Governor Kaine has made land conservation a primary goal of his administration. To that end, he has set a challenge to permanently protect 400,000 acres of land. Among the many benefits of such a conservation effort: maintaining water quality, providing additional opportunities for recreation, and preserving wildlife habitat and historic landscapes. What We Do
The Secretary of Natural Resources advises the Governor on natural resources issues and works to advance the Governor's top environmental priorities. The Secretary oversees six agencies that protect and restore the Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources. The Secretary's office and all of the natural resources agencies work together to uphold the provisions of Article XI of the Virginia Constitution.
- - Article XI, Constitution of Virginia
“To the end that the people have clean air, pure water, and the use and enjoyment for recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings. Further, it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth.”
June 15th!
The Challenge is a friendly competition to encourage state agencies and employees to explore ways to reduce our collective impact upon the environment.
The Green Commonwealth Challenge runs from June 15 to November 15, 2009.
Read the following to learn more:- Green Commonwealth Challenge FAQ (pdf 17k)
- Agency Reporting Form (Excel 23k)
- Executive Order 82 (2009) (pdf 192k)
- Governor Kaine's June 10, 2009 Press Release
Governor Kaine Signs Mid-Atlantic Ocean Agreement
On February 12, 2009, Governor Timothy M. Kaine and Her Majesty's Ambassador to the United States, Sir Nigel Sheinwald of the United Kingdom, signed a bilateral "Climate Change Action Agreement" at the Virginia Capitol today that commits each government to the common goals of combating the effects of climate change and developing a more climate-friendly economy.
For more information, view the Governor's news release.
On December 16, 2008, Secretary Gottschalk and Secretary Bryant met with Germany's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Klaus Scharioth, to discuss climate issues. Virginia and Germany signed a communiqué, agreeing to work as part of the "Transatlantic Climate Bridge" and advance collaborations in the areas of emissions trading, community energy planning, energy research, and green jobs. More information can be found at http://www.germany.info/climate.
Where do I report pollution complaints?
If there is a threat to health or property, please call 911. The Department of Environmental Quality's Pollution REsponse Program, known as PREP, provides for responses to air, water, and waste pollution incident.