On September 17, 2025, the Sierra Club York River Group held its sixth online roundtable meeting on climate solutions. Sustainability managers and representatives from six Peninsula localities provided updates on their existing and proposed programs working toward the goal of clean energy for the region.

Opening remarks were provided by Shelly Simonds (Virginia House of Delegates). Whitney Katchmark and Quan McLaurin (Hampton Roads Planning District Commission) gave an update on the Climate Action Plan, which was funded through EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. See: hrpdcva.gov/1135/Climate.

2025 Roundtable Participants, in order of their presentations:
York County: Samantha McNeil, Outreach Coordinator, Public Works
Gloucester County: Carol Steele, County Administrator
Hampton: Scott Smith, Coastal Resilience Engineer
James City County: JoAnna Ripley, Assistant Director of General Services
Newport News:  Jennifer Privette, Sustainability Manager
Poquoson:  Laura Nusz, Environmental Compliance Officer

A wide variety of efforts were highlighted, including solar, electric vehicles, walking/biking trails, and energy efficient lighting.  In addition to informing the Sierra Club members about the progress being made, this roundtable gave the opportunity for each locality to learn from and connect with others in the region.

Link to the HR Climate Hub, Localities Taking Action, which includes 2023 and 2024 summaries:
https://www.hrclimatehub.org/municipal-actions/hampton-roads-taking-action/