Gov. Warner recognized that Virginia had not taken the steps necessary to protect the nation's largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay, in the face of growing development. He set out to impose tougher regulations on discharges from wastewater treatment
plants, while increasing the funding available to help meet the new requirements. On both fronts, with bipartisan help, Virginia was successful.
Source: Campaign website, www.markwarner2008.com, "Issues"
Mar 9, 2008
Redevelop Virginia’s brownfields
Brownfield properties - abandoned or underutilized former industrial and/or commercial sites - represent a significant source of land for redevelopment, especially in Virginia’s urban areas. Innovative public policies can restore these potentially
valuable properties to productive, job-creating and tax-paying uses. As Governor, Mark Warner will:
devote additional resources to brownfields efforts. The Department of Environmental Quality currently has only one full time employee,
and no grant or loan programs to assist with site characterization or cleanup.
promote greater utilization in Virginia of a federal program that pays for “site screenings,” a level of investigation less expensive and timelier than a
full-blown “Phase II” environmental assessment.
provide more aggressive marketing of brownfields sites through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, as well as expanded technical assistance in navigating the approval process.
Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues
Nov 6, 2001
Preserve open space & control suburban sprawl
Virginia commits far less to open space preservation than many other states. The state has lost an average of 45,000 acres of farmland a year over the last 10 years. As Governor, Mark will implement a clear and comprehensive strategy to preserve open
space from development permanently.
As a businessman, Mark knows that growth is necessary to sustain our economy. But he understands that out-of-control growth can threaten the quality of life in Virginia’s communities.
For too long, state agencies have failed to cooperate sufficiently, and conflicting state policies too often promote suburban sprawl. As Governor, Mark will order his Cabinet secretaries to work together to promote growth in ways that that do not advance
or contribute to the ongoing spread of suburban sprawl. He will target state economic development efforts to projects in inner cities and rural areas, and he will support projects that comply with approved local comprehensive plans.
Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues
Nov 6, 2001
Economic prosperity depends on wise use of natural resources
Mark knows that much of Virginia’s economic prosperity depends on wise use of our natural resources and an appropriate balance between our conservation goals and economic priorities. He’s committed to conservation and stewardship of Virginia’s natural
resources. As Governor, Mark Warner’s top priorities will be to:
Restore leadership.
Appoint top professionals.
Ensure access to clean drinking water.
Protect open space.
Control sprawl.
Redevelop Virginia’s cities.
Streamline permitting.
Support planning for rural areas.
Fight out-of-state trash.
Protect Chesapeake Bay.
Conduct natural resources research. As Governor, Mark will demand his natural resources officials compile clear and
comprehensive data on Virginia’s natural resources needs - so that the Commonwealth can develop a realistic conservation plan, one that focuses resources where they can be most useful.
Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues
Nov 6, 2001
