Category: what we’re doing

The Climate Action Alliance of the Valley (CAAV) is a volunteer, grassroots nonprofit organization, headquartered in Harrisonburg, with over 540 members.

CAAV’s mission is to limit the impact of humans on Earth’s climate, thereby providing for the common good by protecting the future of Earth and its inhabitants. CAAV’s goal is to have legislators who are familiar with the best scientific understanding of climate change so that they will consider the climatic implications, including risks, of any decisions they make. By so doing we hope to bring about the systemic change required to protect Earth’s climate and its associated benefits for current and future generations.

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CAAV asked the candidates for General Assembly seats representing the districts in the CAAV area in the November 2023 election to complete a questionnaire regarding their positions on pressing climate and energy issues.

As of the September 30, 2023, completion request date, we’ve heard from the candidates below. Click on their name to find their responses.

Randall Wolf, House of Delegates, District 36

Kathy Beery, Senate, District 2

Esther Nizer, House of Delegates, District 34

Thanks to these candidates for taking the time to let us know their positions on these issues!

2023 VA General Assembly Candidates Questionnaire from Climate Action Alliance of the Valley

Name:  Esther Nizer

Office you are seeking:  House of Delegates, District 34

Find the pdf version of the questionnaire with Esther Nizer’s responses HERE.

1. The Shenandoah Valley is experiencing more frequent and more severe extreme weather events as a likely result of climate change, including heat waves and unhealthy levels of air pollution, and we are at increased risk of flooding events. These events negatively affect all of us, but disproportionately impact historically disadvantaged and low-income communities. These communities suffer the negative impacts of local industry, such as pollution, but too often do not receive any of the benefits of the wealth generated by these industries. Legislation has been introduced in other states to address the cumulative impacts of pollution in permitting decisions and expand the types of legal actions available to individuals whose health and well-being have been impacted by pollution.

What legislation will you introduce or support to address environmental justice concerns?

I would support requiring health impact assessments for projects with potential health implications in historically disadvantaged and low-income communities

Creating legislation that would strengthen community right-to-know laws to ensure that residents are informed about nearby environmental hazards, emissions, and pollutants. Transparency is important and this would allow communities to protect themselves.

2. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia to cap and reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector. Through July 2023, more than $500 million in RGGI auction proceeds have already been invested in Virginia businesses through energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy, greenhouse gas abatement, and direct bill assistance programs. RGGI is a major tool that can help low-income Virginia’s reduce their energy bills and stay in their homes. It is also a very effective way to enable communities to improve their flood resilience and preparedness. Currently there is no clear plan for replacing the RGGI funds should Virginia cease its participation in the program.

Will you introduce or support legislation supporting Virginia’s continued participation in the RGGI coalition?  Yes_X_  No ___ Please explain your position.

I am most interested in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change. Reducing emissions can help improve air quality and public health outcomes. The Shenandoah Valley provides a variety of opportunities for its citizens to be outdoors. It is important that the air they breathe is clean.

If not, will you introduce or support legislation to replace the funding streams that RGGI has provided?  Yes ____ No ____ Please explain your position.

3. Will you introduce or support legislation that further restores the authority of the State Corporation Commission to set fair rates and charges for ratepayers? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, please describe the legislation you will introduce or would support. If no, please explain your position.

I would first want to talk to the experts in the field before presenting legislation.
I am most concerned about rates, especially in rural areas where I live. Regulatory oversight can be critical to ensuring that residents have access to essential services. Without this oversight, utility companies may be less inclined to invest in these areas.
I would certainly support legislation that would restore the authority to set fair rates.

4. Beyond the Virginia Clean Economy Act, Virginia has the option of supporting the increased use of renewable energy, principally solar and wind sources, and to increase energy efficiency.

Will you introduce or support legislation that encourages or incentivizes the adoption of more renewable energy and improved energy efficiency? Yes_X_  No ___  If yes, will you include individual and small scale distributed solar in such legislation?  If not, please explain your position.

Absolutely, we must be willing to work with everyone from individual to small scale to handle distribution.

5. The risks and costs of the climate crisis are already being detected and are projected to increase in Virginia. Virginia’s coastal zone is the second most vulnerable region in the U.S.—surpassed only by the area surrounding New Orleans—to the predicted impacts of climate change, including sea level rise. Additional impacts across all of Virginia will include increasing incidents of extreme heat, drought, flooding, extreme weather, and infectious diseases beyond what we have already experienced.

What legislation will you introduce or support to help Virginia mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts? If none, please explain your position.

There are several areas that are of interest to me:
Public transportation especially in rural areas. Possibly using electric vehicles. I would also support investing in walking and biking infrastructure.
Energy efficiency can range from energy-efficient appliances to building codes.

6. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual CO2 Inventory for the Commonwealth of Virginia, 51% of our carbon emissions are coming from the transportation sector.

What legislation, such as a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, tax incentives for EVs, electric bike incentives, increased availability of light rail passenger service, requirements for more rural transit/microtransit options, will you introduce or support to help reduce carbon emissions from Virginia’s transportation sector? If none, please explain your position.

Legislation related to funding for rural transit agencies to address transportation in rural areas. Incentives for electric bikes such as rebates or tax credits.
I would welcome a discussion on light rail expansion, especially between small towns.

7. Virginia has some of the weakest campaign finance laws in the country. Will you pledge to support campaign finance reforms to limit the amount any one person or organization can give to a candidate and require more transparency in disclosures? Yes_X_ No___    Please explain your position.

The amount of funds spent on campaigns is out of line. There need to be limits on the amount of money spent. I would support campaign limits of no more than double the salary paid for the position. In the case of the House of Delegates, the limit would not exceed $35,000.

8. Please describe any other actions you would take in the General Assembly to help Virginia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, support the adoption of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

One action that I would take would be to have more public education opportunities available to the citizens. Having experts in the area explain the benefits of greenhouse reduction can go a long way in getting people to fully understand the impact of climate change.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

Appendix

Web-sourced references:

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – http://www.rggi.org/

Renewable Energy

1. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/state_home.cfm/state=VA
2. http://www.nrdc.org/energy/renewables/virginia.asp
3. http://www.acore.org/files/pdfs/states/Virginia.pdf
4. http://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/virginia-solar

Climate Change Impacts

1. Coastal – http://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/icccr/index.php
2. Multi-sector – http://www.nrdc.org/health/climate/va.asp

Transportation – http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/state_summary?state=VA

2023 VA General Assembly Candidates Questionnaire from Climate Action Alliance of the Valley

Name:  Kathy Beery

Office you are seeking:  Senate, District 2

Find the pdf version of the questionnaire with Kathy Beery’s responses HERE.

1. The Shenandoah Valley is experiencing more frequent and more severe extreme weather events as a likely result of climate change, including heat waves and unhealthy levels of air pollution, and we are at increased risk of flooding events. These events negatively affect all of us, but disproportionately impact historically disadvantaged and low-income communities. These communities suffer the negative impacts of local industry, such as pollution, but too often do not receive any of the benefits of the wealth generated by these industries. Legislation has been introduced in other states to address the cumulative impacts of pollution in permitting decisions and expand the types of legal actions available to individuals whose health and well-being have been impacted by pollution.

What legislation will you introduce or support to address environmental justice concerns?

In 2020, the state established a Council on Environmental Justice and passed legislation (HB704/SB406). The last minutes online are from January 2023 and the council lacked a quorum to meet. Before adding new legislation into the mix, I want to know what has been done, how it has worked, and what needs to be done differently to make effective policies in this area. It certainly looks like this has been a political football and legislation has been passed on strict party lines. So, priority one is depoliticizing this issue. Without a bipartisan coalition to promote environmental justice policies, not much is going to happen. I think this can be done when we remember that class – which cuts across racial and ethnic identity groups – is a significant factor in environmental injustice.

2. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia to cap and reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector. Through July 2023, more than $500 million in RGGI auction proceeds have already been invested in Virginia businesses through energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy, greenhouse gas abatement, and direct bill assistance programs. RGGI is a major tool that can help low-income Virginia’s reduce their energy bills and stay in their homes. It is also a very effective way to enable communities to improve their flood resilience and preparedness. Currently there is no clear plan for replacing the RGGI funds should Virginia cease its participation in the program.

Will you introduce or support legislation supporting Virginia’s continued participation in the RGGI coalition?  Yes_X_  No ___ Please explain your position.

If not, will you introduce or support legislation to replace the funding streams that RGGI has provided?  Yes ____ No ____ Please explain your position.

Yes, of course. We need to rejoin RGGI.

3. Will you introduce or support legislation that further restores the authority of the State Corporation Commission to set fair rates and charges for ratepayers? Yes __X_ No ___ If yes, please describe the legislation you will introduce or would support. If no, please explain your position.

Yes, and beyond that we need to prohibit publicly regulated utilities from donating to political campaigns or creating PACs to support political candidates.

4. Beyond the Virginia Clean Economy Act, Virginia has the option of supporting the increased use of renewable energy, principally solar and wind sources, and to increase energy efficiency.

Will you introduce or support legislation that encourages or incentivizes the adoption of more renewable energy and improved energy efficiency? Yes_X_  No ___  If yes, will you include individual and small scale distributed solar in such legislation?  If not, please explain your position.

We are at a point of transition – not only in the way we produce energy but in the way it is distributed. It is a mistake to focus only on the production, not the distribution methods. The centralization of production is about monetizing energy for the benefit of a corporation. If that system is replaced with distributed production, we need to be sure that the poor who are unable to invest in producing their own energy are not left depending on a centralized system with skyrocketing rates. So, yes, I support distributing production and I want to make sure we don’t cause harm to the most vulnerable as we make that change. This is not going to be easy in the current system where publicly regulated utilities can buy elected leaders with unlimited campaign donations. See above.

5. The risks and costs of the climate crisis are already being detected and are projected to increase in Virginia. Virginia’s coastal zone is the second most vulnerable region in the U.S.—surpassed only by the area surrounding New Orleans—to the predicted impacts of climate change, including sea level rise. Additional impacts across all of Virginia will include increasing incidents of extreme heat, drought, flooding, extreme weather, and infectious diseases beyond what we have already experienced.

What legislation will you introduce or support to help Virginia mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts? If none, please explain your position.

I will first research what others have been doing and see who can help create a coalition for this.

The other side of this equation is preparing for climate refugees from coastal areas who will be moving to Senate District 2. This requires that we prepare our economy and our infrastructure to absorb population increases in the next 20 years. Part of that involves growing industrial hemp and creating related industries to produce hemp products. Hemp also helps mitigate climate change.

6. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual CO2 Inventory for the Commonwealth of Virginia, 51% of our carbon emissions are coming from the transportation sector.

What legislation, such as a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, tax incentives for EVs, electric bike incentives, increased availability of light rail passenger service, requirements for more rural transit/microtransit options, will you introduce or support to help reduce carbon emissions from Virginia’s transportation sector? If none, please explain your position.

Again, I will research what is being done and look to build a coalition to achieve these goals.

7. Virginia has some of the weakest campaign finance laws in the country. Will you pledge to support campaign finance reforms to limit the amount any one person or organization can give to a candidate and require more transparency in disclosures? Yes_X_ No___    Please explain your position.

It is embarrassing that a state that claims to be the cradle of democracy in this country has a system that is basically pay-to-play. This is a top priority if we are going to address our most pressing issues.

8. Please describe any other actions you would take in the General Assembly to help Virginia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, support the adoption of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

One of the most interesting experiences on the campaign trail has been discovering that the Chambers of Commerce in SD2 are all putting forward policy agendas that prioritize things like affordable housing, rural public transportation, and childcare. We have a chance to build a coalition between climate activists and our local business communities to address the need for a 21st-century transportation system that includes mitigating climate change. I look forward to facilitating those conversations and connecting the results to policymaking in Richmond.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

Appendix

Web-sourced references:

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – http://www.rggi.org/

Renewable Energy

1. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/state_home.cfm/state=VA
2. http://www.nrdc.org/energy/renewables/virginia.asp
3. http://www.acore.org/files/pdfs/states/Virginia.pdf
4. http://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/virginia-solar

Climate Change Impacts

1. Coastal – http://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/icccr/index.php
2. Multi-sector – http://www.nrdc.org/health/climate/va.asp

Transportation – http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/state_summary?state=VA

2023 VA General Assembly Candidates Questionnaire from Climate Action Alliance of the Valley

Name:  Randall Wolf

Office you are seeking:  House of Delegates, District 36

Find the pdf version of the questionnaire with Randall Wolf’s responses HERE. 

1. The Shenandoah Valley is experiencing more frequent and more severe extreme weather events as a likely result of climate change, including heat waves and unhealthy levels of air pollution, and we are at increased risk of flooding events. These events negatively affect all of us, but disproportionately impact historically disadvantaged and low-income communities. These communities suffer the negative impacts of local industry, such as pollution, but too often do not receive any of the benefits of the wealth generated by these industries. Legislation has been introduced in other states to address the cumulative impacts of pollution in permitting decisions and expand the types of legal actions available to individuals whose health and well-being have been impacted by pollution.

What legislation will you introduce or support to address environmental justice concerns?

Legislation will need to address so many items regarding our changing weather and the impacts on people who live, work, and play in Virginia. I will assure that these programs will protect historically disadvantaged groups and low income communities and the people who live there. This may even be an opportunity to address past decisions that negatively impacted these groups.

I believe that renewable energy is critical to address this. I would reengage with RGGI.

We have to review flood zones and how the insurance industry serves people who may be affected by dramatic weather events in the future. We also need to look at wildfire zones where building would be prevent just as we do with flooding.

2. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia to cap and reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector. Through July 2023, more than $500 million in RGGI auction proceeds have already been invested in Virginia businesses through energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy, greenhouse gas abatement, and direct bill assistance programs. RGGI is a major tool that can help low-income Virginia’s reduce their energy bills and stay in their homes. It is also a very effective way to enable communities to improve their flood resilience and preparedness. Currently there is no clear plan for replacing the RGGI funds should Virginia cease its participation in the program.

Will you introduce or support legislation supporting Virginia’s continued participation in the RGGI coalition?  Yes_X_  No ___ Please explain your position.

It’s ridiculous that Gov. Youngkin removed us from this important environmental program. I will support legislation to have Virginia return to RGGI and seek bills to provide programs for low and middle income people to gain access and the benefits of low cost renewable energy. We need to address increase flooding and provide security for all communities. In some cases this could be an opportunity to address past actions by Virginia regarding low income and minority communities.

If not, will you introduce or support legislation to replace the funding streams that RGGI has provided?  Yes ____ No ____ Please explain your position.

3. Will you introduce or support legislation that further restores the authority of the State Corporation Commission to set fair rates and charges for ratepayers? Yes __X_ No ___ If yes, please describe the legislation you will introduce or would support. If no, please explain your position.

I’m sorry, but this legislation would need to be worked out with experts and stakeholders, I’m not in a position to suggest wording for this legislation now.

4. Beyond the Virginia Clean Economy Act, Virginia has the option of supporting the increased use of renewable energy, principally solar and wind sources, and to increase energy efficiency.

Will you introduce or support legislation that encourages or incentivizes the adoption of more renewable energy and improved energy efficiency? Yes_X_  No ___  If yes, will you include individual and small scale distributed solar in such legislation?  If not, please explain your position.

I would propose legislation that requires any new building projects in Virginia that use taxpayer funds, grants or bonds to have a minimum of 50 percent of their electricity come from renewable energy. Virginia needs to lead and set the example for how to incorporate renewable energy in building projects.

5. The risks and costs of the climate crisis are already being detected and are projected to increase in Virginia. Virginia’s coastal zone is the second most vulnerable region in the U.S.—surpassed only by the area surrounding New Orleans—to the predicted impacts of climate change, including sea level rise. Additional impacts across all of Virginia will include increasing incidents of extreme heat, drought, flooding, extreme weather, and infectious diseases beyond what we have already experienced.

What legislation will you introduce or support to help Virginia mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts? If none, please explain your position.

I do not have specific legislation.

6. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual CO2 Inventory for the Commonwealth of Virginia, 51% of our carbon emissions are coming from the transportation sector.

What legislation, such as a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, tax incentives for EVs, electric bike incentives, increased availability of light rail passenger service, requirements for more rural transit/microtransit options, will you introduce or support to help reduce carbon emissions from Virginia’s transportation sector? If none, please explain your position.

I strongly support EV’s and alternative transportation for human locomotion. I would support tax refunds for eBikes, EV’s and other incentives for people who walk or use public transportation. I would also push VDOT to increase building public infrastructure for people who walk or bike at transportation, not just recreation.

7. Virginia has some of the weakest campaign finance laws in the country. Will you pledge to support campaign finance reforms to limit the amount any one person or organization can give to a candidate and require more transparency in disclosures? Yes_X_ No___    Please explain your position.

I would like to see the current federal laws be put in place for Virginia.

8. Please describe any other actions you would take in the General Assembly to help Virginia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, support the adoption of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

I’ve been a board member of the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and a advocate for biking and walking for decades. Currently I’m part of the organizing team for a walk bike summit in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County. I’m also active with a local group of family farmers who have a proposal for a 700 acre solar project that is being blocked in Augusta County. These issues are important to me and I will see as many avenues to promote reducing greenhouse gases and increasing the health of the people of Virginia.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

Appendix

Web-sourced references:

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – http://www.rggi.org/

Renewable Energy

1. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/state_home.cfm/state=VA
2. http://www.nrdc.org/energy/renewables/virginia.asp
3. http://www.acore.org/files/pdfs/states/Virginia.pdf
4. http://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/virginia-solar

Climate Change Impacts

1. Coastal – http://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/icccr/index.php
2. Multi-sector – http://www.nrdc.org/health/climate/va.asp

Transportation – http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/state_summary?state=VA

Climate Action Alliance of the Valley (CAAV), in partnership with Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions, seeks project proposals from community organizations in the Central Shenandoah Valley, including the cities of Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Staunton, and Rockingham, Augusta, Page, Shenandoah, and Highland counties. CAAV will award grants of up to $15,000 for projects to promote and facilitate applications to existing no-cost-to-client weatherization and energy efficiency opportunities offered through CHP to qualifying area residents. Promotion methods may vary based on the organizational proposal, but could include attending community events, door-to-door canvassing, or case management and applicant follow-up. Organizations who serve persons who likely qualify for CHP programs are preferred, including but not limited to organizations who serve low to moderate income households, households with seniors and persons with disabilities, ALICE and energy burdened households, and households in historically marginalized or disadvantaged communities.

Requirements for Proposals

Proposals for the Energy Efficiency Outreach Grant should outline how the organization can connect eligible households with the programs offered through CHP Energy Solutions.

Energy Efficiency Outreach Grants should outline the following:
● the populations with which the community organization currently works;
● steps the organization would take to promote program awareness and assist applicants
in submitting required documentation through the CHP application process;
● how the funds will specifically enable the organization to do this work;
● and the methods for tracking and reporting on outreach efforts, including, for example,
the number of events held or attended to promote the program, number of households
contacted, materials distributed, doors knocked, expenditures, etc.

Proposals can be of varying scopes, and include anything from adding CHP’s programs to an existing lists of resources the organization offers to engaging in a months-long campaign. Some potential proposals:

● $1k-$3k for staff/volunteer training to add CHP programs to existing list-promoted services
● $3k-$6k for training + short term campaign with events, canvassing, community
outreach, etc
● $6k+ for training + dedicated staff time over a period of several months. This could include a case management approach assisting applicants in gathering and submitting required documentation for program approval.

Upon approval for an Energy Efficiency Outreach Grant, CHP and CAAV will provide program marketing materials and training workshops to orient you and your staff to CHP’s programs. Both organizations will consult and collaborate with participating organizations throughout the grant period. CAAV, which received a grant from Clean Virginia, will award a total of $35,000 to local community organizations. CAAV aims to select a cohort of grant recipients that extends outreach to diverse Central Valley populations. Successful grant applicants will submit a report to CAAV outlining its performance results based on criteria in the memorandum of understanding or contract.

Energy Efficiency Programs through CHP Energy Solutions

CHP Energy Solutions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Christiansburg, Virginia. Since 1976, CHP has been creating homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable. For the Shenandoah Valley, CHP Energy Solutions is the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) designated Weatherization Assistance Program provider. This federally funded program improves the energy efficiency of homes and apartments, lowering energy buren for households while improving health and safety. In addition to the Weatherization Programs, CHP Energy Solutions checks eligible households across a suite of other no-cost programs designed to lower utility bills, improve health and safety, and reduce emissions. The include programs through Dominion Energy, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC), Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC), and Columbia Gas. Programs are open to qualifying renters and homeowners, including households in site-built, manufactured/mobile homes, and townhomes. If approved, improvements can include installation of insulation, LED bulbs, and dozens of other measures to reduce energy consumption. Depending on the program and availability of funds, additional measures can include heating and cooling system repair or replacement, minor home repair, solar, and more.

For a greater sense of the impact of these programs and what they offer, check out:
● Success Stories page on the CHP Energy Solutions website.
● Success Story: Ms. Carter’s Home Elkton, VA
● WHSV Interview with Everett Brubaker from CHP Energy Solutions
● Article in Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) Magazine
● Conversation with Beth Bland of Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) on WSVA
● Article on Weatherization work at Mosby Heights Townhomes in Harrisonburg

Grant Timeline

Request for Proposals
– September 18 to October 31

Grant Informational Sessions
– October 18 at 12pm (on Zoom)
– October 19 at 4pm

Final Date for Proposals
– October 31

Announcement of Grant Recipients
– December 4

Grant Implementation by Selected Organizations
– January 2024 – May 2024

For more information, please reach out to:

Andrew Payton (CAAV)
andrewdpayton [at] gmail.com

Everett Brubaker (CHP)
everett.brubaker [at] chpc2.org

Find this proposal as a PDF here: CAAV_CHP Request for Proposals

As part of our ongoing efforts to inform and assist the public about ways to improve resiliency and to reduce carbon emissions, in late 2022 CAAV formed a coalition with several local organizations: Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists (HUU), Shenandoah Valley Faith and Climate (SVFC), and 50by25 Harrisonburg (50by25). Our collective purpose was to help eligible homeowners and renters learn about a weatherization and energy efficiency effort in our area.

Community Housing Partners (CHP), a non-profit that assists individuals to reduce their energy bills, has a presence in Harrisonburg and is working there and in Rockingham County and has been working to identify potential applicants who could benefit from their programs. CHP is partnering with Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC). After HUU donated $3,500 to fund a pilot project, we reached out to Comité Salvadoreño Paisanos Unidos (COSPU), a Harrisonburg non-profit serving the Hispanic community. Since June 2023, COSPU has used the funding to contact members of the residents they serve.The coalition learned in early June about an opportunity to apply for grant funds being offered by Clean Virginia, we did so. As our press release says, we are thrilled to receive the grant! When COSPU completes its efforts later in the summer, the coalition will assess the results and determine the best way to move forward. We anticipate working with several area non-profits who work with individuals who may be eligible for CHP’s programs.

CAAV’s Press Release about this to local media outlets is here: July 20 2023 CAAV Press Release_Clean VA Grant

In the media:

Augusta Free Press:  https://augustafreepress.com/news/35k-grant-to-connect-homeowners-renters-with-programs-to-reduce-household-energy-burdens/

WMRA:  https://www.wmra.org/2023-07-31/free-weatherization-available-to-some-virginia-homeowners-and-renters

Daily News-Record: Climate Action Nonprofit Awarded $35K Grant

-Joy Loving, CAAV Steering Committee

Tuesday, April 18 ⋅ 6:30 – 8:30pm

Memorial Hall Auditorium, 395 S High St, Harrisonburg

On Tuesday, April 18, Princess Mononoke, an anime film by Studio Ghibli, will be shown at James Madison University’s Memorial Hall, sponsored by the JMU Environmental Management Club, Climate Action Alliance of the Valley, Earth Day Every Day, Harrisonburg High School’s Earth Club, and Sierra Club.

Princess Mononoke is set in the late Muromachi period of Japan (approximately 1336 to 1573 CE) where it follows a young Emishi prince named Ashitaka, and his involvement in a struggle between the gods (kami) of a forest and the humans who consume its resources. The film is rated PG-13 and was created by Hayao Miyazake of Studio Ghibli.

All welcome! Admission is FREE.

There will also be door prizes of up $150 in value.

MovieWeb has rated this film the 4th best climate change film, calling it “a brilliant animated film… visually stunning and deeply poignant.”

The Rotten Tomatoes rating is 93%.

CAAV chose this film to engage a young audience with the hope that it will be a positive force in their search for connection to others and to a critical issue that will impact their future.

The Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) is currently holding an election for three seats on their Board of Directors. Only the seat for the Southern District is being contested, with three candidates: incumbent Brent Arbogast, Eric Beck, and Charlie King.

To learn more about these candidates’ views on how SVEC can be instrumental in efforts to curb fossil fuel emissions that are causing global climate changes, members of the Climate Action Alliance of the Valley’s steering committee have requested their opinions through the questionnaire below:

Hello Candidates for SVEC Southern District,

We hope this email finds you well. This request is being sent out on behalf of the Steering Committee of the Climate Action Alliance of the Valley (CAAV). We hope to elicit responses, either in written or video form, from you all regarding the following questions so that we may share the information with our members on our social media.

Our questions are as follows:

1. What is your vision for how SVEC might become more environmentally sustainable?
2. Do you have ideas for how SVEC ratepayers can be protected from the rising price of fuel used to generate electricity?
3. What are your ideas for how SVEC might rely more heavily on renewable energy?

We request that your responses be submitted back to us by July 19 at 12 noon at the latest.

We truly appreciate your time, and we look forward to hearing back from you.

-Steering Committee of the Climate Action Alliance of the Valley

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From SVEC Board candidate Eric Beck:

1. What is your vision for how SVEC might become more environmentally sustainable?  As an electric provider, I tend to orient my thinking in lines of sources of electricity.  ODEC is the not for profit electric generation company, who have been more focused on fossil fuels as a source for energy.  I would like SVEC to engage in exploration of alternative renewable sources of energy, or encourage ODEC to develop more sustainable sources.  The Member Owner model also could be deployed in a way to leverage the customer/owners to use distributed solar on their properties to create additional sources, i.e. acres of poultry buildings, factories, and so forth.

2. Do you have ideas for how SVEC ratepayers can be protected from the rising price of fuel used to generate electricity?  Having diversity in fuel sources is key.  Currently the cost of electricity produced by solar is less expensive.  Additionally, distributed energy with more widely distributed solar production can be used to minimize the vast loss of electricity thru miles of transmission.  I think solar, though consistently growing, is still a long ways off of being in balance with the use of coal or fossil fuels.

3. What are your ideas for how SVEC might rely more heavily on renewable energy?  To be honest, the utility industry is complex and I will have much to learn about large scale development of renewable energy.  It is a different “animal” from smaller residential or light commercial deployment of renewable energy.  SVEC has been somewhat opaque in its higher level decisions or board deliberations.  Privacy is valued in its bylaws about board of directors abilities to share deliberations.  However, I do want to be a voice in the room to actively advocate for different considerations, options of alternative energies, pilot programs, and broader policy decisions.

Thanks for your consideration of how to support voices supporting Climate Action in SVEC.

– Eric Beck

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As of July 19, neither of the other candidates has submitted responses.

The election “closes” on August 8, 2022. Members may vote by email or USPS mail.