Delegate Kathy Tran (D-Fairfax) received the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Virginia Legislator of the Year award last week for her work protecting Virginians and the Chesapeake Bay from toxic substances and reducing pollution flowing into beloved waterways.
The new law Tran spearheaded, which passed the General Assembly this year, prohibits the sale and application of any pavement sealant with a PAH concentration greater than one percent by weight. Applied both commercially and privately, the sealant is a black liquid marketed as a pavement protector. These products contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are toxic and carcinogenic chemicals that can harm people, birds, amphibians, fish, mammals, and plants.
“Delegate Tran’s leadership in addressing harmful toxics and pollutants has been a testament to her dedication towards creating healthier communities and restoring the Chesapeake Bay. Her unwavering support for the importance of banning toxic pavement sealants is highlighted by the fact that she carried this legislation for four years until its passage earlier this year, reflecting her tireless commitment to a cleaner environment for everyone,” said CBF Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore. “Because of her work, Virginia’s new law will reduce pollution to waterways and help shield Virginians from harmful chemicals.”
“I am honored to receive the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia Legislator of the Year award,” said Tran. “Toxic pavement sealants put our children’s lives at risk and pollute our waterways. Many families do not realize that when repairing their driveway, they could be applying a toxic product that causes cancer in people and fish. Banning their sale is a commonsense action, and I am proud to partner with the experts at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to pass this bill and protect our children, marine life, and waterways.”
“The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s deep commitment to protecting the Bay inspires us all to be better environmental stewards, and I look forward to continuing our work together to build a cleaner and healthier Virginia for all,” Tran said.
CBF presents its Virginia Legislator of the Year Awards to lawmakers who have made outstanding efforts in the General Assembly to improve the health and resources of Virginia’s rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. Recent Virginia Legislator of the Year awards include Senator Emmett Hanger (R-Augusta), Delegate David Bulova (D-Fairfax), and Delegate Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington and Alexandria).
Virginia Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
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804-258-1567
