air Over Gas Pollution

CHESTERFIELD, VA — Dozens of residents, advocates, and community leaders gathered Thursday evening to speak out against Dominion Energy’s proposed gas plant in Chesterfield, ahead of a public briefing hosted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The press conference, organized by the No New Gas Plants Coalition, highlighted concerns about the project’s health, climate, and economic impacts. Speakers called on the DEQ and State Corporation Commission to reject the proposal and instead invest in clean, affordable energy solutions.

“Dominion’s proposed plant threatens our community’s health and our environment, and it’s being planned without real community input,” said Nicole Martin, president of the Chesterfield County NAACP. “We refuse to let Chesterfield be a sacrifice zone for outdated fossil fuel infrastructure.”

The Chesterfield gas plant is the first of six new methane gas plants Dominion plans to build across Virginia. The proposed facility would be located on the site of a retired coal plant, raising concerns about cumulative pollution and environmental injustice.

“Dominion is doubling down on dirty energy when we should be accelerating the transition to renewables,” said Glen Besa, board chair of Friends of Chesterfield. “This project would lock in harmful emissions and drive up costs for families already struggling with high bills.”

The No New Gas Plants Coalition is calling on state leaders to reject Dominion’s proposal and instead support a clean energy future that protects public health, reduces costs, and confronts the climate crisis. 

The coalition’s next major event is a rally on Monday, September 8, outside the DEQ’s public hearing on the proposed plant’s air pollution permit. Hundreds of residents from across the region will gather to demand that the permit be denied. 

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The No New Gas Plants Coalition is a statewide alliance of grassroots organizations, community leaders, environmental advocates, and policy experts working to stop the expansion of costly and polluting energy infrastructure in Virginia. Formed in response to Dominion Energy’s plans to build up to six new gas-fired power plants, the coalition is united by a vision of an affordable and clean energy future. Together, we advocate for the health and voices of Virginia communities most impacted by pollution and rising energy costs. 

The Coalition includes Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, Appalachian Voices, CASA, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Chesterfield County NAACP, Clean Virginia, Friends of Chesterfield, Mothers Out Front, New Virginia Majority, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Southern Environmental Law Center, Sunrise UVA, Virginia Conservation Network, and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.

Amid This Summer’s Record Heat and Violent Rain, Local Author Shows How Climate Change is Killing Trees and Making People Sick on His Street and Yours

If you’re looking for a new way to tell the climate story, Mike Tidwell’s new book, The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue, is a good place to start

TAKOMA PARK, MD – Reporters across America looking for new ways to cover this summer’s ongoing extreme heat and rain should contact local DC-area author Mike Tidwell. Mike moves beyond the abstractions of climate change and shows how it’s affecting area neighborhoods daily through lost trees, more flooding, and the documented spread of heat-induced Lyme disease. 

If you’re looking for a full interview or just a quote for a general climate story, contact Mike for print, TV, or radio content. He has written widely for The Washington Post and has been featured on NPR, CNN, and leading podcasts. 

Learn more about Mike’s new book, The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue. And view a 3-minute companion film here.  

In addition to writing, Mike currently serves as executive director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Maryland Electricity Bills Stay High as PJM Auction Drives Prices Up Again

Advocates criticize grid operator for failing to connect clean energy, praise Maryland leaders for mitigating increase 

BALTIMORE, MD – PJM, the grid operator responsible for keeping the lights on in 13 Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states plus the District of Columbia, has shared the results of its most recent capacity auction. Prices are already spiking across the PJM region due to the results of last year’s auction, and yesterday’s results confirm that rate relief is at least two years away. According to PJM, the price cap that was negotiated by Governor Shapiro (PA), in conjunction with Gov. Moore and other governors, substantially lessened this year’s increase.

Governor Wes Moore, multiple state agencies, and members of the Maryland General Assembly have pushed back on PJM for flaws in its rate-setting process and failure to connect clean energy projects to the grid. Most recently, Gov. Moore joined a bipartisan group of Governors calling on PJM to make policy changes to mitigate skyrocketing electric supply rates. 

In a functioning capacity market, prices rise in response to low energy supply, incentivizing the development of new power sources to meet demand. As of April 2024, PJM had 286.7 gigawatts (GW) of backlogged proposed energy projects waiting for PJM’s approval to be connected to the grid – enough to power roughly 228 million homes for a year. More than 90% of these projects are clean energy like wind, solar, and battery storage, fueling criticism that PJM is standing in the way of new clean energy. A recent analysis found that if PJM increased the speed at which it allows new projects to connect to the grid, it would save individual households at least $500 a year. 

While PJM’s slow processes have limited Maryland’s ability to build new energy projects, Maryland lawmakers took action in 2025 to speed up the deployment of batteries and solar power in the state once projects receive PJM’s approval. This bold step proves legislators’ commitment to advancing clean energy in spite of the logjam.

However, PJM’s bias toward fossil fuels is still hurting Marylanders. Maryland energy customers will be particularly hard hit by the 2024 PJM auction results, due in large part to PJM’s decision not to credit the energy produced by two active coal plants, a decision that increased bills in the BGE and PEPCO region by an estimated $5 billion. Supply rates will rise towards the end of the summer and are expected to increase up to 25% for some customers. After pushback from consumer advocates, PJM reversed course on that policy decision, adjusting its auction rules as related to the plants for yesterday’s auction.

Increases in electric supply rates have exacerbated rate pain for Marylanders who have already been struggling with the high utility delivery charges. Subsidiaries of the Exelon Company, including BGE, PEPCO, and Delmarva Power, increased delivery rates for gas and electricity at a rate far outpacing inflation. During the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly made several changes to utility ratemaking policies, which are expected to slow the rate of increase when implemented by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

“As someone who has advocated for PJM reforms that would allow for clean energy projects to connect to the grid, it is disheartening for another capacity market auction to punish ratepayers for PJM’s slow walking of new clean energy projects. PJM continues to be unwilling to implement reforms at a pace that would bring prices down,” said State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian.

“We’re counting on PJM and state utilities to get their act together and ensure access to affordable and reliable electricity,” said Maryland PIRG Senior Advisor Emily Scarr. “To reach that goal, they need to stop blocking clean energy, and stop gaming the rules to benefit fossil fuel and utility companies at the expense of the public. A competitive market won’t benefit customers any other way.” 

“Our regional electric grid remains overly dependent on unreliable and volatile fossil fuels,” said State Senator Benjamin Brooks. “PJM must take decisive action to accelerate the integration of solar energy and battery storage in order to stabilize the grid, reduce pollution, and lower energy costs for ratepayers.”

“These high prices are not serving as signals for new clean energy projects due to PJM’s backlog. Ratepayers should not suffer due to outdated policies and practices. I appreciate Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly for advocating for reforms. PJM must respond to continued collaboration and advocacy from the diverse group of stakeholders, paying close attention to this issue,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Chesapeake City Council Reverses Course, Approves Controversial Rezoning for Virginia Gas Compressor Station 

Council’s unusual revote and restricted public comment draw accusations of exclusion and environmental injustice

CHESAPEAKE, VA — In a contentious and racially divided decision, the Chesapeake City Council voted 6-3 on Tuesday night to approve a controversial rezoning request from Virginia Natural Gas (VNG), paving the way for a new compressor station 900 feet from several historically Black and working-class neighborhoods. Before the council meeting, dozens of Chesapeake residents and community advocacy groups rallied outside City Hall, holding signs and chanting demands for environmental justice. The demonstration brought together neighbors — including impacted residents, faith leaders, and civic league members —  who all made clear their strong opposition to the proposed compressor station.

The council’s decision follows an unusual revote that was held to accommodate the applicant, VNG. This dramatic reversal overturned the council’s previous decision to reject the rezoning in June, when an overwhelming number of residents filled city chambers to voice their opposition, but VNG failed to appear. However, in a rare move, councilmembers brought the matter back for reconsideration, giving it a second public hearing and vote. Councilmembers changed the rules at this second hearing to limit public input in a way that favored VNG. 

“Tuesday evening, the Chesapeake City Council demonstrated what injustice to communities of color looks and feels like: gut-wrenching,” said Lynn Godfrey, Environmental Justice Community Leader. “After voting to deny the rezoning just two weeks ago, they came back and betrayed the people in impacted communities, who showed up to standing-room-only capacity and expressed their valid and passionate concerns for their community and family to a cold council. However, three councilmembers stood with the community, the three and only Black councilmembers, King, Smith, and Ward, we say thank you.” 

Residents and advocacy groups have condemned the council’s move to approve the rezoning as a blatant disregard of environmental justice for the community. Despite overwhelming public opposition and impassioned testimony from residents of Georgetown, Crestwood, and Eva Gardens, councilmembers advanced the VNG proposal. Community members argued to no avail that the compressor station will further burden their neighborhoods — already carrying disproportionate levels of industrial pollution — with even greater health and environmental risks.

“This vote sends a disturbing message: that the voices of Black and working-class residents can be ignored to make room for corporate agendas,” said Leianis Gunn, Hampton Roads Organizer at Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “We showed up and hotly spoke out against this project at every single hearing, and even had a short-lived victory. But when it mattered the most, the council silenced our voices to give a gas company another chance. We are disappointed by the council’s choice to prioritize the convenience of a gas company over the well-being of the people they were elected to serve.”

Adding to the controversy, councilmembers voted to suspend their usual procedures, capping discussions of agenda items at just one hour and drastically reducing the number of residents who were allowed to speak. Many were turned away without the opportunity to voice their concerns about the facility’s impacts on their health, safety, property values, and quality of life. Residents and civic leagues argue that this move further disenfranchised affected neighborhoods, calling into question the council’s commitment to environmental justice and meaningful public participation.

“We saw blatant racism, miscarriage of justice, a lack of humanity and compassion firsthand for the last hearing at the city council,”  said Joseph Davis, Eva Gardens Civic League’s President. “The time constraint of an hour placed on the compressor station rezoning discussion left three-fourths of the speakers without an opportunity to voice their concerns. Many studies continue to show an increase in many respiratory, heart diseases, and cancers with a decrease in average life expectancy for all residents within a 1 – 2-mile radius of polluting facilities. This will place greater issues on current and pre-existing medical and health costs already in these communities, which are already strapped for resources for their families. This is poor leadership and a miscarriage of justice within our city council and elective officials, who are given the task to protect the welfare and morale of our citizens. We, the communities, prayer warriors, and advocates, must push on harder in this fight so our voices will be heard and not be silent for wrongdoers of the poor and the injustices of our health, communities, and democracy.”

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Dominion Energy’s IRP Misses the Mark on Clean Energy Commitments 

SCC orders Dominion to adopt a 20-year outlook and include scenarios for retiring fossil fuel plants in next energy roadmap

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued an order yesterday accepting Dominion Energy’s latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as “legally sufficient,” while pointing out several shortcomings of the Plan that the SCC expects to be corrected in the Company’s next IRP.

The SCC’s order includes several important directives aimed at improving Dominion’s future planning. Notably, the SCC highlighted that Dominion’s current IRP covers only a 15-year horizon, falling short of the 20-year timeframe necessary to fully account for the requirements of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) to reach 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. The SCC also directed Dominion to produce at least one scenario fully aligned with the VCEA, including the scheduled retirements of fossil fuel plants. 

The IRP’s shortcomings are compounded by failures to model Commission-mandated energy efficiency targets and unnecessary build limits on battery storage. The SCC also noted that “land use challenges” are limiting the deployment of solar energy. Currently, 57 counties and cities in Virginia have bans or severe restrictions that make utility-scale solar development difficult or impossible. Local restrictions on solar development are systematically hindering the state’s progress toward a clean energy future and undermining the cost-effective transition required by law. 

Victoria Higgins, Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Virginia Director, released the following statement: 

“The Commission’s order makes clear that Dominion’s plan, while ticking enough boxes to be deemed legally sufficient, falls far short of the mark in terms of providing a roadmap towards the least-cost and most efficient clean electricity portfolio required by law. At the end of the day, Dominion plans to build tens of billions of dollars worth of gas infrastructure to primarily serve the needs of Big Tech’s massive data center campuses. It’s a bad deal for Virginia.”

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

As RGGI States Forge Ahead on Climate, Will Virginia Get Left Behind?

Climate group praises stronger rules while criticizing Governor Youngkin’s unlawful move to remove Virginia

RICHMOND, VA – Ten Northeast states have agreed to triple the rate of power sector emissions cuts under the Regional Gas Initiative (RGGI), committing to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 10 percent annually from 2027 to 2033. The updated RGGI targets, finalized last week, will require participating states to slash carbon emissions by at least 60% by 2037 compared to 2025 levels, a move widely praised as a demonstration of strong state leadership in the face of federal backsliding on pollution. 

Maryland is among the ten states bound by these new rules, which mark the third major upgrade to RGGI. The program has already helped participating states cut power sector emissions 50 percent since 2005, almost twice as fast as the national average, while raising billions for local investments, including clean energy programs and energy bill assistance. 

Maryland’s Southern neighbor, Virginia, stopped participating in RGGI in 2023, following a directive from Governor Glenn Youngkin, a move that a Floyd County court deemed unlawful and is currently subject to appeal. While Virginia was in RGGI, power plant emissions dropped by more than 22%. In addition, RGGI generated over $800 million in the Commonwealth, supporting flood resilience and energy efficiency programs that directly benefited low-income families and communities vulnerable to flooding. Since withdrawing from RGGI, Virginia is leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table each year and has seen emissions rise, while critical funding for these programs dries up.  

Virginia’s Democratic candidate for Governor, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, has already stated an intention to rejoin RGGI. 

In response to the new rules, Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Executive Director, Mike Tidwell, released the following statement:

“For decades, RGGI has delivered results. We are thrilled to see our strong regional partnership take the next step to meet this urgent moment on climate, particularly in the face of catastrophic backsliding in Washington – backsliding that will make energy more expensive for everyday families and saddle communities nationwide with dirtier air and worse health outcomes. And while Marylanders will benefit from the new rules through cleaner air and critical electricity cost-saving programs, Virginians will continue to fall behind as floods worsen and extreme heat sends electricity bills soaring. Leaving RGGI was an illegal, costly mistake.”

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Twenty Influential Virginia Groups Warn of Disaster If FEMA Is Dissolved in Letter Delivered to Governor Youngkin

Why We Can’t Afford to Lose FEMA: Lessons from Hurricane Helene and Beyond

Groups Highlight Risks to Virginia and Urge Youngkin to Use His Seat on FEMA Review Council to Defend Federal Disaster Aid

RICHMOND, VA— In a unified call to action, 20 Virginia advocacy organizations, including the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, delivered a letter today urging Governor Glenn Youngkin to defend and strengthen the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the Trump Administration considers dismantling it. The coalition, representing housing, climate, conservation, and mutual aid groups, pressed Youngkin to use his influential seat on the FEMA Review Council to oppose any efforts to dissolve the agency amid escalating climate disasters. 

READ THE LETTER IN FULL HERE

The letter reminds Governor Youngkin that the scale and intensity of climate disasters are increasing, with skyrocketing costs accompanying the urgency for resilient systems and infrastructure. Additionally, it reminds him that Virginia has depended on FEMA for support during his term as governor. While Governor Youngkin suggested that Virginia could handle the costs of any extreme disaster without federal support, Virginia’s US Senator Mark Warner has expressed deep concerns that a major disaster matching the scale of 2024’s devastating Hurricane Helene could bankrupt the state if federal support is not available. 

The Trump Administration’s proposal to scrap FEMA, including the recent cancellation of the Building Resilient Infrastructure Community program, has sparked alarm among state and local leaders. That program alone brought millions of dollars in investments to Virginia cities that would have directly benefited communities and their property. 

The FEMA Review Council is set to release a report of its recommended changes to FEMA this fall, including the possibility of dissolving FEMA entirely. This moment marks a crucial opportunity for Virginians to advocate for guaranteed federal disaster relief in the age of climate change-fueled record-breaking weather events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that 2023 saw an unprecedented total of 2028 multi-billion-dollar disasters. NOAA’s Chief Scientist at the time remarked that 2023 was likely “the warmest year on record for the planet” and that the high marked the latest in weather extremes that will persist as climate change accelerates. 

“Governor Youngkin, now is the time to lead,” said Gabby Walton, Federal Campaigns Associate for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Stand up for every Virginian and publicly commit to strengthening FEMA and federal disaster relief. With Virginians facing record-breaking disasters due to climate change and the real threat of losing vital federal support, we cannot afford political gamesmanship with our safety and future. We urge you to use your seat on the FEMA Review Council to reject any plan to dismantle FEMA and to fight for the resources our communities need to survive and recover.”

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Community Victory: Chesapeake City Council Denies Major Rezoning, Rejects Data Center and Virginia Natural Gas’s Compressor Station 

Council vote marks major win for environmental justice and public health as city rejects plans to locate polluting facilities in vulnerable neighborhoods

CHESAPEAKE, VA – In a landmark decision for environmental justice and community health, the Chesapeake City Council voted Tuesday night to deny a sweeping rezoning request from Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) that would have converted VNG properties to industrial use, paving the way for more polluting industry in the area. This decisive rejection is a major win for residents and a clear rebuke of the proposed compressor station, which would have posed serious risks to local residential neighborhoods. The vote follows a concerted advocacy campaign from Eva Gardens and Crestwood civic leagues, Chesapeake residents, and environmental groups, who raised urgent concerns about pollution, safety, and the disproportionate burden placed on already disadvantaged communities.

The proposed Chesapeake Compressor Station would have pumped gas through multiple pipelines – such as the Virginia Reliability Pipeline and the Southside Connector Pipeline– threatening neighborhoods including Georgetown, Gilmerton, Crestwood, Eva Gardens, Belvin Heights, and the Westover Trailer Mobile community. Georgetown residents have tirelessly advocated against the Southside Connector pipeline, raising concerns about pollution, safety, and the disproportionate burden placed on already disadvantaged communities. 

Compressor stations are known sources of air pollutants and greenhouse gases — including methane, volatile organic compounds, and carcinogens like benzene — that degrade air quality, harm health, and contribute to climate change. The constant noise and risk of leaks, fires, or explosions make these facilities especially dangerous in densely populated or vulnerable communities. Tuesday night’s meeting also saw the council chambers packed with community members who spoke out forcefully against the first large data center in Hampton Roads, citing concerns about environmental impacts and threats to local quality of life. Residents made it clear that they do not want their neighborhoods to become dumping grounds for a “dirty data center” that fuels climate change without requirements to run on clean energy. 

Tuesday’s vote is a resounding affirmation of the community’s right to clean air, safety, and meaningful participation in decisions that affect their future. As environmental protections are under attack, the city council’s decision shows local leaders are listening to residents and prioritizing environmental justice and the health and well-being of our communities. 

In reaction to the City Council decision, Chesapeake residents and advocates released the following statements:

“This is a win for humanity, health, environmental justice, and a prosperous life for generations to come,” said Joseph Davis, Eva Gardens Civic League’s President. “This will allow our community to avoid exposure to daily toxic pollutants, noise, and volatile organic compounds that lower air quality, which are linked to asthma, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease (COPD), and cancer. By voting down the compressor project and the M1 light industry application, we would not add any more toxic pollutants and chemical dispersion within our communities, daycares, and schools. I was happy to see City Council Members value their citizens’ humanity, health, and well-being for long lives.”

“As a resident of Eva Gardens, I am happy that the city council acknowledged the possible dangers associated with VNG’s request and voted against their hazardous proposal,” said Sarah Eason Williams, Resident of Eva Gardens. “Research clearly shows the harmful effects of compressor stations on the environment and human health. The neighborhood owes a debt of gratitude to the diligent efforts of Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Cheryl Davis, the leaders of our civic league, as well as others who were in attendance.”

“The Chesapeake City Council heard the people and delivered a win for generations when they denied Virginia Natural Gas’ rezoning application to build two compressor units in the city that would disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The value of this victory cannot be overstated since it was crucial to the buildout of the Virginia Reliability Project (a massive fracked gas pipeline), essentially rendering the pipeline project dead,” said Lynn Godfrey, Environmental Justice Community Leader. 

“The city council’s decision to reject the compressor station and data center sends a clear message: no community should be a sacrifice zone for polluting industries,” said Leianis Gunn, Hampton Roads Organizer at Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “This victory belongs to the people of Chesapeake who stood up for their health, safety, and future. Environmental justice means no single neighborhood bears more than its share of pollution. Chesapeake took a bold step towards that vision.”

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.