17 January 2005
The Virginia Conservation Network sponsored a “Lobby Day” on 17 January 2005 to encourage people to meet with their representatives and lobby for conservation issues. HRD representatives Charlotte Stephenson, Richard Shamrock, Frances Davenport, Lucile Miller and Margaret O’Bryan (Highland Co. landowner and Audobon Society representative) met with Delegate Chris Saxman. Lucile had a notebook (compiled by her and others who met earlier in the month with Senator John Warner’s assistant) with wind energy information to give to Del. Saxman. Basically, he said he had not totally made up his mind, but he was not convinced that wind energy was a viable source to warrant developing it in Virginia. He also stated that since Virginia falls under the Dillon Rule, if there was any money to be realized by wind development it would be by the Commonwealth and not the localities. We asked if he would be willing to serve on a committee to study wind energy if it was approved and he indicated he would. This request was prompted by the Senate Joint Resolution No. 334 that has been submitted by Senator Emmett Hanger. The purpose of the resolution would be for “establishing a joint subcommittee to study wind energy development in Virginia.” Delegate Saxman felt bills would come out of this study if the Committee on Rules approves the resolution.
Later in the day, Lucile, Charlotte, Richard, and Frances had the opportunity to meet very briefly with Senator Hanger to thank him for his proposed resolution (SJ334) and to deliver an information notebook to him as well. He admitted he knew nothing on wind energy development and seemed appreciative to receive the materials. We asked that he make one change in one portion of the resolution to clarify what the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative’s (VWEC) study actually addressed. Rick Webb has been involved with the study as a member of VWEC and felt the change was necessary to ward off any misconceptions. Senator Hanger thanked us for pointing that item out. He said it would be a good idea for us to send members of the Rules Committee notebooks as well, since they will be the ones considering the proposed resolution. (Lucile is sending those out.) There has to be a 2/3 majority for the resolution to move forward to the Senate and the Senate has to approve the joint subcommittee study by 2/3 before it can be considered by the House.
It is very important at this stage to contact Senator Hanger and other members of the Senate Rules committee to let them know we support his resolution (SJ334) and that we would like to see Delegate Chris Saxman on the study committee when it is formed. (A little positive thinking there.) There will be three members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules to the subcommittee and there will be five members of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates if the joint subcommittee is formed. We need to let the Senators know that this is an issue worth delving into so we can keep the resolution on the table. This will be a long drawn out process, so we need them to get started on it and not put it on the back burner. This fight is beginning in Highland County, but ultimately it will have consequences over the entire state especially if wind development is approved here in Highland.
There is one other item we discovered while at the General Assemby. Delegate Saxman has submitted an agricultural bill (HB1947 — Agricultural Enterprise Act of 2005) which could be of great benefit to Highland County, if passed. It is right in line with the economic development aspirations of HRD. Senator Hanger’s Resolution (SJ334) and Delegate Saxman’s House bill (HB1947) may be accessed via the Legislative Information System, then click on Bills and Resolutions under Session Tracking, then enter the resolution (SJ334) or bill number (HB1947) in the box, hit Enter and the information pops up. There will be a summary and also access to the full text.
To find delegates’ or senators’ addresses and other information on this site, click on General Assembly Members under Session Tracking. A list of all the delegates and senators will come up, then click on the delegate’s or senator’s name. The senators on the Rules committee are: Norment (Chair); Colgan; Saslaw; Wampler; Chichester, Stosch; Quayle; Hawkins; Stolle; Hanger; Williams; Houck; Potts; Whipple; Martin; and Mims.
In your correspondence state that you support Senator Hanger’s Senate Resolution No. 334 calling for a joint subcommittee to study wind energy development in Virginia and since an industrial wind development has been proposed in Highland County the need for a study is critical for all the issues involved. Let them know Delegate Chris Saxman has expressed interest in serving on the joint subcommittee for wind study when (if) it is formed and you would like to see him there since he knows Highland County so well. Be brief and to the point!
To support Delegate Saxman’s bill (HB1947) write to the House members on the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources committee: Cox (Chairman), Morgan, Sherwood, Ware (of Powhatan)(Vice-Chairman), Louderback, Wright, Orrock, Weatherholtz, Byron, Saxman, Hogan, Cline, Scott (of Madison), Bryant, Plum, Van Yahres, Amundson, Shuler, Miles, Stump, Eisenberg, Shannon. Senator Hanger should also receive a support letter for this bill as well as Speaker of the House William Howell.
These two proposed pieces of legislation could end up having major impacts on our lives in Highland County, so making contact in Richmond is of the upmost importance. If we don’t speak up they will assume no one here in Highland is concerned with the issues. The legislators need to know that the bill and resolution before them deserve their support.
Submitted by Frances Davenport
H R D welcomes your input and your support.
Write to P O Box 685, Monterey, VA 24465
Or contact the President of HRD by e-mail.