Richmond leaders spotlight clean energy leadership at press conference at Blackwell Community Center
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- City of Richmond leaders gathered at the Blackwell Community Center to spotlight their commitment to building an equitable, affordable and sustainable clean energy future.
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV) held a press conference, “Our Brightest Future, Solar For All," at the Blackwell Community Center, spotlighting clean energy leadership citywide.
The event garnered support from Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, the City of Richmond, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 666) and local sustainability advocates.
The event reportedly called for federal investment to make sure needy families receive affordable solar energy.
“Since adopting RVAgreen 2050 just last year, we’ve already completed 26 percent of that plan," said Laura Thomas, director of the Office of Sustainability. "This isn’t a vision on a shelf — it is happening in our neighborhoods, benefiting families and supporting our local economy.”
(Photo: City of Richmond)
(Photo: City of Richmond)
(Photo: City of Richmond)
(Photo: City of Richmond)
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan also joined the efforts in supporting clean energy leadership in the city, praising community partnerships and the city leadership.
The league expressed its disappointment in the Solar for All program, which would have brought $156 million to Virginia, served 15,000 households and created nearly 2,000 jobs statewide, according to a release.
Per a release, the city's Climate Progress includes:
- Achieving 50% renewable energy for municipal operations
- Requiring solar on all city-funded building projects through Sustainable Design Standards
- Delivering new projects like the T.B. Smith Community Center solar installation and the planned East End landfill solar farm
- Cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the RVAgreen 2050 equity-focused climate plan
Thomas, who called back to Mayor Danny Avula’s pillars for a thriving Richmond, said clean energy touches all parts of community life.
“In a moment like today, where we see this entire industry intentionally being dismantled, I have one bold ask of each of you: That we work to be more creative than the ones doing the dismantling," Thomas said.
