Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has amended a bill to a include a voluntary goal of reducing energy consumption 19 percent by 2025.
Kaine proposed the amendment to Senate Bill 1248, sponsored by Sen. Ralph S. Northam, D-Norfolk.
That bill originally included the establishment of a mandatory energy efficiency standard under which electricity consumption would be reduced by 19% of 2006 levels by 2025. During the General Assembly session legislators stripped out the 19 percent goal, which was the top recommendation of Kaine's Climate Change Commission.
Kaine said the voluntary 19 percent goal has the backing of electric utilities and the environmental community. He said the bill "may have a short-term effect of increasing rates," but that reduced consumption would lead to lower energy bills.
Kaine also announced that he had amended or signed a dozen other energy bills as part of his "Renew Virginia" initiative.
For instance, Kaine signed Senate Bill 1212, sponsored by state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, that grants localities the authority to create a clean energy financing program.
He also signed three bills that authorize localities to grant incentives to promote the construction of green roofs on private homes and businesses.
Legislators will consider Kaine's amendments and vetoes when they reconvene in Richmond April 8.
"Legislative action is a major part of my Renew Virginia initiative, and the energy bills I have signed will move Virginia toward a more sustainable and energy efficient future," Kaine said.
"We must continue to reduce our impact on the environment while ensuring that we have reliable and reasonably priced energy sources."
Kaine today also designated April as "Virginia Green Travel Month." He challenged the Virginia tourism industry to recruit 40 new partners for certification through its "Virginia Green" program as a green destination.
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