Center for Climate Strategies

Governor Timothy M. Kaine established the Governor's Commission on Climate Change in December 2007. The commission prepared a plan for Virginia that identified ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the development of the plan, the commission will took the following steps:

• Inventory the amount of and contributors to Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions projections through 2025
  • Inventory and projection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2000 – 2025) - added 12.19.2008
  • Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (1990 - 1999) - added 12.19.2008
  • GHG inventory - final draft
• Evaluate the expected impacts of climate change on Virginia’s citizens, natural resources and economy
• Identify climate change approaches being pursued by other states, regions and the federal government
• Identify what Virginia needs to do to prepare for the likely consequences of climate change
• Identify any actions (beyond those identified in the Virginia Energy Plan) that need to be taken to achieve the 30 percent greenhouse gas reduction goal

The Virginia Energy Plan, released in September 2007, set a goal for the Commonwealth to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025. The reduction in emissions will be partially achieved through energy conservation and renewable energy actions listed in the energy plan.

CCS Initiatives in Virginia:

• GHG Inventory and Forecast for the State
• Documentation of a Full Range of Specific, Potential Actions and Mechanisms in all Sectors and at all Levels of Government

Climate Action Plan

Currently, Virginia's Climate Action Plan is not available. For more information please visit the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions website for more information, or the US EPA's State Climate Action Plan website.

Financing Mechanisms

For a complete listing of financing mechanisms in VA, please visit the US American Recovery and Reinvestment Act website

Energy Efficiency Policies

Virginia has enacted a variety of Energy Efficiency Policies. Please see the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's website for a list of policies.

Building Codes

For information about Virginia's building codes and building codes for state government buildings, please visit the US Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website. 

Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)

For a detailed description of Virginia's RPS plan, please visit the US Department of Energy's Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website 

*CCS' climate action state pages are not a complete and comprehensive listing of state and local policies.