We must protect Virginia waters and protect the community from harm we are danger

Please I strongly suggest we pass these bills for the betterment of the state and the environment and all community members.

Pls stop all animal experiments and cruelty. Someone has to speak and step up for those who cannot. Pls stop all cruelty Thanks

Please support this bill.

The transportation sector, fueled by tailpipe emissions from passenger cars, is responsible for roughly half of the greenhouse gasses emitted in Virginia. Electricity to power an EV in Virginia emits less than 1⁄4 of the carbon pollution of an average gas-powered vehicle. Widespread adoption of EVs will improve public health, particularly for those living along high-traffic roadways. Continuing to remain an Advanced Clean Cars state will substantially increase EV and plug-in hybrid sales in Virginia, with a 70% increase estimated over the first five years (2026-2030). Manufacturers prioritize sending EVs to Clean Cars states, which currently represent 40% of the US automobile market.

"by 2035 100% of new cars and light trucks sold in California will be zero-emission vehicles" according to the California Air Resources Board. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-moves-accelerate-100-new-zero-emission-vehicle-sales-2035 This is a dozen years away - today's preschoolers will be getting their drivers' licenses in 2035. By then, the market will have adjusted and ZEV vehicles will have taken over. Virginia needs to prepare for the economic fact that the majority of new cars in dealerships will be ZEVs. Considering Virginia's tourism and geographical position athwart East Coast transportation arteries, the majority of vehicles on our roads will be zero emissions. HB1372 would do the opposite, making Virginia look unattractive to business as it scrambles to catch up. Thus I oppose HB1372.

I OPPOSE HB1372 and HB1378 I heard a lot of disinformation in Senate hearing of bills attacking our Clean Car Standards and I expect the same disinformation will surface here as well. When you hear that Virginia can't transition to OFFERING NEW Electric Vehicles at the pace we are rightly trying to adopt, remember that USED ICE vehicles will continue to be offered for sale. I have two children who are employed by CarMAX, a most successful Richmond based reseller of used cars and we want that business to thrive. We all want more EVS for sale in Virginia, both new and used, and the Clean Cars Standards are the best way to keep those vehicles flowing to Virginia. Buyers are keenly awaiting them, with federal incentives for purchase and EV charging infrastructure to help.

Comments Document

The American Lung Association in Virginia strongly opposes House Bills 1372 & 1378 which would repeal the State Air Pollution Control Board’s authority to participate in clean car standards. The Lung Association believes that Virginia must continue to enact policies that will make meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately protect the health and well-being of Virginians and these bills would undermine these efforts. The American Lung Association believes that all people are entitled to breathe healthy air and to be free of the adverse health effects of air pollution. We support the protection of all people from the harm of air pollution, especially those who suffer disproportionate exposure from local sources of emissions. We recognize that major sources of air pollution are often located near where many people especially communities of color or lower income, live and work which means their exposure to pollutants emitted can be more immediate and disproportionally harmful. The Lung Association strongly opposes House Bills 1372 & 1378 as they attempt to roll back the progress that has been made to protect the residents of the Commonwealth from ozone and particle pollution. We believe these bills will be detrimental to the health and well-being of Virginians.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

The State Air Pollution Control Board should continue to have authority to implement low/zero emissions standards for vehicles with a model year of 2025 or later.

Why would we not encourage regulation of LEV and ZEV vehicles? There is ample evidence that vehicle emissions affect the health of everyone and the emissions get trapped in fog and high humidity forcing a concentration of air contaminants that are breathed in during the summer months in particular. Also, LEV and ZEV vehicles, while a huge improvement for air quality have more heavy metals and when the vehicles malfunction, this can result in the release of some of these heavy metals through the vehicle emissions. There is no reason to eliminate standards for vehicle emissions and different types of vehicles have different potential emissions issues and they should be regulated for those specific issues.

We must protect Virginia waters and protect the community from harm we are danger

Please I strongly suggest we pass these bills for the betterment of the state and the environment and all community members.

Pls stop all animal experiments and cruelty. Someone has to speak and step up for those who cannot. Pls stop all cruelty Thanks

Please support this bill.

The transportation sector, fueled by tailpipe emissions from passenger cars, is responsible for roughly half of the greenhouse gasses emitted in Virginia. Electricity to power an EV in Virginia emits less than 1⁄4 of the carbon pollution of an average gas-powered vehicle. Widespread adoption of EVs will improve public health, particularly for those living along high-traffic roadways. Continuing to remain an Advanced Clean Cars state will substantially increase EV and plug-in hybrid sales in Virginia, with a 70% increase estimated over the first five years (2026-2030). Manufacturers prioritize sending EVs to Clean Cars states, which currently represent 40% of the US automobile market.

I oppose HB1378. Virginia needs to prepare for the economic fact that in 2035, the majority of new cars in dealerships will be ZEVs. Considering Virginia's tourism and geographical position athwart East Coast transportation arteries, the majority of vehicles on our roads will be zero emissions. HB1378 would do the opposite. It would make Virginia unattractive to business as it scrambles to catch up to reality.

I OPPOSE HB1372 and HB1378 I heard a lot of disinformation in Senate hearing of bills attacking our Clean Car Standards and I expect the same disinformation will surface here as well. When you hear that Virginia can't transition to OFFERING NEW Electric Vehicles at the pace we are rightly trying to adopt, remember that USED ICE vehicles will continue to be offered for sale. I have two children who are employed by CarMAX, a most successful Richmond based reseller of used cars and we want that business to thrive. We all want more EVS for sale in Virginia, both new and used, and the Clean Cars Standards are the best way to keep those vehicles flowing to Virginia. Buyers are keenly awaiting them, with federal incentives for purchase and EV charging infrastructure to help.

Comments Document

The American Lung Association in Virginia strongly opposes House Bills 1372 & 1378 which would repeal the State Air Pollution Control Board’s authority to participate in clean car standards. The Lung Association believes that Virginia must continue to enact policies that will make meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately protect the health and well-being of Virginians and these bills would undermine these efforts. The American Lung Association believes that all people are entitled to breathe healthy air and to be free of the adverse health effects of air pollution. We support the protection of all people from the harm of air pollution, especially those who suffer disproportionate exposure from local sources of emissions. We recognize that major sources of air pollution are often located near where many people especially communities of color or lower income, live and work which means their exposure to pollutants emitted can be more immediate and disproportionally harmful. The Lung Association strongly opposes House Bills 1372 & 1378 as they attempt to roll back the progress that has been made to protect the residents of the Commonwealth from ozone and particle pollution. We believe these bills will be detrimental to the health and well-being of Virginians.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

This bill should NOT repeal the requirement that the State Air Pollution Control Board implement a low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle program for motor vehicles with a model year of 2025 and later.

Why would we not encourage regulation of LEV and ZEV vehicles? There is ample evidence that vehicle emissions affect the health of everyone and the emissions get trapped in fog and high humidity forcing a concentration of air contaminants that are breathed in during the summer months in particular. Also, LEV and ZEV vehicles, while a huge improvement for air quality have more heavy metals and when the vehicles malfunction, this can result in the release of some of these heavy metals through the vehicle emissions. There is no reason to eliminate standards for vehicle emissions and different types of vehicles have different potential emissions issues and they should be regulated for those specific issues. I also feel that model year standards should be enforced. California gets a variance for enforcement of pollution because a REPUBLICAN governor realized that federal guidelines were insufficient for protecting the air quality in any area with a high population density and high humidity. That describes Northern VA to a tee. The health and safety of the most vulnerable (those with asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions) takes precedence.

support

We must protect Virginia waters and protect the community from harm we are danger

Please I strongly suggest we pass these bills for the betterment of the state and the environment and all community members.

Pls stop all animal experiments and cruelty. Someone has to speak and step up for those who cannot. Pls stop all cruelty Thanks

Comments Document

Hello, my name is William pappas, Captain, playinhookeycharters , Virginia, Beach, Virginia, and we need to be able to regulate the menhaden business year-round. With spills, net tears, apologies, clean ups, super ships to clean up their spills, it doesn’t matter they are destroying the Chesapeake Bay. Over the last 20 years, I have personally observed the massive decline in menhaden, in the bay, and especially at the oceanfront Virginia Beach, where they used to be by the millions. $11 million a year the Virginia Beach oceanfront would take in renting out, hotels, fishing boats, and restaurants during the month of December through early February, catching striped bass. It’s all gone, wiped out by the greed of the reduction fishing industry that has overfished OUR Chesapeake Bay. It is a tragedy that we continue to let a Canadian own company ship all our valuable resources to Canada to feed their farm raised fish for their profits for their company NOT VIRGINIA!!?? They knew that there would be a breaking point, and after saying goodbye, to croakers, goodbye, to Grey, Trout, goodbye to bluefish this is it?!! .What more will it take for you guys to understand that this is wrong and detrimental to our future. Please vote yes to support this and other menhaden bills, Tim Anderson has presented for us. Also, you will probably now hear from as many people from omega as possible, they will have their wives, their kids, their lawyers, the NAACP, the union, their president, his daughter, and if they can get their dogs to speak, they would have them talk too. They will take up all the time, overwhelm the floor, making it seem that there is more of them than there is us, when they are paid to make these appearances and zoom calls. Please see through the political smoke . Vote Yes

I support the Anderson Bills. As a property owner and summer resident of Silver Beach VA, I have witnessed first hand the damage being done to the Chesapeake by reduction fishing practices. Menhaden are foundational to the food chain, yet this is the only species for which regulatory action is restricted to 3 months of the year. For the health and well being of the entire ecosystem and resident safety, the VMRC needs the ability to act in its regulatory capacity year round. Imagine masses of dead fish in the water and in the beaches, 12,000 pounds of dead red drum and the helplessness of those who are appointed to protect us being able to do nothing. As for the 2 year moratorium, I have lived in my rural community on the Chesapeake for nearly 20 years. I have witnessed the sharp decline of Menhaden schools from my own yard. I see the factory ships fishing relentlessly day after day, week after week, month after month. I see the decline of the Osprey population and fishing with my grandchildren is off the table because there’s nothing left to catch. The sea grass is being scraped up. The Bay is suffering and so are people, small businesses, and tourism. I believe we are at a tipping point ant that the commercial reduction fishing ships should be moved to Federal waters while additional research is done, while also giving the Bay and fishery time to recover.

. I fully support both HB 1381 and HB 1383. As a lifelong fisherman I have watched the decline of fish and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay. 30 plus years ago, we would catch fish for ourselves and a few for friends. Now we have days with no catch at all. The croaker, spot, and striper population is all but depleted. They have nothing to eat thanks to Omega and the netting of large amounts of food source. Thank you for listening and please vote to fix this problem.

This menhaden fishery is destructive to the ecology by taking filter feeders. This menhaden fishery is destructive to the ecology by taking out a food fish for 20 or more species of fish that feed on menhaden. This menhaden fishery is destructive to the ecology by tearing up bay grasses on the bottom. This menhaden fishery supports corruption in our state government with the lobby from company from Canada. This menhaden fishery supports corruption from our state government into the VMRC agency, which allows this fishery to do almost anything it wants for decades. This states support for this industry stands clear against recreational fishermen, who pay taxes. boat license fees, buy fishing license, see and feel the result of other Clean the Bay, which is and emptying of fish stocks.

Comments Document

Updated testimony of Phil Zalesak My name is Phil Zalesak and I am president of the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization with membership from both Virginia and Maryland. I fully support both HB 1381 and HB 1383. Atlantic menhaden are not overfished in the Atlantic Ocean. However, based on the latest scientific, biological, and economic information, the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery is causing localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to the detriment of fish, birds, and mammals dependent on Atlantic menhaden for their survival. According to a 2019 study co-authored by Dr. Michael Wilberg of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Atlantic Menhaden largely remained within the same coastal region from June to October. This is the principal time of intense reduction harvesting in the Chesapeake Bay. This combination facilitates localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Based on 50 years of research, Dr. Bryan Watts of William and Mary has stated that reductions in menhaden stocks have caused osprey productivity to decline to below DDT-era rates. These rates are insufficient to support the osprey population within the main stem of the Bay. Dr. Noah Bressman of Salisbury University has stated that Virginia based menhaden fishery is overfishing the stock in and around the Chesapeake Bay, which is preventing the important forage fish from making its way into the Bay and its tributaries. Based on this latest science, Virginia needs to limit the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery to federal waters east of the western boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Further, the current fishing policy of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission is in violation of the Code of Virginia. The time to act is now. See the uploaded presentation for details. I thank you for your time.

I support HB1381.

Comments Document

My name is Phil Zalesak and I am president of the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization with membership from both Virginia and Maryland. I fully support both HB 1381 and HB 1383. Atlantic menhaden are not overfished in the Atlantic Ocean. However, based on the latest scientific, biological, and economic information, the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery is causing localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to the detriment of fish, birds, and mammals dependent on Atlantic menhaden for their survival. According to a 2019 study co-authored by Dr. Michael Wilberg of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Atlantic Menhaden largely remained within the same coastal region from June to October. This is the principal time of intense reduction harvesting in the Chesapeake Bay. This combination facilitates localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Based on 50 research Dr. Bryan Watts of William and Mary has stated that reductions in menhaden stocks have caused osprey productivity to decline to below DDT-era rates. These rates are insufficient to support the osprey population within the main stem of the Bay. Dr. Noah Bressman of Salisbury University has stated that Virginia based menhaden fishery is overfishing the stock in and around the Chesapeake Bay, which is preventing the important forage fish from making its way into the Bay and its tributaries. Based on this latest science, Virginia needs to limit the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery to federal waters east of the western boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone. I thank you for your time.

HB1381, 1383. Both of these are needed to start protecting the menhaden. While it is great that people want to have "clean energy", we also need to start rebuilding the water: this is a great way to start. HB2244 - we need to make sure African American cemeteries and graves are treated with the same respect as other burial grounds. I support this bill.

Science from the ASMFC and William and Mary proves both our striped bass spawning stock and ospreys are suffering reproductive failure due to menhaden depletion in Chesapeake bay. Data from MD DNR shows juvenile striped bass are at historic low levels the last four years… Unless this is reversed the future looks dismal for our children and grandchildren. NOAA data shows between 2009 and 2016 striped bass angling trips by friends, families and children declined by 760 thousand ( 60%) a year and spending in Virginia at small businesses declined by 150 million dollars a year just for this one species. Dr Watts from William and Mary says osprey chick starvation from menhaden depletion is worse now than in the DDT era. He says ospreys are dying out in the bay. If you hear comments that menhaden stocks are “ not overfished” be aware that just applies to the Atlantic Ocean menhaden not Chesapeake bay where there is no way to count what is left for our fish and wildlife while the factory fishing goes on. The so called bay “cap” of 51,000 tons does nothing to protect the menhaden migrating back into the bay in the Spring and early Summer when the large spawning stock and ospreys need it the most. It operates,if at all, far to late to do any good.. Based on the poor condition of our striped bass and ospreys we know with certainty there is not nearly enough menhaden in the bay. We request a favorable report on bills 1381. and. 1383. Thank you Thomas Lilly.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

We must protect Virginia waters and protect the community from harm we are danger

Please vote to support HB1383. I fully support managing our resources to ensure they are around for years to come. We have to act responsibly and be good stewards of the environment. Thank you.

Please I strongly suggest we pass these bills for the betterment of the state and the environment and all community members.

Pls stop all animal experiments and cruelty. Someone has to speak and step up for those who cannot. Pls stop all cruelty Thanks

I am sporting HB1382

HB1383 | Anderson | Menhaden reduction fishing; prohibition. Without responsible stewardship of our state resources, citizens of our state will face negative long term consequences that impact far more than one commercial sector. Living marine resources are critical to local economies and lived experiences of your constituents. Please support the responsible stewardship by starting with a two-year prohibition while further investigation determines acceptable levels of exploitation. HB1989 | Kory | Coyotes or fur-bearing animals; prohibition of killing contests and competitions. Killing ought not be a hobby nor a community pass time. Killing contests and competitions are inhumane, and in a world increasingly populated by humans, the wild things needs protection to survive unending human encroachment, not further pressure on animal populations through wanton killing "for fun." Please support the prohibition of killing contests and competitions. HB1998 | Krizek | Native plant species; state agencies to prioritize use on state properties. The state must prioritize the use of native plant species as part of broader responsible stewardship efforts on state properties. Using non-native plants can have significantly negative consequences for the environment, for wildlife, and for future state efforts to control unintended non-native plant proliferation. Native plants, on the other hand, are proven to support native animal and insect populations while also improving the ecosystem. Please support this effort to prioritize the use of native plants on state properties. HB2042 | Shin | Animal testing; whistle blower protections created. Whistle blower protections are critical for enabling healthy institutions. If those with knowledge are not protected in exposing negligence, crime, or harm, then the incentive structures needed to improve our institutions will be missing, and we'll all suffer the costs of reduced institutional fitness. Please support whistle blower protections. HB2189 | Rasoul | PFAS; requirements to test, publicly owned treatment works, discharges into state waters. As scientific evidence regarding the detrimental impacts of PFAS on human health continues to mount, testing for PFAS is a critical first step towards preventing PFAS contamination and what actions will be needed to protect human health when PFAS exposure is detected. Please support requirements to test discharges for PFAS.

I respectfully support House Bill 1383. The reported decline in fish stocks in the Chesapeake Bay and off the coast of Virginia is concerning, and imperils the long-standing tradition and industry of sport-fishing in the Commonwealth. A temporary suspension and reduction of commercial menhaden fishing is a prudent measure to review and ensure the health of fish stocks and fish populations in the Chesapeake Bay and off the coast. I respectfully support House Bill 1383.

Menhaden needs to be closed for two years in the Chesapeake Bay until they can figure out the economic, ecological, and safety of the massive reduction fishery in the bay. Regulators in charge of menhaden have become blind to the obvious, they don’t listen to the public and accept bogus conclusions to support the 150 million dollar a year reduction, fishing industry. They use the most obvious flawed system to count fish in the Chesapeake Bay you could ever imagine. They call it a constantly moving stock so it’s hard to count so they use ecological reference points along the whole east coast of the United States to determine the health of the stock. With the exception of New Jersey, there is only one state who allows reduction in Fishing, Virginia. I wonder what other states look like and the Menhaden population along the East Coast is currently, without menhaden reduction Fishing, I bet it is incredible like it is in New York now . I bet they haven’t seen this good of fishing up there in many many years and there is no reason to wonder why. Menhaden. Along our VA coast whole fisheries have been destroyed , like the striped bass, the gray trout , croaker and bluefish. Gone. Why? Greed. Profits outweigh common sense. When is enough profit enough? NEVER , for them unless we stop them, assess what they are doing and actually see a difference, which will be HUGE, and easily seen and measured by the public and their regulators. Vote Yes and save the bay. Vote yes and save fishing . Vote yes and save Virginians. Captain Bill Pappas

Comments Document

Hello, my name is William pappas, Captain, playinhookeycharters , Virginia, Beach, Virginia, and we need to be able to regulate the menhaden business year-round. With spills, net tears, apologies, clean ups, super ships to clean up their spills, it doesn’t matter they are destroying the Chesapeake Bay. Over the last 20 years, I have personally observed the massive decline in menhaden, in the bay, and especially at the oceanfront Virginia Beach, where they used to be by the millions. $11 million a year the Virginia Beach oceanfront would take in renting out, hotels, fishing boats, and restaurants during the month of December through early February, catching striped bass. It’s all gone, wiped out by the greed of the reduction fishing industry that has overfished OUR Chesapeake Bay. It is a tragedy that we continue to let a Canadian own company ship all our valuable resources to Canada to feed their farm raised fish for their profits for their company NOT VIRGINIA!!?? They knew that there would be a breaking point, and after saying goodbye, to croakers, goodbye, to Grey, Trout, goodbye to bluefish this is it?!! .What more will it take for you guys to understand that this is wrong and detrimental to our future. Please vote yes to support this and other menhaden bills, Tim Anderson has presented for us. Also, you will probably now hear from as many people from omega as possible, they will have their wives, their kids, their lawyers, the NAACP, the union, their president, his daughter, and if they can get their dogs to speak, they would have them talk too. They will take up all the time, overwhelm the floor, making it seem that there is more of them than there is us, when they are paid to make these appearances and zoom calls. Please see through the political smoke . Vote Yes

There should be a rule or law to state that the VMRC can regulate the Menhaden Fishery Year around instead of just the 4th quarter of the year. There should be no problem if an emergency legislation needs to be introduced. I support this bill brought to your attention by Delegate Tim Anderson

I support the Anderson Bills. As a property owner and summer resident of Silver Beach VA, I have witnessed first hand the damage being done to the Chesapeake by reduction fishing practices. Menhaden are foundational to the food chain, yet this is the only species for which regulatory action is restricted to 3 months of the year. For the health and well being of the entire ecosystem and resident safety, the VMRC needs the ability to act in its regulatory capacity year round. Imagine masses of dead fish in the water and in the beaches, 12,000 pounds of dead red drum and the helplessness of those who are appointed to protect us being able to do nothing. As for the 2 year moratorium, I have lived in my rural community on the Chesapeake for nearly 20 years. I have witnessed the sharp decline of Menhaden schools from my own yard. I see the factory ships fishing relentlessly day after day, week after week, month after month. I see the decline of the Osprey population and fishing with my grandchildren is off the table because there’s nothing left to catch. The sea grass is being scraped up. The Bay is suffering and so are people, small businesses, and tourism. I believe we are at a tipping point ant that the commercial reduction fishing ships should be moved to Federal waters while additional research is done, while also giving the Bay and fishery time to recover.

. I fully support both HB 1381 and HB 1383. As a lifelong fisherman I have watched the decline of fish and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay. 30 plus years ago, we would catch fish for ourselves and a few for friends. Now we have days with no catch at all. The croaker, spot, and striper population is all but depleted. They have nothing to eat thanks to Omega and the netting of large amounts of food source. Thank you for listening and please vote to fix this problem.

There needs to be a study on the vegetation and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The nets from the Reduction/Factory Menhaden vessels are much to long to be in the bay, thus causing a dredging affect. This action not only pulls vital plant life from the bottom, but also stirs up sediments that have settled in the sand. The reason I am mentioning the Menhaden Reduction/Factory Fishing Vessels is simply because there are so many of them fishing in the shallow bay. I have witnessed 8 vessels on several occasions this past summer fishing on the Eastern Shore side of the bay. These fishing nets are way too large and the Chesapeake Bay cannot support them! The length of these nets are 1500 ft long, as per a representative from Omega Protein at the December 6, 2022 VMRC meeting. The depth these nets drop in the water, as per NOAH, is between 60-90 ft deep. These nets are too big for the Chesapeake! This is the largest Estuary in the United States and we need to protect our Chesapeake Bay for the future generations coming in behind us. Please allow this study to be done. Thank you Christi Medice

Re: Support of HB1383: Menhaden Reduction Fishing; prohibition Representatives of Omega Protein / Cooke Brothers Canada will certainly bring up the fact that ASMFC has raised the overall East Coast Total Allowable Catch for the upcoming year and that ASMFC has stated that menhaden are not being overfished and that overfishing is not occurring in the total east coast region but that does not account to the amount that the reduction industry in removing from Virginia waters which includes the largest and most important fish nursery on the Atlantic coast, the Chesapeake Bay. Omega’s reduction industry 2023 harvest from Virginia waters per ASMFC will be approximately 175,630 MT which is 90% of the total allocation for Virginia and is 75% of the total East Coast allotment. Yes, you read that correctly 75% of the entire east coast allotment for menhaden is allocated to 1 foreign company out of one state which is Virginia. Let that sink in for a moment and then before dismissing this bill ask yourself why every other state on the entire East Coast has banned reduction fishing in their states waters with most of these states reporting that the other fisheries in their respective states have had a massive resurgence since these changes have been implemented. Please consider that this bill simply moves the reduction industry out of the Chesapeake Bay in order to ascertain the impact of reduction fishing and does not put the industry out of business as we research the impacts and results of eliminating the overfishing of this fishery within the confines of Virginia waters and the largest estuary on the east coast.

I support this prohibition. The prohibition, Moratorium on striped Bass in the late 1980s produced a unprecedented recovery and faster recovery of striped Bass than ever estimated. Even this success is now gone from poor resource management by the state and agencies. The money the state pours into monitor, Clean, enforce the various programs for the Bay and rivers are wasted money in comparison to a prohibition. This state is not managing this resource, and fails to admit the follow impacts of the raping of resources from its waters. Therefore harming the state, the ecology, the citizens, the fishing industries, the environment.

Comments Document

Updated testimony of Phil Zalesak My name is Phil Zalesak and I am president of the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization with membership from both Virginia and Maryland. I fully support both HB 1381 and HB 1383. Atlantic menhaden are not overfished in the Atlantic Ocean. However, based on the latest scientific, biological, and economic information, the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery is causing localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to the detriment of fish, birds, and mammals dependent on Atlantic menhaden for their survival. According to a 2019 study co-authored by Dr. Michael Wilberg of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Atlantic Menhaden largely remained within the same coastal region from June to October. This is the principal time of intense reduction harvesting in the Chesapeake Bay. This combination facilitates localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Based on 50 years of research, Dr. Bryan Watts of William and Mary has stated that reductions in menhaden stocks have caused osprey productivity to decline to below DDT-era rates. These rates are insufficient to support the osprey population within the main stem of the Bay. Dr. Noah Bressman of Salisbury University has stated that Virginia based menhaden fishery is overfishing the stock in and around the Chesapeake Bay, which is preventing the important forage fish from making its way into the Bay and its tributaries. Based on this latest science, Virginia needs to limit the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery to federal waters east of the western boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Further, the current fishing policy of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission is in violation of the Code of Virginia. The time to act is now. See the uploaded presentation for details. I thank you for your time.

I support HB1383. If we don't manage our natural resources sustainably, we'll all be trying to live on jellyfish.

Comments Document

My name is Phil Zalesak and I am president of the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization with membership from both Virginia and Maryland. I fully support both HB 1381 and HB 1383. Atlantic menhaden are not overfished in the Atlantic Ocean. However, based on the latest scientific, biological, and economic information, the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery is causing localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to the detriment of fish, birds, and mammals dependent on Atlantic menhaden for their survival. According to a 2019 study co-authored by Dr. Michael Wilberg of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Atlantic Menhaden largely remained within the same coastal region from June to October. This is the principal time of intense reduction harvesting in the Chesapeake Bay. This combination facilitates localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Based on 50 research Dr. Bryan Watts of William and Mary has stated that reductions in menhaden stocks have caused osprey productivity to decline to below DDT-era rates. These rates are insufficient to support the osprey population within the main stem of the Bay. Dr. Noah Bressman of Salisbury University has stated that Virginia based menhaden fishery is overfishing the stock in and around the Chesapeake Bay, which is preventing the important forage fish from making its way into the Bay and its tributaries. Based on this latest science, Virginia needs to limit the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery to federal waters east of the western boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone. I thank you for your time.

HB1381, 1383. Both of these are needed to start protecting the menhaden. While it is great that people want to have "clean energy", we also need to start rebuilding the water: this is a great way to start. HB2244 - we need to make sure African American cemeteries and graves are treated with the same respect as other burial grounds. I support this bill.

Science from the ASMFC and William and Mary proves both our striped bass spawning stock and ospreys are suffering reproductive failure due to menhaden depletion in Chesapeake bay. Data from MD DNR shows juvenile striped bass are at historic low levels the last four years… Unless this is reversed the future looks dismal for our children and grandchildren. NOAA data shows between 2009 and 2016 striped bass angling trips by friends, families and children declined by 760 thousand ( 60%) a year and spending in Virginia at small businesses declined by 150 million dollars a year just for this one species. Dr Watts from William and Mary says osprey chick starvation from menhaden depletion is worse now than in the DDT era. He says ospreys are dying out in the bay. If you hear comments that menhaden stocks are “ not overfished” be aware that just applies to the Atlantic Ocean menhaden not Chesapeake bay where there is no way to count what is left for our fish and wildlife while the factory fishing goes on. The so called bay “cap” of 51,000 tons does nothing to protect the menhaden migrating back into the bay in the Spring and early Summer when the large spawning stock and ospreys need it the most. It operates,if at all, far to late to do any good.. Based on the poor condition of our striped bass and ospreys we know with certainty there is not nearly enough menhaden in the bay. We request a favorable report on bills 1381. and. 1383. Thank you Thomas Lilly.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

Declawing cats is unnecessary-cruel-barbaric-painful-unnatural. It must be outlawed with criminal penalties and stiff fines

Please see attached marked

We must protect Virginia waters and protect the community from harm we are danger

Pls stop all animal experiments and cruelty. Someone has to speak and step up for those who cannot. Pls stop all cruelty Thanks

This issue needs to be pushed back to 2030. Farmers have been under extreme economic pressure the past two years and this adjustment will create more economic flexibility.

This legislation would extend the deadline to meet the Bay goals without any meaningful path to meet the priority practices laid out in the original legislation. (stream exclusion and Nutrient management plans) This would create a situation where the regulatory backstops would dissolve if the needs assessment was not met in any year. The backstops are critical to getting us to our objectives. This legislation would allow other sectors (wastewater & stormwater) to count towards agricultural sector goals. Virginia’s plan for Bay restoration is predicated on each sector contributing to reducing pollution.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

support

We must protect Virginia waters and protect the community from harm we are danger

Pls stop all animal experiments and cruelty. Someone has to speak and step up for those who cannot. Pls stop all cruelty Thanks

I oppose HB1623 and ask who is supposed to drink the water if this bill should pass.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

I am AGAINST this bill because this directly will affect the safety of our water. Our water already contains dangerous amounts of chemicals that are somehow deemed legal. This bill will only allow for less accountability of the toxins present in our water and enable more toxins to become present due to less regulation.

We must protect Virginia waters and protect the community from harm we are danger

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

Virginia LCV urges you to SUPPORT HB1664: Blue Catfish are a highly-invasive species that prey upon important Bay species, such as striped bass, blue crabs, river herring and American shad. Currently only a few seafood processors are processing blue catfish in Virginia due to onerous federal inspection requirements. This bill would help localities attract other processors and provide economic and ecological benefits. Reducing the blue catfish population directly benefits other struggling fisheries such as blue crabs. It boosts the viability of working waterpeople and waterfronts.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

I support HB1807. We need to stop building in floodplains and then demanding aid when the inevitable happens.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

Communities that understand their past can better deal with the present and future. Protecting our historic resources helps make that happen, but unless resources are available to help do this, the path of least resistence is to destroy the old and make way for the new. Help preserve the stories and heritage of the wonderful people in the Commonwealth. We must work together to preserve the past for the future. Sincerely, Nancy Sorrells (historian and writer), Greenville, VA

I demanding that you protect our water stop the mountain valley pipeline from being drilled it will endanger people living there I am begging to protect our waters and lands as so important for endangered species and people. Concerned Citizen Ji Montgomery

I support HB1968. Historic sites once lost cannot be replaces.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

This is a very timely bill, nurseries and other installers keep putting in invasive species that are driving out our native Virginia plants. Protect our trees, our butterflies and our clean Virginia air. Please support this bill

Thank you for proposing this much needed bill. Most people don't realize the economic and environmental harm that invasive plants cause in our communities. Taxpayers and homeowners bear the brunt of this environmental degradation. When trees are strangled from invasive vines, when, habitat is lost from invasive plants and trees, and when agricultural production is stunted by invasive insects that prefer invasive plants as their host, taxpayers will pay the price.Landscapers and nurseries will continue to sell invasive species unless they are forced to do the right thing. Most homeowners trust that the plants they are buying will not be harmful to the environment--they would't plant them if they knew the truth. Those who profit from sale or installation of invasive plants have a responsibility to fully inform their customers., and this bill will help them do so.

I demanding that you protect our water stop the mountain valley pipeline from being drilled it will endanger people living there I am begging to protect our waters and lands as so important for endangered species and people. Concerned Citizen Ji Montgomery

I strongly support this bill. The cost of invasive plants is taking a toll on our communities. Trees are being smothered or strangled, habitat is being lost, and there are potential costs that homeowners and taxpayers will have to bear. Landscapers and nurseries must be made to do the right thing if they will not do it on their own! Most homeowners trust that the plants they are buying will not be harmful to the environment, or they would not install them. Those who profit from sale or installation of invasive plants have a responsibility to fully inform their customers about the purchases they have made. This bill goes a long way to curtailing the spread of invasive plants in our environment!

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

As uninformed homeowners, many years ago my husband and I purchased numerous flats of English Ivy, pachysandra and other invasive plants thinking that we were helping the environment by replacing our lawn with these ground covers. Having been educated and having seen both the harmful effects of invasive plants and the amazing enlivening impact of native plants in attracting beneficial pollinators, I wholeheartedly endorse this bill HB2096, though I would like to see it be stronger and ban any sale or installation of invasive plants within our county.

support

Mr. Bulova, I support both pieces of your proposed legislation. I currently work with a group led by Bill Ade in Burke trying to rescue the trees from invasive plants such as English Ivy, and other invasive vines that wrap themselves around our trees. The woods in Burke are important to nature and assist with reducing greenhouse gases in our community and our planet. I also assist a BCC initiative to plant native trees and shrubs in the common spaces to help steward the ecosystem in our community. I also support legislation to provide plans and programs to evaluate and provide solutions to address the severe climate both drought and flooding. Thank you for introducing these environmental measures that are vital to Virginia's future.

I demanding that you protect our water stop the mountain valley pipeline from being drilled it will endanger people living there I am begging to protect our waters and lands as so important for endangered species and people. Concerned Citizen Ji Montgomery

HB1381, 1383. Both of these are needed to start protecting the menhaden. While it is great that people want to have "clean energy", we also need to start rebuilding the water: this is a great way to start. HB2244 - we need to make sure African American cemeteries and graves are treated with the same respect as other burial grounds. I support this bill.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

Pls stop all animal experiments and cruelty. Someone has to speak and step up for those who cannot. Pls stop all cruelty Thanks

I demanding that you protect our water stop the mountain valley pipeline from being drilled it will endanger people living there I am begging to protect our waters and lands as so important for endangered species and people. Concerned Citizen Ji Montgomery

HB1406 a individual should not be required to pay a tax for an animal. It's not required of reptile, aquatic, or livestock owners and it shouldn't be required of dog and cat owners. HB1811 This bill sounds like it was recommended by a city neighborhood that is tired of having their flowers eaten by deer but don't want people hunting on their property. Wildlife have a specific time of the year to procreate and have babies based on mother nature's cycle. In the early years of this country there was a continuous Open season and it almost led to the extinction of deer. This bill would be a great idea if we are looking to eradicate deer from the state of Virginia as they nearly were 200 years ago. HB2297 this bill will allow continued improvement in the cattle industry.

It's our responsibility to protect the ones that have no voice

Please see attached marked

Please save God's creatures God Bless. Please don't declaw cats, this is very inhumane. It is very distress to a cat , It is very painful .If they get outside or lost, they can't defend themselves. Please reconsider declawing cats. Please Focus On Spaying and Neutering!!!!!