Virginia Governor’s Executive Order to Accelerate Clean Energy Future is the Right Move for the Commonwealth

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order to decarbonize the electricity grid and scale up clean energy in the Commonwealth is the policy leadership needed to address the climate crisis and create a thriving, zero-carbon economy, said the sustainability nonprofit organization Ceres. 

Earlier today, Gov. Northam signed Executive Order 43, which set bold new goals to reach 30% renewable energy by 2030 and achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 in Virginia. The order also calls for the Commonwealth to accelerate both on- and off-shore renewable energy deployment, increase energy efficiency and energy storage investments, and prioritize equity and justice in the transition to a zero-carbon economy. 

Alli Gold Roberts, senior manager of state policy at Ceres, added:

“The Northam administration’s commitment to prioritizing energy conservation and renewable energy is a win for Virginia businesses and residents. Companies with operations in Virginia have long supported efforts to expand clean energy in the Commonwealth because they know it makes business sense. With more companies both big and small working to meet their own ambitious emissions reduction goals, Virginia is now well poised to attract these clean energy investments and support new economic growth. 

Many major investors and companies also stand behind regional programs to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which is a market-based system that would help Virginia meet its bold new goals goals while strengthening the economy. Ceres looks forward to working with private sector leaders in our networks and beyond to ensure Virginia is able to reap the benefits of these programs, and to help Virginia lawmakers, utilities and regulators make the goals of Gov. Northam’s executive order a reality.”