Delegate Sam Rasoul has pre-filed his “Green New Deal Act” [GND] in the Virginia House which includes a moratorium on new fossil fuel infrastructure beginning January 1, 2022.
“The 2021 GND Act tackles the dual crisis of climate change and inequity with an intersectional approach,” Rasoul said in an announcement on Twitter. “The science is clear. We must act swiftly to address the climate crisis.”
A summary of HB 1937 states, “The measure also requires that at least 80 percent of the electricity sold by a retail electric supplier in calendar years 2028 through 2035 be generated from clean energy resources. In calendar year 2036 and every calendar year thereafter, 100 percent of the electricity sold by a retail electric supplier is required to be generated from clean energy resources.”
The bill is similar to HB 77, which Rasoul filed in 2020. That “Green New Deal” died in the appropriations committee.
HB 1937 includes energy efficiency goals for state property. Additionally, HB 1937 requires creation of a Transitioning Workers Program that will support workers in the energy sector with job training, early retirement, income and benefit support, and relocation support.
“The transition from fossil fuels to renewables must be a viable option for all,” Rasoul said in his Twitter announcement. Rasoul, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor, did not return a request for comment.Â
“Just like the [Virginia Clean Economy Act] in 2020 (Virginia’s other Green New Deal) this legislation is going to raise rates on everyday Virginians and cost us more in taxes,” Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Lance Allen said in a text message. “They want to call it a ‘deal’, but it’s really a hustle. One that is bad for Virginia.”
Allen criticized the plan to create a Transitioning Workers Program.
“So, you want to take away good jobs from hard-working Virginians when over 600,000 are already out of work, give their job to someone out of state, and then offer them training….yes, I’d say that’s a bad solution, ” Allen said.
Former state delegate Tim Hugo is also running for the Republican Lieutenant Governor nomination.
“Radical legislation like the Green New Deal will cost Virginia taxpayers millions in new taxes and drive up energy costs on families that are already struggling,” Hugo told The Virginia Star. “These out of touch policies are the reason Virginia Republicans must win in November. I’m running for Lieutenant Governor to fight back against these tax hikes and higher energy costs.”
– – –
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Virginia House of Delegates” and Del Sam Rasoul” by Del Sam Rasoul.
