David J. Toscano

Commentary on Virginia and U.S. Politics & Culture

David Toscano

Virginia Attorney General Opinion Issued
Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board Can Cap Greenhouse Gas Emissions

by

Response to Democratic Leader Toscano’s Request Confirms Legal Authority

David J. Toscano (D-57), Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, today issued the following statement:

In March, when a climate change denier was confirmed as the head of the US EPA, I wrote to Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring for an official opinion about existing state law or authority to address carbon pollution and emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). My request particularly highlighted the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board.

Today, the Attorney General issued a very significant opinion, concluding that the Air Pollution Control Board ‘is legally authorized to regulate GHG emissions, including establishing a statewide cap on GHG emissions for all new and existing fossil fuel electric generating plants.’ This is a huge development in the fight to mitigate further climate change, which the Trump administration in Washington has pushed off to the states.”

The Attorney General’s Opinion, Number 17-010, is available here.

The Veto Session

by

The Marathon and Maelstrom of the Veto Session —
Democrats Sustain All Governor’s Vetoes

The legislative year ends with what’s called the “veto session.” This year’s was held Wednesday, April 5, 2017, the day when the legislature considers the Governor’s vetoes and his proposed amendments to various bills. It is typically one of the longest floor sessions of the year and, as the Democratic floor leader, one of the most intense, as every vote counts on almost every issue. This year, Governor McAuliffe vetoed an unprecedented number of House bills, 21 in total. [Read more…]

Budget Passage and Adjournment

by

On Saturday, February 25, 2017, we adjourned this year’s “short session” of the General Assembly with passage of a modified budget. The revised budget places total General Fund spending for FY2017 and FY2018 at $40.47 billion. [Read more…]

Washington Chaos, Redistricting, and Other Political Machinations

by

With Washington D.C. in chaos, the emerging opposition to the Trump Agenda is having an impact in Virginia. We are seeing more citizens come to the State Capitol to protest the conservative agenda and argue for values we consider important, such as increasing the minimum wage, creating greater economic opportunity for more Virginians, investing in public education, protecting Planned Parenthood, or bringing redistricting reform. [Read more…]

Contact Me

211 E. High Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 434-977-7977
Fax: 434-977-4847
davidjtoscano@gmail.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Email list
Join My Email List
Share