Yesterday at the Virginia Conservation Network’s annual lobby day, 235 Virginians from all across the Commonwealth flooded the halls of Virginia’s General Assembly Building. There were many priority issues on the agenda but upon reading the meeting feedback forms at lunch it became clear that almost everyone was talking about two things: energy efficiency and mountaintop removal. The final tally isn’t back yet, but SB 564 and SB 71 were creating a buzz for sure.

I’d like to focus for just a brief minute on SB 564, the Virginia Stream Saver Bill. It was introduced by Senator Patsy Ticer from Northern Virginia but four women from Wise County traveled the distance to Richmond to thank both Senator Ticer and Senator Whipple (first co-patron), for taking a stand on issue so important to them.  It was certainly a special moment when Kathy Selvage from Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards presented Senator Ticer with a book entitled “Plundering Appalachia” that illustrates the devastating impacts this practice is having across Appalachia. Kathy brought two jars of water from her neighborhood to show just how impacted her water quality is.

With all of our combined efforts the Stream Saver Bill SB 564 now has five co-patrons, including Senators Whipple, Howell, Northam and Marsden.  If you have a minute please call today at  (800) 889-0229 and ask your Senator to co-patron this important bill!