HENRICO, V.A. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today heard directly from Virginia environmental advocacy organizations as part of an Earth Day roundtable discussion in Henrico County.

During a conversation with representatives from area environmental groups, Spanberger listened to their ideas on how best to mitigate the effects of climate change, expand successful conservation practices, and promote access to clean air and water across Central Virginia. Spanberger also shared an update about the upcoming work of the House Agriculture Committee’s Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, on which she serves as Chair.

“On Earth Day, millions of Americans gather to celebrate our planet, recommit ourselves to being good stewards of the land, and learn more about responsible use of natural resources. Today, I met with a dedicated group of local environmental leaders who are working hard to address many of the challenges facing our landscapes and wildlife in Central Virginia and across the Commonwealth,” said Spanberger. “During our conversation, we discussed how Congress can provide assistance as we protect our watersheds, strengthen support for our public lands and outdoor recreation, and follow through on important conservation provisions passed in the 2018 Farm Bill. Additionally, we talked about the need for our country to show leadership in the fight against climate change—and that includes restoring our cooperation in critical agreements like the Paris Climate Accord. In Congress, I’ll continue to stand up for our forests, streams, and shorelines—and I look forward to monitoring the important work of these environmental leaders.”

“Virginia Conservation Network is dedicated to building a powerful, diverse, and highly-coordinated conservation movement in Virginia. There is no better way to celebrate Earth Day than to convene a roundtable discussion on our shared common goal of protecting our environment,” said Kyle Hart, Virginia Conservation Network. “Virginia’s conservation community is excited about the opportunity to work with Congresswoman Spanberger to protect clean water, defend our public lands, and work towards a solution for climate change.”

Today’s Earth Day roundtable included representatives from the Virginia Conservation Network, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Capital Region Land Conservancy, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, James River Association, Scenic Virginia, Sierra Club—Virginia Chapter, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. Click here for a tweet from the Virginia Conservation Network about the event.

Since arriving in Congress, Spanberger has worked to tackle the ongoing national security threat of climate change. In March, she helped introduce legislation that would require the United States to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord. Additionally, she has called on the administration and her fellow lawmakers to recognize the significant challenges climate change presents to global stability—and to grasp how the absence of U.S. leadership could impact international efforts to combat climate change, such as through the Paris Agreement.

Spanberger serves as Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, which is responsible for legislation related to resource management, soil health, forestry, and water quality.

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