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

PLEASE let consumers know when they purchase an invasive plant! english ivy in particular. thank you!

HB1382 | Gooditis | declawing cats is a barbaric process that as human beings, should NOT be inflicting on cats. HB1451 | Orrock | The majority of animals at pet shops are from mills. Pet shops should be eliminated period. HB1527 | Convirs-Fowler | the TNR program is important to stop unwanted cat and kitten deaths. HB1577 | Wachsmann | A rabid animal is still an animal and would require treatment if necessary before euthanizing and only a skilled veterinarian can make that determination and therefore would need to access in person. HB1721 | Clark | We need clean water. Human and animal alike. I also would advise for stricter regulations on all companies. Our water is disgusting. HB1984 | Kory | A water receptable for a pet should be cleaned twice and there should be more than enough to be provided and temperature specific. HB1985 | Kory | Pet shops; sale of dogs or cats. HB1989 | Kory | We are a civilized society and there is no need to hunt animals for sport or competition anymore. HB2000 | Kory | To be honest, there is no need for animal testing in this world. HB2331 | Campbell, E.H. | These roadside zoos and petting zoos are not regulated correctly and are rampant with health violations. HB2348 | Webert | I honestly do not understand why we are testing on animals. I'd say go directly to human trials. HB2417 | VanValkenburg | Dogs and cats are pets and should be treated with more respect and dignity than a lamp. HB2483 | Kory | There's no need to use such barbaric tools on elephants. In my opinion, I don't think elephants should be here in the US unless in a highly regarded zoo, such as the National Zoo, where there are veterinarians and conservationists who truly care about the animal.

Virginia LCV encourages you to SUPPORT HB 1721 (Clark) This legislation directs the Commissioner of Health to convene a work group to study the occurrence of microplastics in the Commonwealth's public drinking water. Reasons to SUPPORT HB1721: - It is estimated that humans consume about a credit card worth of plastic every week. - The Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan (VMDRP) identifies four goals to address plastic pollution. One goal is increased understanding and prevention of microplastic and microfibers as marine debris. - The VMDRP and much of the implementation of the plan is supported by the VA Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM is embedded within DEQ). - Microplastics are small plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. They include microbeads, pellets, or small fragments from larger plastic items breaking up in the marine environment. - As plastic production has increased significantly in the past decade, microplastics are being found in our blood, lungs and in the unexplored depths of our oceans with little still known about the consequences

Please Support HB 1721 (Clark). This legislation would establish a work group to study the occurrence of microplastics in the Commonwealth's public drinking water. Microplastics are widespread, a result of many forms of plastic waste. Studies show that microplastics will over time break down into nano plastics, too small to be seen by the naked eye. They are easily ingested by humans and can cause health risks. These risks include impacts to the human immune system and to cellular health.

Friends of Accotink Creek supports HB 1721. Microplastics pollution is a growing problem. This bill would set up a work group to study its occurrence in the Commonwealth’s public drinking water supply. The work group would then report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and numerous House committees by the end of 2023. Such information is urgently needed.

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

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

In support of HB1977 because it prioritizes groundwater withdrawal for human consumption over withdrawals for recreational and commercial activities, consistent with priorities spelled out in the Virginia Administrative Code 25-610-11 concerning groundwater withdrawal permits. Can provide additional written comments on the day of the hearing, January 30, 2023.

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

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

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

HB2060 is critical to human health and safety and long overdue . I was shocked to learn that Virginia does not regulate above ground storage tanks unless they contain fuel. "On November 12, 2008 a two-million-gallon liquid fertilizer storage tank collapsed at the Allied Terminal distribution facility in Chesapeake, VA. The incident critically injured two contract workers, who were hospitalized. Two members of the public who tried to aid the injured men required treatment likely related to exposure to ammonia vapor from the released fertilizer. The fertilizer over topped a containment dike and flooded sections of a nearby residential neighborhood. At least 200,000 gallons of spilled fertilizer could not be accounted for, and some reached the nearby Elizabeth River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. " https://www.csb.gov/allied-terminals-fertilizer-tank-collapse/

I write in strong support of HB2189, which is both protective of public health and supports a transparent process of community notification. PFAS contamination is a serious and growing issue for the residents of Virginia and testing requirements to ensure the safety of the commonwealth's drinking water are commonsense and timely. Please support HB2189 from Delegate Rasoul.

Comments Document

HB 2189 Position: FAVORABLE American Bird Conservancy, which works to conserve birds throughout the Americas, strongly supports HB2189 – PFAS Testing in State Waters Bill. To protect wildlife, ecosystems, and human health, we urge its swift passage through the Virginia House of Delegates. American Bird Conservancy is particularly concerned with potential effects on shorebirds and waterfowl which call Virginia home. The Plovers, Willets, and Gulls which frequent the coast may be at risk from loss of prey species. Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, and the omnipresent Mallard may all be at risk from organ failure after ingesting invertebrates or fish which are contaminated. PFAS bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and are both acutely and chronically toxic. A study of juvenile seabirds in Massachusetts found that 100% of individuals surveyed (36 total) had elevated levels of PFAS in their liver. This paper, from 2020, was the first to look at concentrations of PFAS in seabirds and was sparked by a desire to investigate predators of marine invertebrates, which past research has confirmed are biological reservoirs for PFAS. Undoubtedly, the dearth of scientific literature on the subject is not from a lack of effect, but rather a lack of investigation. The Red Knot, a shoreline wading bird, migrates through Virginia every year on their way to their nesting grounds. The horseshoe crab eggs they eat off the Virginia coast sustain them on their long journey and provide ample opportunities for birders and other tourists to view them. Horseshoe crabs are extremely susceptible to PFAS, experiencing mortality and decreased fecundity from even trace amounts of PFAS in marine environments. Furthermore, the levels of PFAS in marine environments are poorly understood; the effects and devastation are likely more widespread than currently accounted for. PFAS threats transcend environmental risks and can endanger economic wellbeing; US Forest Service estimates that upwards of $20 billion is spent annually on birdwatching. Most concerningly, though, is the new finding that PFAS are found in many common agricultural pesticides including the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and the organophosphate malathion, both of which contain their own haunting and devastating legacies. HB2189 – PFAS Testing in State Waters is a commonsense approach to keeping Virginians and wildlife safe from these harmful chemicals. The first step is knowing when and where these chemicals are having a negative impact. This bill has the potential to save the lives of birds and people alike. The legislators of Virginia have the impetus and opportunity to continue leading the country in pesticide regulation. American Bird Conservancy strongly urges the passage of HB2189 – PFAS Testing in State Waters. For more information, please feel free to contact me at eharydkern@abcbirds.org

Please Support HB 2189 (Rasoul) This legislation requires industrial users of publicly owned treatment works to test waste streams for PFAS prior to and after cleaning, repairing, refurbishing or processing items that contain PFAS. It also requires prompt testing for PFAS following the discharge of certain toxic agents into state waters and requires the results of tests to be submitted to the coordinator of emergency services. A PFAS chemical discharge was known but not reported until three years later in September 2022. This toxic discharge threatened to contaminate the drinking water supply in the Roanoke area serving 69,000 customers. PFAS chemicals are dangerous to human health, and can cause illnesses which include liver damage, thyroid disease, hormone suppression, decreased fertility and cancer.

My husband and I greatly favor all the bills checked. Puppy mills, shooting contests against animals, control of selling and shipping noxious weeds, and the support of native plants on state owned lands, are all sensible, basic steps that should obviously be taken. They are all sensible and, indeed, "no brainer" first steps in controlling these problems.

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.

Friends of Accotink Creek SUPPORTS Del. Rasoul's amendment (HB 2189) which requires industrial users of publicly owned treatment works to test waste streams for PFAS before and after cleaning, repairing, refurbishing or processing items that contain PFAS. It also requires prompt testing for PFAS following the discharge of certain toxic agents into state waters and requires the results of tests to be submitted to the coordinator of emergency services within 24 hrs. PFAS substances or “forever chemicals” do not easily break down. They are used in many common products - non-stick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, carpets, and waterproofing of outdoor gear. PFAS chemicals migrate into the air, dust, food, soil and water. They enter our bodies thru our food, water and respiratory tract. Most of us now have PFAS in our systems. PFAS accumulates in the body increasing the risk of illnesses which include liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, hormone suppression, decreased fertility and cancer. The US EPA advises no more than 10 ppt (parts per trillion) and and has made recommendations to limit the use of PFAS. Yet, the EPA recommendations are not mandatory. Hence, many states have regulations to restrict the use of PFAS. Virginia now has a restriction on firefighting foam, which contains large amounts of PFAS, and more legislation is anticipated to curtail the uses of PFAS in Virginia. Requiring the testing for PFAS in our water supplies is the VERY LEAST the state can do.

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

Virginia LCV encourages you to SUPPORT HB 2209 (Tran) High polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; prohibits pavement sealants that contain, civil penalty. This legislation gives localities authority to adopt ordinances prohibiting the sale, distribution, or use of pavement sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. High levels are defined as those above 1% of the product by weight. Reasons to SUPPORT HB2209: - PAHs are a class of chemicals that are the byproduct left over from burning coal, oil, gas, or wood. They are cancer-causing chemicals, and human exposure can come through breathing in, ingesting or absorbing through the skin. - Pavement sealants with high PAH levels degrade, ultimately releasing dust and fine particles laden with carcinogens into homes, waterways, the soil, and the air. - Stormwater runoff from PAH coatings continue to be highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms months after their application. - Low PAH sealants are cost-competitive and in regular use throughout the country. - Local prohibitions are effective at protecting and restoring local water quality. A decision by the City of Austin to prohibit the use of high PAH sealants resulted in significant decreases in PAH contamination to nearby streams and waterways.

Virginia LCV encourages you to SUPPORT HB 1721 (Clark) This legislation directs the Commissioner of Health to convene a work group to study the occurrence of microplastics in the Commonwealth's public drinking water. Reasons to SUPPORT HB1721: - It is estimated that humans consume about a credit card worth of plastic every week. - The Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan (VMDRP) identifies four goals to address plastic pollution. One goal is increased understanding and prevention of microplastic and microfibers as marine debris. - The VMDRP and much of the implementation of the plan is supported by the VA Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM is embedded within DEQ). - Microplastics are small plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. They include microbeads, pellets, or small fragments from larger plastic items breaking up in the marine environment. - As plastic production has increased significantly in the past decade, microplastics are being found in our blood, lungs and in the unexplored depths of our oceans with little still known about the consequences

My name is James F Hobson, PhD, DABT (2019). I am an Environmental Toxicologist and I am Board Certified in General Human Health Toxicology. I am requesting support for HB 2209. This Bill would provide localities and municipalities the right to ban specific asphalt pavement products that are high in PAHs (poly aromatic hydrocarbons). These compounds are readily leached out of the treated asphalt surfaces contaminating terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and are associated with cancer induction in fish and other aquatic organisms. These compounds are known human carcinogens. These chemical compounds also contaminate soil and dust associated with these treated surfaces potentially exposing humans playing or working around these treated areas. These compounds are well known as highly carcinogenic. There are alternative products that equivalent in efficacy and are cost competitive; therefore there is no reason to use these specific products. It should be noted that this Bill does not ban these products State-wide, but will allow localities and municipalities to ban the use of these products locally. Localities should have the right to ban this unnecessary exposure to these products and the carcinogenic PAHs that they release.in significant amounts. If additional information is needed my email is hobson354@gmail.com. Thank you for considering support of HB2209 this year. Sincerely, James F Hobson, Ph.D. DABT (2019).

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

Comments Document

A letter in opposition of this bill is attached.

On behalf of the Prince William Chamber, we SUPPORT HB2496. This bill would create the Virginia Recycling Development Center to provide applied research and development, marketing assistance, and policy analysis in furthering the development of markets and processing for recycled commodities and products. Creating this center is critically necessary to successfully promote recycling solutions rather than ban products that are convenient or necessary for consumers and businesses in Virginia. This center’s work will send a signal to the recycling industry that Virginia wants their investment to address discarded plastics. Virginia must improve its recycling capabilities in order to be in the top tier of states in recycling. We join the Coalition for Consumer Choices in supporting HB2496. Thank you for your consideration.