SD44 - Report of the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission


Executive Summary:
The Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, established in 1979, is a permanent legislative commission consisting of five senators, eight delegates, and seven citizens appointed by the Governor from the Commonwealth at large. Citizen members include representatives of industry, government, and groups or organizations identified with production and conservation of coal, natural gas, and energy. The purpose of the Commission is to "study all aspects of coal as an energy resource and endeavor to stimulate, encourage, promote, and assist in the development of renewable and alternative energy resources other than petroleum" (Code 9-145.1).

The Commission met four times during the interim: a May meeting in Abingdon, October and November meetings in Roanoke, and a meeting in Richmond just prior to the 1998 Session of the General Assembly. Much of the Commission's work focused on air pollution issues and their potential effects on Virginia's energy industries. These included regulatory activities occurring at the federal and regional levels under the Clean Air Act and international negotiations regarding global warming. Recommendations on these issues were expressed in the form of a Senate Joint Resolution and letters to President and Vice President of the United States and Virginia's Congressional delegation. See Appendices A through D and F.