Air pollution remains a major threat to our health, according to a new report from Environment Virginia Research & Policy Center, Our Health at Risk: Why Are Millions of Americans Still Breathing Unhealthy Air? In 2015, people here in Richmond experienced 56 unhealthy air pollution days, increasing the risk of premature death, asthma attacks and other adverse health impacts. The DC, Arlington, and Alexandria metro area had an alarming 99 such days.
Richmond, VA – With solar power on the rise around the country, a national network fossil fuel and utility-backed organizations have joined forces to put the brakes on this fast growing pollution-free energy resource. Trade groups and think tanks backed by deep pocketed anti-clean energy ideologues and fossil interests are bankrolling campaigns, promoting model legislation and media campaigns to provide cover for anti-solar campaigns across the country, said a new report released today by Environment Virginia Research & Policy Center.
In a win for our oceans and climate, the Obama administration finalized its oil and gas leasing program, which provides protection for the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans from risky oil and gas drilling for the next five years.
With one solar panel in the state for every 100 people, Virginia remained near the bottom of an annual ranking of solar power capacity, and utilities like Dominion Resources and their allies would just as soon keep it that way.
Environment Virginia Research and Policy Center is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to getting things done.
