"RICHMOND, Va. — Environmental advocates notched one win after another this legislative session as the new Democratic majority passed their top-priority legislation, including measures long opposed by Republicans who used to be in charge.

Legislators sent bills to Gov. Ralph Northam that will remake how Virginia’s utilities generate electricity, remove barriers to rooftop solar, ban offshore drilling and fracking in much of the state and mandate more coal ash cleanup. Others will make the state a full participant in a carbon cap-and-trade program and create a state environmental justice council intended to protect vulnerable communities from disproportionate impacts of pollution. The state budget also includes increased or new funding for a number of clean-water initiatives.

“Overall, this legislative session has been monumental and historic,” said Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters."

Sarah Rankin reports for the Associated Press March 14, 2020. [2]