Virginia House of Delegates Democratic Leader’s Legislation Led to UVa Installations

David J. Toscano (D-57), Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, today confirmed that he will tour UVa’s Solar Panel installations, the latest of which was celebrated at an event at UVa during a series of Earth Week observations in April.

Toscano has championed solar energy legislation in the Virginia General Assembly every year since his election in 2005.

“UVa and other higher education institutions are helping move us to a future based on renewable energy,” said Toscano. “The Commonwealth can and will be more actively involved in confronting the challenges of climate change and UVa will be essential to this effort.”

A bill sponsored by Toscano that passed the General Assembly in 2011 led to the initial solar panel installations at UVa’s Ruffner Hall and above the University Bookstore. HB 1686 offered special tariffs to facilitate customer-owned distributed solar generation.  UVa used this legislation to further invest in solar panels to produce renewable energy.

Members of the press are invited to join the tour by meeting on June 6th at Clemons Library at 4PM.  Parking instructions can be obtained by calling Jane Dittmar @ 434.220.1660.

David J. Toscano, Delegate from the 57th District (Charlottesville/Albemarle) and the Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, today issued the following statement:

The President’s action today is extremely disappointing, but not unexpected. During his campaign, Donald Trump indicated that he would withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, and now he has delivered on that pledge. His action removes this nation from an agreement that has broad-based support in the international community. This will not only have a dramatic impact on our environment and our economy, but will lessen the role of the United States’ leadership in the world. Refusing to confront climate change will not reduce the real threat it poses to our lives and our children’s lives.

“If the federal government will not act, states need to take an even stronger leadership role to combat climate change. Several months ago, I requested an Attorney General’s opinion on how the state could act independently to cut carbon emissions. The opinion clearly states that we have broad authority to do more in our state and to make Virginia a leader in creating a clean energy economy. Today’s decision by the Trump administration only reinforces our commitment to finding ways for Virginia to join with other states to protect our environment and cut the rising carbon emissions that threaten our planet.”

When Washington Defaults, States Really Do Matter

David J. Toscano, delegate from the 57th District (Charlottesville / Albemarle) and the Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, today issued the following statement:

“Our Governor clearly recognizes the threat to Virginia imposed by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, and is attempting to do all that he can within his authority to protect the quality of life and economic wellbeing of Virginians in the face of this challenge,” said Toscano.  “As President Trump undermines the EPA, protective action will increasingly occur in the states, and Virginia should be a leader.”

Toscano recently sought and obtained an opinion by the Attorney General of Virginia, Mark R. Herring, that stated the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board has the ability, under state law, to regulate carbon pollution and to place a “statewide cap” on greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing fossil fuel electric generating units.

“It is clear that Donald Trump will take us backward on climate protection, and the only chance we have to make our future better is through state initiatives.  I applaud the Governor on his courage to take on a difficult issue and manage it for the public good.”