Chesapeake Bay Foundation statement on Virginia coal ash legislation signing

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation into law requiring safe cleanup of four toxic coal ash sites along waterways in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed. Legislators recently passed this bipartisan agreement in the General Assembly. Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Rebecca Tomazin released the following statement.

“This marks historic progress towards cleaning up toxic coal ash that for too long has threatened Virginia waterways and public health. Moving coal ash out of dangerous unlined pits will prevent pollution from reaching Virginia’s major rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

“We thank all of the concerned residents, conservation groups, and elected officials who have worked for years to address threats from coal ash. The support of Virginia’s legislators, the conservation community, the Administration, and Dominion Energy has been key to this landmark agreement.”