State of Virginia Archives: on Energy & Oil
Bob McDonnell:
Replace gas tax with sales and use tax
Replace gas tax with sales and use tax
Our plan will also eliminate Virginia's 17.5 cents per gallon tax on gasoline and replace it with a 0.8% increase in the sales and use tax- that will not tax gasoline. We will be the first state in the nation to eliminate the gas tax, which is projected
Replace gas tax with sales and use tax
We will maintain the tax on diesel fuel, 68% of which is consumed by out of state truckers. Trucks comprise 4.2% of the miles traveled, but cause nearly 80% of the maintenance needs.
Source: 2013 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 9, 2013
Don Beyer:
Reduce carbon emissions with tax on carbon pollution
While serving as President Obama's Ambassador to Switzerland, I saw firsthand the glacial melt caused by global warming. Despite the urgency of this situation, there has been no successful congressional legislation to address the crisis of climate change
Frankly, it angers me that some Tea Party Republicans ignore science and the harm that climate change, and pollution in general, is causing to our planet and our health.
The most effective way of reducing carbon emissions is to put a tax on carbon pollution. Such a tax must include investments in clean energy and in energy efficiency, as well as protections for low-income households, who will otherwise
bear a disproportionate burden of a carbon tax. This is the single most important issue of our time, and we need to act now. We owe it to future generations.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Ed Gillespie:
Democrats' energy policy is an attack on our quality of life
DaimlerChrysler paid more than $1 million to Gillespie's lobbying firm, Quinn-Gillespie, which lobbied heavily against any increase in fuel-efficiency standards for gas-guzzling light trucks and SUVs.
Gillespie declared, "The Democrats' approach to energy policy is an attack on our quality of life."
Source: Public Citizen Congress Watch on 2014 Virginia Senate race
Jun 1, 2003
Ed Gillespie:
Sea levels are rising, but it's debatable what causes it
Ed Gillespie said he thinks there is enough evidence to support climate change after being pressed on the issue during a debate with incumbent Sen. Mark Warner.Warner asked Gillespie about his views on global warming: "I'd love to take my opponent to
Norfolk where seas are rising so much that the Navy is spending tens of millions a year just to raise the barriers."
Gillespie dodged Warner's question at first, instead tying Warner to Obama's signature climate rule, which mandates states cut carbon
pollution from existing power plants 30% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
When pressed again, Gillespie said he thinks there is evidence to support it: "I believe there is ample scientific evidence that contributes to climate change but I'm not entirely
dismissive of those who have a different point of view. Norfolk is dealing with rising sea levels but people can debate what contributes to that." Still, Gillespie said he thinks the administration's new carbon pollution rules "go too far."
Source: The Hill weblog on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 26, 2014
Frank Wagner:
Enable more utility-based solar power & renewable projects
The Governor signed the following bills introduced by Sen. Frank Wagner to promote the use of renewable energy:- SB 1393--Authorizes Community Solar Pilot Programs: creates a path for the creation of community solar programs. Each utility will
develop its own territory-specific program that allows citizens and businesses the ability to "subscribe" to receive electricity generated by a small centrally-located solar generation system.
- SB 1394/HB 2303--Establishes Small Agricultural
Generators Program: create a new framework for the generation of renewable energy at agricultural facilities and how that energy can be sold to utilities.
- SB 1395--Size of projects eligible for Permit by Rule: increases the allowable maximum size of
renewable projects to be eligible to be permitted from 100MW to 125MW. It also exempts projects that are being built for use by a single customer of a utility from having to apply for and receive a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.
Source: Fauquier Times on 2017 Virginia gubernatorial race
May 8, 2017
George Allen:
We are blessed to be #1 in energy resources: so use them
Cancun in a private jet. The folks who are hurt worst by these energy policies that cause us to pay higher prices for electricity, for gas and for food, are lower and middle-income families who are struggling to make ends meet.
Kaine generally pitched himself as in favor of more energy production, including an "all of the above" approach for alternative energy sources, and criticizing Allen for having opposed incentives for cleaner energies when he was in the Senate.
Kaine generally pitched himself as in favor of more energy production, including an "all of the above" approach for alternative energy sources, and criticizing Allen for having opposed incentives for cleaner energies when he was in the Senate.
Kaine gave a reply to Allen's many invocations of the federal government supposedly stopping energy production: "Do you know we are producing significantly more oil in this country now than when
Source: Eric Kleefeld reporting on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Dec 7, 2011
George Allen:
Energy independence instead of cap-and-trade
Former Sen. George Allen stuck to a mostly positive message of economic growth, energy independence and individual freedom Allen did not pull punches when criticizing items like Obama's health care overhaul, the cap-and-trade energy proposal supported
by many Democrats, or "Washington liberals."Tea party activist Jamie Radtke lambasted Mr. Allen during the debate for his spending record in the U.S. Senate--as she has done since entering the race.
Source: Washington Times on 2012 Virginia GOP primary Senate debate
Apr 28, 2012
George Allen:
Use the blessings of our plentiful American energy
George Allen said, "This election is about the freedom to use the blessings of our plentiful American energy resources rather than having the regulators take them off limits."
The Republican primary is June 12th. The nominee will face former Governor Tim Kaine in the general election this November.
Source: WSET-TV Lynchburg on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Apr 28, 2012
George Allen:
If you use electricity, you should vote for me
Allen said that people who use electricity should vote for him, claiming Kaine supports EPA policies that essentially make using coal for electricity not practical for businesses.
Kaine said he believes in the science he's seen, showing human activity's impact on climate. Kaine said he supported a measure to control carbon, and finding strategies to limit carbon's impact.
Allen attacked Kaine's use of a hybrid energy plant in Wise County in commercials, saying under current EPA regulations that plant couldn't be built today, due to its coal use.
Kaine countered that as long as new energy can be about "cleaner," that it would be good for Virginia and the country. Kaine also recommended cutting subsidies to "big oil companies."
Source: WSLS-TV-10 on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Oct 18, 2012
Ken Cuccinelli:
Opposes tailpipe emission rules for CO2 reductions
Cuccinelli said on Jan. 17th, 2011 in a speech to Tea Party activists, that EPA tailpipe emissions rules, "if fully implemented with all the regulations that go with it, they will keep the temperature from rising nearly 5/100 of a degree Fahrenheit.
By 2050."Only 0.05 degrees by 2050? Is that really what the EPA was claiming these rules would do? The EPA's massive document on greenhouse gas emission standards, page 4-101, said: "EPA modeled the anticipated potential effect on climate change and
found that in year 2100, the rule would reduce temperature increases by 0.006-0.015 degrees Celsius," based on pushing fuel efficiency from 33.8 mpg up to 39.5 mpg.
Those Celsius figures translate to a range from 0.011 to 0.027 degrees Fahrenheit.
He actually erred in the agency's favor by overstating the size of projected reductions. He also missed the date, but again erred in the EPA's favor. Because his mistakes were minor and in the EPA's favor, we rate his claim as True.
Source: PolitiFact.com on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Jan 28, 2011
Mark Warner:
All-of-the-above approach, including pro-coal
Warner asked Ed Gillespie about his views on global warming, and whether he sided with a majority of Republicans in Congress who remain skeptical of the science:" I'd love to take my opponent to Norfolk where seas are rising so much that the
Navy is spending tens of millions a year just to raise the barriers."Gillespie dodged Warner's question at first, but when pressed again on his climate change beliefs, Gillespie said he thinks there is evidence to support it.
Gillespie added, "Norfolk is dealing with rising sea levels but people can debate what contributes to that or not." Still, Gillespie said he thinks the administration's new carbon pollution rules "go too far."
Warner wasn't as quick to attack the new standards. Warner, a pro-coal Democrat, said he is for an all-of-the-above approach to energy, but thinks the U.S. needs to use cleaner sources to offset coal plants built in developing countries.
Source: The Hill weblog on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 26, 2014
Robert Sarvis:
Humans cause climate change, but don't regulate CO2
Q: Do you support state regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?A: No.
Q: Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?
A: No.
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
A: No.
Q: Do you support providing financial incentives to farms that produce biofuel crops?
A: No.
Source: Virginia State Legislative 2011 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2011
Terry McAuliffe:
2012: Started GreenTech electric car company & soon resigned
Terry McAuliffe appeared with his good friend Bill Clinton at the ribbon-cutting for Mr. McAuliffe's electric car company in July 2012, the campaign-style event, complete with "Born in the U.S.A." blaring.McAuliffe resigned as GreenTech's chairman
last year but publicly acknowledged it only this month. Documents have surfaced questioning his explanation for why he located the plant in Mississippi, not Virginia, including memos from Virginia officials expressing "grave doubts" about his business
model and suggesting its financing was a "visa-for-sale scheme" for Chinese investors.
McAuliffe said the struggles of GreenTech--which once promised 1,500 jobs but today employs only 78 at its plant--are typical of any start-up in a tough
economy. "How many people start electric car companies?" he said in an interview. "How many do it in a recession?"
Ken Cuccinelli has seized on the GreenTech saga in an attempt to attack McAuliffe's chief asset as a candidate, his business acumen.
Source: New York Times on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Apr 26, 2013
Terry McAuliffe:
Co-founded GreenTech electric car company, in Mississippi
Cuccinelli has been especially critical of GreenTech, the electric car company that McAuliffe co-founded, because it considered placing a factory in Southside Virginia but chose to put it in Mississippi instead after getting a generous incentive
package from that state's government.McAuliffe said that he "would love to have put a plant in Virginia" but that companies have a "fiduciary" duty to investors.
"Okay, you picked Mississippi, so run for governor of Mississippi," Cuccinelli said.
Source: Washington Post on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Jul 21, 2013
Terry McAuliffe:
Diversify our fuel mix with zero-carbon emitting sources
The energy sector in Virginia holds tremendous potential for economic growth and development, but this potential will be unfulfilled if we are complacent.
This session we will advocate for legislation to increase the diversity of our fuel mix through increased utilization of zero-carbon emitting sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear.
These growing technologies will not only help Virginia create new jobs, they will also reduce our emissions as we work to mitigate the impacts of global warming.We will work to increase renewable development through public-private partnerships by
creating the Virginia Solar Development Authority. And we will introduce legislation to create an energy economic development fund to provide Virginia with yet another tool to attract new, large job creating businesses and help existing businesses grow.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature
Jan 14, 2015
Terry McAuliffe:
Signed 11 bills to promote solar & renewable energy
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed 11 bipartisan bills passed by the General Assembly earlier this year that promote the use of solar and other renewable energy options and aim to reduce energy consumption across the commonwealth. - SB 1393--7th
District Sen. Frank Wagner--Authorizes Community Solar Pilot Programs that allow citizens and businesses the ability to "subscribe" to receive electricity generated by a small centrally-located solar generation system.
- SB 1394/HB 2303--Sen. Frank
Wagner and 10th District Delegate Randy Minchew--Establishes Small Agricultural Generators Program: a new framework for the generation of renewable energy at agricultural facilities and how that energy can be sold to utilities.
-
SB 1395--Sen. Frank Wagner--Size of projects eligible for Permit by Rule: increases the allowable maximum size of renewable projects from 100MW to 125MW.
Source: Fauquier Times on 2017 Virginia gubernatorial race
May 8, 2017
Tim Kaine:
We are producing more energy than ever; find alternatives
George was a senator? We are producing significantly more natural gas in this country now than when George was a senator.
We are exporting more refined oil in this country now than when George was a senator. The notion that we have to unleash everything--hey, it's happening right now, and that's great."
Kaine said that the Bush tax cuts should expire for the highest income brackets. "These tax cuts were put in place in 2003--Allen was the deciding vote for them to be put in place," said Kaine. "They were put in place temporarily. And the reason they
were made temporary, is because if you made them permanent, they were going to absolutely bust the deficit. And that's exactly what has happened--along with voting for expansions of entitlement programs, voting for wars without figuring out how to fund
Source: Eric Kleefeld reporting on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Dec 7, 2011
Tim Kaine:
Cut subsidies to big oil companies
Allen said that people who use electricity should vote for him, claiming Kaine supports EPA policies that essentially make using coal for electricity not practical for businesses.
Kaine said he believes in the science he's seen, showing human activity's impact on climate. Kaine said he supported a measure to control carbon, and finding strategies to limit carbon's impact.
Allen attacked Kaine's use of a hybrid energy plant in Wise County in commercials, saying under current EPA regulations that plant couldn't be built today, due to its coal use.
Kaine countered that as long as new energy can be about "cleaner," that it would be good for Virginia and the country. Kaine also recommended cutting subsidies to "big oil companies."
Source: WSLS-TV-10 on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Oct 18, 2012
Tim Kaine:
Key to success is availability of reliable, low-cost power
One of the keys to Virginia's economic success has been the availability of reliable, low-cost power. Deregulation was designed to foster competition and lower prices. That competition has not materialized.
We need to take steps this year to protect Virginia families and businesses from the dramatic price spikes seen in other states. Together, we must make sure Virginia continues to have energy that is reliable, low-cost, and environmentally sound.
Source: 2007 State of the State address to Virginia Assembly
Jan 10, 2007
Donald McEachin:
Reduce carbon emissions to mitigate climate change
Donald knows that climate change and pollution pose grave and growing threats to our communities. We owe it to our children to leave behind a clean and healthy planet--but to do that, we have to build a greener, more sustainable society. In Congress,
Donald will:- work to swiftly and responsibly reduce carbon emissions to prevent or mitigate the worst effects of climate change
- seek investment in green technologies and speed our transition to a clean energy economy
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website DonaldMcEachin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Ralph Northam:
Restrict offshore oil and gas drilling off Virginia coast
The Trump administration is moving to expand offshore drilling by undoing President Obama's December executive order designating the bulk of US-owned waters in the Arctic Ocean and Atlantic Ocean as indefinitely off limits to future oil and gas leasing.
Expanding offshore drilling into now-restricted areas in the Atlantic would pose unacceptable risks to tourism, aquaculture, and military operations. Northam has been a leader in fighting offshore drilling in the Commonwealth for these very reasons.
As State Senator and Lieutenant Governor, Northam fought efforts by Republicans and Democrats to open Virginia's coast to offshore oil and gas drilling, even urging the Obama administration to exclude the Commonwealth from offshore drilling.
"Opening up the Virginia coast for drilling would hurt our environment, economy, and people--but President Trump would do it anyway," said Northam.
Source: 2017 Virginia governor campaign website RalphNortham.com
Apr 25, 2017
Corey Stewart:
Theory of man-made climate change is a hoax
Q: Consider climate change a critical issue? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Climate change imperils our planet's future & threatens our economy. Need to regulate greenhouse gases. Paris Climate Accord withdrawal
will make it harder to deal with climate change at home.
Corey Stewart (R): No. "Theory of man-made Climate change is a hoax." Climate is changing, but "I don't believe that man is the primary cause & I don't believe that man can change that."
Believes climate accord regulations are "nonsensical."
Q: Should government support renewable energy?
Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Has supported renewable energy subsidies. Also supported a VA coal plant as governor. In 2013 supported off-shore drilling,
which now opposes.
Corey Stewart (R): Opposed Governor McAuliffe's renewable energy initiatives. Says backs all US energy development "including nuclear, solar, wind & fossil fuels."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Climate change imperils our planet's future
Q: Consider climate change a critical issue? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Climate change imperils our planet's future & threatens our economy. Need to regulate greenhouse gases. Paris Climate Accord withdrawal
will make it harder to deal with climate change at home.
Corey Stewart (R): No. "Theory of man-made Climate change is a hoax." Climate is changing, but "I don't believe that man is the primary cause & I don't believe that man can change that."
Believes climate accord regulations are "nonsensical."
Q: Should government support renewable energy?
Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Has supported renewable energy subsidies. Also supported a VA coal plant as governor. In 2013 supported off-shore drilling,
which now opposes.
Corey Stewart (R): Opposed Governor McAuliffe's renewable energy initiatives. Says backs all US energy development "including nuclear, solar, wind & fossil fuels."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Ralph Northam:
Create clean energy jobs in rural communities
No matter what politicians in Washington say, climate change is real. Sea levels are rising. It affects us every day.Last year, Governor McAuliffe signed an Executive Directive to begin the process of capping carbon emissions from Virginia's electric
utilities and use the power of the market to foster growth and innovation in the clean energy sector. The Clean Energy Virginia initiative is an incredible opportunity to create the next generation of energy jobs and lead the fight against climate
change -- and my administration will implement it fully.
I will also support joining a coalition of states called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI. We can invest the significant revenues Clean Energy
Virginia will generate to create clean energy jobs in rural communities, help families lower their electrical bills, and solidify our position as a global leader in renewable energy.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Virginia legislature
Jan 16, 2018
Ralph Northam:
Make Virginia 100% carbon free by 2050
We have accomplished a lot, starting with combatting climate change. I set a clear goal: To have 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy--solar and wind--under way during my term, and up to 2,500 megawatts from off-shore wind soon after. That's enough to
power more than a million homes. We aim to have 30 percent of Virginia's electricity come from renewable sources in this next decade, and to make it 100 percent carbon-free by 2050. We're on track to achieve this clean energy goal.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Tax credit for commercial buildings that go green
My administration will invest $3 million to spearhead a tax credit for commercial buildings that go green, including nonresidential buildings or interior buildings and eligible retrofitted entities.
I will continue to provide funding for green renovations to existing government buildings, roadways, and bridges.
These types of retrofitting and clean construction projects will create jobs for Virginians in every region. I'll invest in green energy production, bringing high paying jobs to the
Commonwealth, protect funding for state parks, safeguard additional land for public use, and pass the Virginia Green New Deal.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Expand training for workers interested in solar careers
I will direct funding to the Solar Hands-On Instructional Network of Excellence (SHINE) and other programs to expand education and training for workers interested in solar careers. We will allocate an additional $2 million annually to ensure these
programs maximize job creation amidst Virginia's transition to a clean energy economy. I will work with community colleges to secure the capital needed to fund workforce development credits with a focus on solar and offshore wind workforce programs.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Jennifer McClellan:
Ensure environmental justice policies underlie decisions
We are at a critical point in the fight against climate change and addressing environmental justice. We must transition from fossil fuels and pollutants that harm the planet while championing industries in a way that does not leave workers behind.
And we must ensure environmental justice policies underlie all decisions that impact our environment and communities.
She led the fight in the Senate to pass the landmark Virginia Clean Economy Act--the most significant climate bill in Virginia history--to make Virginia the first Southern state with a 100% Clean Energy Standard and create tens of thousands of jobs.
She also passed the Solar Freedom Act, which democratizes solar energy and removes barriers on local governments, residents, and businesses to harness solar power for their own use.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website JennMcClellanVA.com
Feb 18, 2021
Jennifer McClellan:
Worked to pass the Virginia Clean Economy Act
In the legislature, Jenn has worked to grow Virginia jobs and foster new industries, including: creating benefit corporations to make Virginia a hub of social entrepreneurship, removing red tape for local craft breweries to enable them to create jobs,
and passing the Virginia Clean Economy Act to make Virginia a national leader in the clean energy sector by creating thousands of clean energy jobs across the Commonwealth.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website JennMcClellanVA.com
Feb 18, 2021
Terry McAuliffe:
Facilitate development of new clean energy technologies
Terry will champion bold and progressive initiatives that will protect our environment, allow Virginia to achieve its 100% Clean Energy Standard, decarbonize the transportation sector and lift up historically disadvantaged communities that have been
impacted the most. During his administration, Terry made key strides including joining the U.S. Climate Alliance and committing to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement.Terry will continue to champion progressive and innovative solutions to
solidify our clean energy future including creating clean schools, facilitating the development of new clean energy technologies, incentivizing existing clean energy technologies, lifting up rural economies,
improving energy efficiency and championing decarbonization efforts. He will also begin to decarbonize our roads by incentivizing the use of clean transportation in an equitable way.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website Terry McAuliffe.com
Dec 22, 2020
Terry McAuliffe:
Facilitate development of new clean energy technologies
[In Buttigieg's remarks to the press after President-elect Biden announced his nomination as Transportation Secretary]: "Travel in my mind is synonymous with growth, with adventure -- even love. So much so that I proposed to my husband
Chasten in an airport terminal," he said. "Don't let anybody tell you that O'Hare isn't romantic."O'Hare Airport wasted no time leaning into that title.
The airport changed its official Twitter bio shortly after to a "place of romance" and tweeted a thank you at Buttigieg:
"Thank you for appreciating all the connections we make possible, @PeteButtigieg," the tweet read. "Looking forward to working with you as we continue to make our airport lovable for decades to come."]
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website Terry McAuliffe.com
Dec 22, 2020
Glenn Youngkin:
Let's set realistic carbon reduction goals every five years
Our new path forward will embrace the "and" and reject the "or" of energy politics. With our All-American, All-of-the-above approach, Virginians will get affordable AND reliable
AND increasingly clean energy without being tied to unattainable long-term requirements. Let's set realistic carbon reduction goals every five years, as opposed to etching in stone 30 year plans based more on hope than reality.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Daniel Gade:
Energy production mix: renewables, nuclear, fossil fuels
Q: Taxing or limiting output of greenhouse gases? Support government subsidies for renewable energy?Daniel Gade: No. "For the time being," wants "best energy production mix," with renewables, nuclear, and "natural gas, and oil, and coal." Concerned
about "crippling our own current economic conditions."
Mark Warner: Yes. "Invest in new technologies that reduce harmful emissions." Co-sponsored bill for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Wants carbon capture to use coal "more responsibly."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
Glenn Youngkin:
Energy plan is all of the above, not just renewables
I announced an energy plan which is all of the above. We've got to embrace all of it. It's not reducing an emphasis on renewables, wind and solar. It's correcting an error that was made in the previous administration's energy plan,
which was to exclude everything else. We're going to have to adopt all of them in order to get where we want to be, which is reliable, affordable, and a clean power stack.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 9, 2022
Jennifer McClellan:
Supported Virginia Clean Economy Act; promote efficiency
The Virginia Clean Economy Act institutes new measures to promote energy efficiency, sets a schedule for closing old fossil fuel power plants, and requires electricity to come from 100% renewable sources. "This is the most significant clean energy law
in Virginia's history," McClellan said. "The Act will create thousands of clean energy jobs, make major progress on fighting climate change, and break Virginia's reliance on fossil fuels."
Source: Daily Energy Insider on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Apr 15, 2020
Terry McAuliffe:
Cap carbon emissions from Virginia's electric utilities
Last year, Governor McAuliffe signed an Executive Directive to begin the process of capping carbon emissions from Virginia's electric utilities and use the power of the market to foster growth and innovation in the clean energy sector. The Clean Energy
Virginia initiative is an incredible opportunity to create the next generation of energy jobs and lead the fight against climate change -- and my administration will implement it fully.
Source: Gov. Northam's Virginia 2018 State of the State speech
Jan 16, 2018
Scott Taylor:
Climate change happening, but not sure how much is manmade
When asked if he "agrees with President Trump that climate change is a Chinese conspiracy,"
Taylor said climate change is happening but drew catcalls when he argued there are questions about how much is caused by man.
Source: The Virginian-Pilot on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Feb 20, 2017
Glenn Youngkin:
Shift from fossil fuels will increase electric bills
Youngkin said that the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act is "unworkable" and that he wouldn't have signed it. The law set a 2050 deadline for the grid to go carbon-free, mandated that Appalachian Power and Dominion Energy propose large amounts of solar
and wind facilities, and imposed binding energy efficiency and renewable portfolio standards on both utilities, among other provisions.
He said Virginia should "embrace all aspects of power generation--wind, solar, nuclear and our clean-burning natural gas" and warned that accelerating the transition to renewables would result in "blackouts and brownouts and an unreliable energy grid."
He criticized the cost of shifting away from fossil fuels, saying it will increase customers' electric bills by up to $1,000 annually. (State regulators agree that it will raise rates but estimated a slightly lower rise of $800 a year.)
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Nov 1, 2021
Glenn Youngkin:
Climate change challenging, but doesn't know what causes it
Youngkin meanwhile has walked a careful line on the subject, despite a broad scientific consensus that carbon emissions are a primary driver of climate change. Youngkin said that while he knew climate change is a challenge, he didn't know what's
causing it. Asked if "humans play any role at all in the warming of the earth," he skirted the question and called it "one of these topics that, candidly, people are trying to use to divide people."
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Nov 1, 2021
Corey Stewart:
No greenhouse gas regulation; no renewables support
Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?A: No.
Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
A: No.
Source: VoteSmart Virginia 2018 Political Courage Test
Jul 4, 2018
Corey Stewart:
Climate accord regulations are nonsensical
Trump "is rolling back nonsensical regulations, including the Paris climate accord which I think was a real damaging regulation on American businesses. It did not have the same level of restriction on India and China,
and so we were at a competitive disadvantage, and I think we've seen the results over the past several years where so many businesses are moving to China, to India, and many people have lost their jobs because of it."
Source: WVTF on 2018 Virginia Senatorial race
Jun 6, 2017
Glenn Youngkin:
Continue to support an All-of-the-Above power plan
For too long, Virginia's policies and the Utilities planned for a stagnant Virginia. Well, we are not stagnant. We are growing. And we must execute a plan where power is reliable, affordable, and Made in Virginia. Meeting this growing power need
means continuing to support an All-of-the-Above power plan. What it definitely doesn't mean is rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. It's a bad deal. It doesn't work. It's a regressive tax that drives up the cost of living for all Virginians.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 14, 2026
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026