Young Climate Activists To Converge On Richmond

RICHMOND, VA — Climate activists with the Sunrise Movement are planning a rally in Richmond on Jan. 13 to push Virginia lawmakers to support strong legislation to fight climate change. Starting in 2018, the youth-led Sunrise Movement played a big role in getting lawmakers at the federal level to focus on climate change. The group is now expanding its reach outside the Beltway where it believes individual states also can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In Richmond, the Sunrise Movement will be offering its support to the Virginia Green New Deal Act, HB 77, recently introduced by Del. Sam Rasoul, who represents the 11th district in Roanoke.

Among many things, HB 77 would place a moratorium on state agencies approving the construction of new power plants powered by fossil fuels. In a nod to the lingering controversy over the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley natural gas pipelines, the bill also would place a moratorium on state agencies from granting permits for the construction of natural gas pipelines that require the use of eminent domain to run pipelines through private property.

Environmental groups Food and Water Watch, Virginia Tech for Climate Justice and Appalachian Youth Climate Coalition also are endorsing the rally's message for greater action on climate change.

The rally organizers list several goals, including:

• Placing a moratorium on all new fossil fuel infrastructure.
• Starting a "just transition" toward a renewable energy economy, one that is centered around workers and communities most impacted by power plant emissions, pipeline construction and climate change.
• Creating thousands of well-paying union jobs in the process.

According to WSET, the rally will take place at the Pocahontas Building at 900 E. Main St. in Richmond, starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. Sunrise Movement supporters from Fairfax County, Chalottesville, Williamsburg and Washington, DC are expected to attend the rally, the group said.