Virginia Joins Federal Clean Energy Program
Virginia has joined 15 other states as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership to help address climate change.
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah already are working with EPA to develop and carry out comprehensive strategies for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy.
This partnership aims to improve air quality and the environment while reducing energy costs and helping states achieve their economic goals. The 16 partner states represent 55 percent of U.S. population and energy consumption, and nearly 50 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the Partnership Program, launched in February 2005, partner states agree to develop and implement a state-specific Clean Energy-Environment State Action Plans that contain one or more clean energy-environment goals. Virginia will harness the power of the partnership to advance the goals of its recently released energy plan.
EPA provides partner states with access to a comprehensive assistance package of planning, policy, technical, analytical and information resources, and works to establish connections to other federal programs that support clean energy-environment strategies. Partners also benefit by learning from the federal government and other states about successful programs and policies at work, like Energy Star. EPA recognizes these states as environmental and clean energy leaders, commending them for the environmental benefits that result from their efforts. This work helps states plan to meet their energy policy goals and implement energy efficiency programs.