One of the main arguments for these expensive initiatives is that they will save the planet from climate change. The claim is that rising temperatures caused by burning fossil fuels, like natural

gas and oil, are destroying the Earth. I won't address the validity of those claims here, but I will explain how these "green project"; are neither helping the environment nor reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Take solar farms, for example. Producing a solar panel requires a mix of rare earth metals, which are buried deep underground and must be extracted with massive mining equipment.

These materials then have to be

transported to manufacturing facilities.

While the U.S. can produce many of the components needed for solar panels, we still depend heavily on imports from China for key parts. Not only is China using dirty coal to power its manufacturing, unlike

the U.S., which uses cleaner and more efficient coal plants, but these parts are also shipped across the globe using diesel-powered vessels. When you look at the whole supply chain, it becomes clear that oil, natural gas, and coal are heavily involved in creating so-called "green energy"

This pattern applies to most green energy initiatives. They consume vast amounts of oil and natural gas to build and are often non-recyclable. Consider wind farms, especially offshore ones. They need frequent replacement, and the components often end up buried in landfills because they cannot be broken down or reused.

In addition, the locations where these solar and wind "farms"; are built cause environmental damage. Trees are cut down, land is disrupted, and local ecosystems are thrown off balance.

Some studies even suggest that offshore wind farms may be harming whale populations, in addition to the well-documented bird deaths caused by wind turbines every day.

This is what makes dealing with VCEA and our energy bills so frustrating. We are investing in energy produced with fossil fuels at nearly every stage. We are empowering China's manufacturing and economy, installing infrastructure that cannot be recycled, and damaging

local ecosystems. These are not minor concerns; they are major flaws in the current approach to green energy and should be treated as such. I want to leave a better planet for my children

and grandchildren, but not at the cost of weakening our country with a deeply flawed system.

VCEA is not going away. In fact, it is just the beginning. If Democrats win this election, they will push even more green initiatives. This year alone, they have proposed extreme bills like SB

1171, which would ban gas-powered leaf blowers, and SB 1254, which focuses on vague "environmental justice" mandates. Then, there is SB 1040, which requires even more solar projects to be completed by 2028. These bills represent the core of the Democratic policy agenda, and they will keep pushing for increasingly radical and intrusive energy regulations.

Elections have consequences. Suppose Democrats win in November in races for Virginia Governor and contested House of Delegates races. In that case, the consequence will be a continued march down this misguided path.

My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]