The Fourth Annual VA Peninsula Climate Solutions Roundtable, held on September 20, 2023, was very successful and well-attended. Here is the program recording (available for a limited time).
We are delighted and encouraged that the seven Peninsula localities are stepping up on their actions and projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Catherine Goggins, Senior Legislative Assistant covering energy policy, gave opening remarks on behalf of U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott.
Whitney Katchmark with Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) summarized the plans and timeline for the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant of $1 million, with HRPDC as the lead for the 17 localities in the Hampton Roads area. The grant will support development of a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and a regional climate action plan designed to reduce GHG, support clean energy generation, and ensure that low income communities will benefit.
Sustainability managers and representatives from Virginia Peninsula localities presented updates on their latest initiatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to include solar arrays, energy efficient building practices, EV vehicles and EV charging stations. These localities are Gloucester, Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Poquoson, York County, and Williamsburg.
The presenters were:
- Gloucester – Carol Steele, County Administrator
- Hampton – Scott Smith, Senior Civil Engineer, Public Works Department
- James City County - JoAnna Ripley, Assistant Director of General Services
- Newport News – Jennifer Privette, Sustainability Manager
- Poquoson – Laura Nusz, Environmental Compliance Officer
- Williamsburg – Caleb Rogers, Council Member
- York County – Samantha McNeil, Outreach Coordinator, Public Works Department