State Senator Chap Petersen Announces Energy Conservation Plan for Virginia

FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR PATERSEN

January 14, 2010

Contact: Julia Kim
804-698-7651

Richmond, Virginia - January 13, 2010 - On Wednesday Senator Chap Petersen announced his energy plan for Virginia, comprised of five Senate bills, including the Green Public Buildings Act and others with the purposes of conserving energy usage, meeting efficiency standards and saving tax dollars.

"As we face one of the most difficult economic environments since the Great Depression, Virginia must get the most out of every tax dollar," said Joe Stanley of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light in support of the Green Public Buildings Act, Senate Bill No. 109.

The Green Public Buildings Act requires all state buildings to be built according to LEED Silver or other approved energy efficiency standards to cut down on utility usage, preserve the environment and save tax dollars.

"We strongly support passage of this legislation because this bill requires us to be good stewards of the people's money," Stanley added.

The Virginia Interfaith Power & Light program advocates renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation.

Also part of Petersen's energy plan are legislation that supports clean energy financing, modifying electric rate structures to conserve energy usage, permitting natural gas utilities to petition for a separate rider to allow investment in improvements and avoid leaks, and authorizing a voter referendum on a constitutional amendment to allow local tax breaks for buildings designed to meet specific energy efficiency standards.

Senator Chap Petersen serves Virginia's 34th State Senate district, which includes Fairfax City and much of Fairfax County. He is member of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.

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