PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 15, 2019
CONTACT:
Jamie Brunkow
Senior Advocacy Manager and
James Riverkeeper
(757) 634-4541
jbrunkow@jrava.org
General Assembly Takes Action to Protect Virginia’s Rivers from Coal Ash
Today, in a landmark achievement for the future of Virginia’s rivers, the House of Delegates passed SB 1355, bipartisan legislation to fully remove coal ash from leaking storage ponds across Virginia. The Senate advanced identical legislation, HB 2786, earlier this week. “Today’s vote affirms a bipartisan agreement announced last month that more than 28 million cubic yards of coal ash across Virginia must be either recycled or excavated and moved to a permitted landfill,” said Jamie Brunkow, Senior Advocacy Manager and Riverkeeper for the James River Association. “This action by the General Assembly puts public health first by removing coal ash from leaking, unlined pits along Virginia’s riverbanks that fail to meet modern standards.” “We applaud the patrons of both bills and all of Virginia’s leaders for putting the Commonwealth on the path toward clean rivers and healthy communities,” added Brunkow. “And we especially thank our champions – Senators Surovell and Chase and Delegate Carroll Foy – who, for years, have remained steadfast in protecting their constituents from the dangers of coal ash pollution.”
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ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond and Williamsburg, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.jamesriverassociation.org.