Even though the agenda of the legislature was packed by other, equally crucial matters, there’s one thing the legislators did this session that should be celebrated: they passed five bills that ban the breeding of beagles for breeding purposes in Cumberland County. Virginia Mercury has reported extensively on the Envigo gulag.
Envigo
Envigo is an animal breeding facility located in Chesapeake, Virginia. The company has recently acquired Labcorp and has hired the top lobbyists in order to combat government regulations. Envigo failed to pass legislation last year. This year the company returns. In the last session, Virginia’s General Assembly rejected an amendment suggested by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to categorize Envigo as a breeder commercially.
The tax rates of the state were not revised since the year 1990. Indexing tax rates would help cushion the impact of the state’s spending. Additionally, it doesn’t require voter approval. At present, the tax cut should get an inadequate or failing grade. The project by the bipartisan coalition to construct a new stadium with the owner of the Washington Commanders has already been given an F.
Chesapeake Bay clean-up
It is believed that the Chesapeake Bay clean-up is Virginia’s most valuable shared asset. Though the State has made tremendous improvements towards its objectives yet there’s a lot needed to be done to secure this region from the effects of pollution. To make this happen, Virginia officials are focusing on cutting down on pollution from farms. These farms are responsible for over three-quarters of the pollutant the Bay gets.
The Virginia Watershed Implementation Plan outlines ambitious clean-up goals. It was launched as part of regional efforts to improve the state of the bay. The plan commits to taking measures to reduce pollution by 2025. Although the program will be a first step towards achieving the goals of cleaning up, it requires the collaboration of many parties. For example, Virginia is collaborating with farmers’ groups to provide technological assistance to farmers and assist in reducing the sediment load that flows into the bay.
The EV can be redeemed
This is a vital program that promotes the usage of electric cars. They help lower the cost of electric cars and boost the need for EVs here in Virginia. EV rebates may also raise interest in EVs via the used vehicle market. The program, however, was not fully funded during the current session, and advocates would like to see more actions in the near future.
The federal government grants the $7500 tax credit for this sector, in addition to incentives from the state. When a manufacturer sells 200 vehicles eligible for the tax credit will be canceled. The maximum has been exceeded through each of General Motors and Tesla. In addition, the federal government offers grants for the conversion of old vehicles as well as loan programs for alternative fuel technologies.
Bringing Envigo into state custody
The Virginia General Assembly pushed through several bills during this session. Most of them received mixed reactions by the general public. The session lasted 60 days and ended with a few wins and some loss. But, many of the bills were held up by the gridlock between partisans. A number of legislation have passed through conference committees as efforts to reach compromises with both chambers.
