Virginia's bid for federal funds to curb pollution and promote green solutions

In a bid for federal support, Virginia aims to secure funds for initiatives addressing pollution and greenhouse gases, signaling a shift toward cleaner energy and transportation.

Jake Bolster reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Virginia seeks millions in federal funding to tackle pollution and emissions, focusing on electrifying transportation and buildings.
  • The state's Priority Climate Action Plan outlines ambitious strategies, with community feedback shaping its priorities.
  • Both state and local governments are eligible to apply for grants from the Inflation Reduction Act, with a total of $4.6 billion allocated for climate initiatives.

Key quote:

"We're targeting real climate solutions that are going to make progress in Virginia."

— Garret Gee, senior attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center

Why this matters:

Competition for federal resources is fierce, with states across the nation vying for a piece of the environmental funding pie. In this landscape of fiscal competition, Virginia must articulate a compelling case for why it deserves a share of the funds and demonstrate a commitment to implementing impactful solutions to address environmental concerns.

Will the Inflation Reduction Act mark the time when fossil fuels begin to fossilize?

A creek flooding over its banks

More rain is falling on New Hampshire. Why do we still hurt for water?

Climate change is disrupting the balance we rely on to sustain groundwater supplies in the Northeast and around the world.

A filipino fisherman filleting a fish on his boat

Philippine fishing and Indigenous communities wary of clean energy boom in Marcos stronghold

The Philippines is currently highly dependent on fossil fuels for energy generation, but the government has committed to reaching 50% renewables by 2050.

Electric towers with the sun in the background

Scientists revise global warming projections, say small gains not enough

Both the old best and worst case future scenarios in the fight against climate change are being jettisoned by the world’s top scientists as they prepare the next series of huge United Nations reports.
A closeup of a crying Black woman

The subtle yet insidious ways climate change affects mental health

The stress of climate change is taking a toll on mental health across the world – and not just among those who have survived disasters.

A closeup of a tractor implement spraying pesticides on a field

How California rules affect city pesticide use near schools

Stanislaus County parents expressed concern after seeing city employees spraying pesticides at a park next to an elementary school.

Traffic lined up at stoplight, idling and polluting

EPA claims ‘overwhelming rejection’ of EVs as it moves to loosen air pollution rules

A proposed rule would give auto manufacturers until 2029 to meet smog and particulate matter emissions standards while the agency reconsiders the requirements altogether.
Texas flag flying adjacent to solar panel
Credit: Millenius/BigStock Photo ID: 346789597

Solar to overtake coal on Texas grid for the first time ever this year

The Trump administration likes to cast renewables as a socialist scam, but solar has soared in the competitive markets of the Lone Star State.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.