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Some environmental effects of pipeline projects are loss of water and air filtration capability from forests, risk of severe erosion in mountainous areas, and increased air pollution from leaking methane gas. (Adobe Stock)

Despite opposition, VA pipeline expansion moves ahead

Despite extensive opposition, the Virginia Reliability Project is moving forward. This month, the state's Marine Resources Commission issued a …

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's biennial State of the Bay report gave the bay's overall health a D+, the same grade it received in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill funding impacts Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts

Virginia environmentalists are seeking Farm Bill funding to help Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts. The proposed Chesapeake Bay Conservation …

Along with flooding, Virginia is experiencing sea level rise. Between 1950 and 2023, the state has seen a 14-inch rise in sea level rise, putting 45,000 homes at risk of tidal flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Wetlands forming on VA surface mines, impacts uncertain

A recent report found wetlands forming on surface mines in Virginia can benefit the state. The wetlands form because surface mining flattens land…

A U.S. Water Alliance poll found 85% of voters find ensuring a reliable supply of water extremely or very important. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit seeks to raise awareness for failing water systems

A national group is using today as a national day of action to raise awareness for U.S. water systems. The U.S. Water Alliance is behind the Imagine …

The Chesapeake Legal Alliance sued in May to challenge the Virginia Marine Resources Commission's standards on menhaden harvesting. The proposed regulations would have pushed these operations away from the shores of Chesapeake Bay in the hopes of preventing net spills. (Adobe Stock)

Industrial Menhaden Operations Harm VA Ecosystems

Virginia fishermen want action to be taken to keep industrial menhaden operations in the state in check. Menhaden are a nutrient-rich fish and a key …

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has identified several locations across the state as having forever chemicals at their sites. Some are Fentress Air Base, Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, DuPont Spruance Manufacturing in Richmond. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Issues New Guidance on ‘Forever Chemicals’

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is implementing new rules on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as forever chemicals. The new …

While the 2022 State of the Bay ranks at a 32 or a D+, it's the highest score since the report's inception. When the report first came about in 1998, the bay's health was at a 27. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Chesapeake Bay Needs Further Cleanup

A biennial report found the health of Chesapeake Bay is in poor condition. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's 2022 State of the Bay report gives the …

Tribes from Alaska, Montana, and British Columbia have been adamantly opposed to pollutants flowing into a transboundary waterway between the U.S. and Canada. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Tribal Leaders Bring Canadian Mine Waste Concerns to D.C.

Tribal leaders from the Northwestern U.S. have been in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss how waste from mines in British Columbia is threatening …

In draft legislation for a Chesapeake National Recreation Area, the National Park Service would be able to acquire land through voluntary donation, purchases from willing sellers, and exchanges or transfers from another agency in consultation with a CNRA Advisory Commission. (Adobe Stock)

Draft Legislation Would Create Chesapeake National Recreation Area

Newly drafted legislation would combine swaths of land in Virginia and Maryland to create the Chesapeake National Recreation Area. Although it's …

The Virginia Mercury reports the Mountain Valley Pipeline's current price tag stands at $6.2 billion, up from its initial cost estimate of $3.7 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Advocate: Mountain Valley Pipeline Far From Complete

Construction on the 300-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline is more than 90% complete, according to the project's developers. But environmental advocates …

Agricultural runoff makes up 70% of the remaining pollution Virginia must reduce in order to meet its water cleanup goals for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (Pixabay)

Report: Virginia Must Act Fast to Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals

As a deadline looms to meet water cleanup goals for the Chesapeake Bay, a new report shows it is critical for Virginia to accelerate its work…

Virginia's new Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Master Plan is expected to use nature-based solutions, like wetlands restoration, to help absorb the impact of severe storms and flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Welcomes Public Input on Coastal Flooding Plan

RICHMOND, Va. -- As floods grow worse from sea-level rise and more frequent storms along Virginia's Atlantic coast, the state is encouraging …

Tons of crushed concrete will be deposited in the Lynnhaven River near Virginia Beach to restore oyster reefs. (Wikimedia Commons)

VA Restoration Project Creates Oyster Reefs from Tons of Concrete

Correction: 08/03/2020 12:38 p.m. CST - Army Corps of Engineers received $10 million in federal funding, not Lynnhaven River NOW. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va…

A new House bill could provide funding to help restore the Chesapeake Bay's extreme seagrass loss over the past year. (Chesapeake Bay Program)<br /><br /><br />

New Coastal Stimulus Bill Could Bolster Resiliency, COVID Job Losses

RICHMOND, Va. - As coastal areas experience severe job loss from COVID-19 shutdowns, new legislation in Congress promises funding to restore those …

A bill passed this weeks by Congress would help support coastal restoration projects on the Chesapeake Bay. (Adobe Stock)

Moving Forward Act Would Boost VA Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

RICHMOND, Va. - This week, the House of Representatives passed the Moving Forward Act, which includes $3 billion for coastal restoration projects…

Online classes, including storytelling, help Virginians in pandemic mode learn about the nation's largest estuary. (NERRS)

Virginians Can Explore the Chesapeake Bay Online This Summer

RICHMOND, Va. -- The coronavirus pandemic has shifted the way educators and students learn about the Chesapeake Bay and its estuaries to new virtual …

Oysters on Virginia's Lafayette River help maintain clean water on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

VA Lawmakers Pressed to Boost Funding for Oyster Restoration

RICHMOND, Va. -- Conservation groups in Virginia are urging state lawmakers to approve a $10 million budget allotment to maintain oyster reefs in the …

The Trump administration's new water rules loosens pollution regulations for streams and wetlands, which flow into large bodies of water such as Chesapeake Bay. (Wikimedia)

New Trump Water Rules Set Back Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Trump administration announced last week that it will remove millions of miles of streams and roughly half the country's …

In addition to providing easy access to clean water, bottle-filling stations can help cut down kids' consumption of sugary beverages. (Adobe stock)

Heart Assn. Urges VA Lawmakers to Add School Water-Filling Stations

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – We all know that drinking water is essential to health, and the American Heart Association of Virginia is proposing …

Research shows that climate change has influenced longer wildfire seasons across the country. (Adobe stock)

Virginia Warns of Dangerous Wildfires with Smokey Bear Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – August is Smokey Bear Awareness Month in Virginia, as the nation celebrates the 75th anniversary of the icon's wildfire …

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission wants to give states such as Virginia more flexibility in implementing pollution standards. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Environmental Groups Oppose Changes to ORSANCO Commission

RICHMOND, Va. — After failing to get rid of its pollution-control standards entirely, a multi-state commission will vote this week on a plan …

The Trump administration has proposed a rule that would roll back Clean Water Act protections for about half of the nation�s wetlands and many streams. (Pixabay)

Clean Water Act Changes Could Impact Chesapeake Bay, VA Economy

RICHMOND, Va. – The Trump Administration is trying to narrow the scope of the Clean Water Act, a change that would exclude about half the …

Mercury emissions from U.S. coal plants decreased 85 percent between 2006 and 2016, and mercury levels in water and fish also have decreased. (JuergenPM/Pixabay)

Groups Testify Against EPA Rollback of Mercury Regulations

RICHMOND, Va. — Environmental groups plan to speak out against the Trump administration's rollback of regulations that have cut mercury …

A new report shows the health of the Chesapeake Bay has worsened for the first time in a decade because of increased pollution caused by record rainfall. (Jim Brickett/Flickr)

Chesapeake Bay Report Shows Record Rainfall, Increased Pollution

RICHMOND, Va. – Chesapeake Bay became more polluted last year for the first time in a decade according to a new report from the Chesapeake Bay …

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission regulates 27 nearshore species including menhaden, for Atlantic coastal states. (Icewall42/Pixabay)

Environmental Group Speaks Out Against Possible Omega Protein Certification

RICHMOND, Va. – Omega Protein Inc. is in the process of acquiring approval to raise the number of menhaden fish it can harvest, but …

Opponents say the rollback of a federal rule protecting streams and wetlands puts polluter profits over people. (J. Albert Bowden II/Flickr)

Groups Voice Swift Opposition to Proposed Clean Water Rule Change

RICHMOND, Va. – Negative reaction from conservation groups was swift to a Trump administration proposal on Tuesday to remove federal clean-…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency oversees voluntary programs to help promote conservation practices on farms and ranches. (Pixabay)

Farmers, Conservation Groups Rally Congress to Pass Farm Bill

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia farmers and conservation groups are warning that some of the nation's most critical resources are at stake as Congress …

Since 1948, ORSANCO and its member states have cooperated to improve water quality in the Ohio River Basin. (Pixabay)

Will VA Go Along with Vote to Weaken Ohio River Protections?

RICHMOND, Va. – A vote on Thursday will determine if Virginia and seven other states lose some pollution-control standards for the Ohio River…

Virginia�s beaches and coastal waters support five of the seven sea turtle species found worldwide. (Pixabay)

Report Shows Effects of Climate Change on VA Summer Fun

RICHMOND, Va. - Summertime is synonymous with getting outside to have fun for many Virginians, but a new report sheds light on how climate …

Environmental Advocates Hold Block Party to Raise Flooding Awareness

RICHMOND, Va. – After trying to talk to state leaders about climate change and the impact harmful emissions have on water levels, Virginia …

The Powell River, which winds through rural northeast Tennessee for 114 miles, feeds the Norris Reservoir along with the Clinch River. (Clinch River/Wikimedia Commons)

Research, Protection Continue for Clinch, Powell Rivers

RICHMOND, Va. – In southwest Virginia, two rivers will continue to get federal and state support, from agencies that say protecting and …

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

Due to potential microbiological pollution hazards, shellfish taken from areas affected by an emergency harvest closure along the Back River are unacceptable for consumption. (Pixabay)

Sewage Spill Prompts Ban on Back River Shellfish Harvesting

HAMPTON, Va. – State health officials have expanded the areas banned from shellfish harvesting due to a raw sewage spill along the Back River…

A new report found air pollution decreased in response to policy informed by monitoring and research. (Pixabay)

Report: Environmental Policies Improved Air and Water Quality Over Time

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A new report shows the environmental pollution problems caused by humans can actually be reversed by humans. The report …

Supporters rally around a small group of people sitting in two trees atop Peters Mountain in Monroe County to protest proposed pipelines. (Appalachians Against Pipelines)

Northam Moves to Protect VA Water as Pipeline Protests Continue

RICHMOND, Va. — Protests continue over construction of the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast underground natural gas pipelines. And opponents …

Opponents say they are worried about the impact a big spill from offshore oil drilling could have on the Virginia coast. (BAPAC)

Substantial Opposition to Trump Offshore Drilling Plan

RICHMOND, Va. – Opposition to Trump administration offshore-drilling plans looks substantial along the Atlantic Coast, including Virginia…

Opponents say they're worried that natural gas pipeline construction could damage water quality in the mountains along the border of Virginia and West Virginia. (FERC)

Pipeline Critics Continue Opposition to ACP, MVP

RICHMOND, Va. -- As expected, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has green-lighted two huge natural gas pipelines running through Virginia…

The massive damage Hurricane Harvey has caused in Texas can't help but prompt concern along the Virginia coast. (U.S. Army/Wikipedia)

Northeastern Cap-and-Trade System Could Fund Storm Prep for VA Coast

RICHMOND, Va. – The bad news is that coastal Virginia is at risk from a storm like Harvey. The good news is, there's a ready source of funding …

Anglers say they're seeing more and better brook trout since the North River has been restored closer to its natural state. (Mossy Creek Fly Fishing)

Restoring the North River: Fish, Water Quality, Tourism for Shenandoah

RICHMOND, Va. – Restoring the North River is bringing better trout habitat, cleaner drinking water and more economic development to the …

Critics say new pipelines from the Marcellus fields are unjustified by federal estimates of demand for gas, staying under 3 quadrillion BTUs for decades in the states that would be served. (Southern Environmental Law Center)

Pipeline Opponents Look to States, Courts

RICHMOND, Va. – With federal regulators likely to approve two huge gas pipelines, opponents are looking to the states and courts. The Federal …

The Trump administration is starting the process of unwinding an Obama wetlands rule. (Peter Pearsall/USFWS)

Trump EPA Starts Process To Roll Back Clean Water Rule

RICHMOND, Va. – The Trump administration is starting the formal process of rolling back the Clean Water Rule. Conservationists say that could …

Organizers say a Virginia Beach protest against offshore drilling represents the will of the people and businesses of that community. (Chris Bergand/Andrew Tuchman/Oceana)

Protest Against Offshore Drilling in Virginia Beach

RICHMOND, Va. -- More than 150 people took to the sand in Virginia Beach on Saturday to protest plans to expand offshore drilling. The Trump …

Volunteers led by AARP are pitching in to help thousands of Flint residents get their water pipes replaced. (Dan Heyman)

Volunteers Canvass to Help Flint Get Safe Water

RICHMOND, Va. – It's been three years since a Virginia Tech team helped expose the water-quality crisis in Flint, Michigan. Thousands of homes …

DC, States Face Lead in Schools’ Drinking Water

RICHMOND, Va. -- In the wake of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, a new report says lead in schools' drinking water is a pervasive problem…

Congress has voted to wipe out protections against dumping coal-mining debris into streams. The Stream Protection Rule was almost a decade in the making. (Vivian Stockman/flyover by Southwings)

Congress Cancels Obama Stream Protections

RICHMOND, Va. - Congress has voted to eliminate a regulation that restricts the disposal of coal-mining waste in nearby streams. Lawmakers used the …

Utilities in southern coastal states are cleaning up some of the many coal ash ponds left from decades of power generation. (Google)

Coal-Ash Cleanup Progressing in Other SE States

RICHMOND, Va. -As Congress debates the issue, utilities and communities in southeastern states, not including Virginia, are moving ahead with clean …

An event in Richmond will focus on conservation and trees. (Beth Little)

Conservation, Conversation and Trees in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. - A national conservation leader is coming to Richmond tonight to talk trees and other living things. National Wildlife Federation …

Organic farmers can start applying for a program to help them pay for conservation buffers on their lands. (iStockphoto)

USDA to Give Organic Farmers New Conservation Tool

RICHMOND, Va. – Organic farmers in Virginia and across the nation soon will have a new tool to help their bottom lines while protecting the …

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VA: Water