Growing awareness of human impact on the environment in the 1960’s and 1970’s propelled an important cultural shift in how we relate to nature and how we should be managing the effects of technology, industry, and population growth. Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the moral obligations that humans have towards… Read more
At a meeting of the Virginia State Water Control Board on February 23, 2024, members of the public asked the Board to tell the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to enforce the law and to stop degradation of our streams, our properties, and our drinking water sources caused by Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). Citizens presented… Read more
Virginia, like many other states, faces a variety of environmental issues that require attention and action. One significant concern is water quality, particularly related to pollution from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and industrial sources. Efforts to protect and restore the health of waterways such as the Chesapeake Bay are ongoing, with initiatives aimed at reducing… Read more
Do you enjoy watching cottontail rabbits scurry through your yard, hearing red foxes bark in the woods at night, and even fishing for catfish in the creek? If so, you may be concerned to find out that the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment is negatively impacting these beloved Virginia species…. Read more
On February 8, 2024, twenty-nine organizations wrote Mike Rolband, Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), insisting that he issue a stop work order for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) due to repeated and widespread violations and damage to waterbodies and private property. The groups joining in this urgent call represent thousands of… Read more
With winter in full swing, we have had to adapt many aspects of our lives to the cold temperatures and icy conditions. We bundle up, adjust our thermostats, and put ice-scrapers in our cars. However, in order to protect our well-being and the health of our planet, the foods we buy and eat should also… Read more
Car accidents are a leading cause of death for many animals, including endangered species. Unfortunately, Virginia is no exception to this trend. In recent years, there have been several incidents of car accidents involving endangered species in the state. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019 when a red wolf was hit by… Read more
Founded as the Conservation Council of Virginia in 1969, Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) began as a roundtable of major conservation groups and has grown to include over 150 Network Partners across the Commonwealth (including Wild Virginia). Their annual Conservation Lobby Day is coming up and it’s your chance to lobby with fellow advocates in your… Read more
Opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline have experienced a tumultuous few years. In the summer of 2022, Senator Joe Manchin made a deal with President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He agreed to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act in exchange for a commitment to pass a bill that would try to… Read more
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of toxic man-made chemicals known for their non-stick, waterproof, stain-resistant characteristics that have been used in consumer products and industry for decades. Unfortunately, these chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. Even very low exposure to some PFAS… Read more