Tell Decision Makers: No Taxpayer Handouts for Fossil Fuels

Republican leaders are pushing a proposal to include $7.4M for a toxic natural gas pipeline on the Eastern Shore, with more gas infrastructure possible in Pulaski County to serve a data center in the state budget.

Despite knowing that the data center industry is the sole reason we're more than doubling people's electric bills in Virginia, they also want to extend generous tax breaks for energy-hungry data centers—without requiring protections for people and our environment.

At a time when bold climate action is critical, we can’t afford giveaways to fossil fuel corporations.

Tell your legislators: No fossil fuel handouts, no tax breaks without clean energy!

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Prioritize Clean Energy and Oppose Fossil Fuel Giveaways

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I am writing today concerned about budget proposals that would give away taxpayer money to fossil fuel companies and interests. Please oppose Item C-52.20 #1h (Del. Bloxom) and Item 101 #3s (Sen. DeSteph). These budget amendments would provide for the construction of a natural gas pipeline on the Eastern Shore. At a time when we need to act for clean air and water, subsidizing private natural gas construction with taxpayer money should be off the table. At the same time, budget proposals are also considering an extension of the state’s tax exemption for data center companies. One proposal, Item 3-5.25 #2h (Del. Kilgore), would extend the state exemption to 2050 without ANY requirements on the data center companies to be more energy efficient, to use clean energy, or use less water. This budget amendment risks the expansion of toxic methane gas energy throughout Virginia and I urge you to oppose it. Thankfully, a budget amendment, Item 4-14 #7s from Senator Deeds, would put common-sense requirements on the tax exemptions that are fair, balanced, and protect Virginia’s residents. I urge you to support this amendment. Now is not the time to backslide on our work in Virginia for clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. Please: OPPOSE: House budget: Item C-52.20 #1h (Del. Bloxom) OPPOSE: Senate budget item: Item 101 #3s (Sen. DeSteph) OPPOSE: House budget: Item 3-5.25 #2h (Del. Kilgore) and; SUPPORT: Senate budget: Item 4-14 #7s (Sen. Deeds). Thank you for your service to our community. I look forward to hearing from you.

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