Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed budget amendments Dec. 18 that include an additional $17 million for agricultural best management practices that lead to cleaner rivers and streams. The budget proposal also included funding for additional staffing to help farmers get conservation practices on to Virginia farms.
Farm conservation practices like fencing cattle out of streams and planting streamside trees and grasses are among the most cost-effective steps Virginia can take to restore the Bay and local streams.
Gov. Youngkin also proposed creating a Disaster Relief Fund at the Department of Housing and Community Development for $127 million, using money from the general fund as well as from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state cap-and-trade program designed to reduce carbon emissions.
If approved, these budget amendments would be applied to Virginia’s biennial budget previously approved by state lawmakers. The budget proposals will be considered by legislators during Virginia’s legislative session, which begins Jan. 8.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore issued the following statement.
“In the past, Virginia has been inconsistent in support of farmers wanting to get conservation practices on the ground. But we have fully funded the program in recent years, and this proposed investment by Governor Youngkin will help ensure that in future years we fully meet Virginia’s commitments for pollution reduction to our waterways.”
“Climate change is making extreme weather all too frequent, which underscores the urgency of the Disaster Relief Fund. But it also demonstrates the need for proactive investments before disaster strikes, which is why Virginia must rejoin RGGI as soon as possible.”
“We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Governor, his Administration, and Virginia legislators during the upcoming legislative session to secure the necessary funding for vital clean water programs and Virginia’s living resources. By prioritizing these investments, we can ensure a healthier, more resilient future for the Chesapeake Bay and its communities."
Virginia Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
[email protected]
804-258-1567
