Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order on Reducing Energy Consumption in Virginia Government

Logo of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today at an award ceremony honoring the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) energy efficiency efforts at the DMV Headquarters building in Richmond, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed Executive Order 31 to reduce energy consumption in state government. 

   

DMV received the “Energy Efficiency Leader Award” in recognition of the agency’s leadership in reducing its environmental impact.  The project was completed through the Virginia Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program, which allows state agencies to partner with private sector vendors to improve environmental systems at state-owned buildings at no cost to the taxpayers.  These improvements are paid with the savings generated from upgrading to more efficient environmental systems.

Executive Order 31 instructs all executive branch agencies, authorities, departments, and all institutions of higher education to proactively pursue energy efficiency measures, especially EPC, to reduce energy consumption.  The EO also appoints Hayes Framme as Chief Energy Efficiency Officer within the administration to oversee the planning, implementation, and measurement of energy efficiency throughout state government. 

In signing the executive order, Governor McAuliffe said, “Reducing energy consumption in state government will save taxpayers money, strengthen our energy efficiency industry and decrease Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions. It will also set an example for businesses and families of steps that we can all take to make Virginia the most energy efficient state in the nation.”

The Governor added, “The Department of Motor Vehicles has shown tremendous leadership in proactively seeking out energy efficiency measures that reduce consumption, reduce costs, and save taxpayer dollars.  The savings achieved in this project are fantastic, 36% energy consumption reduction and annual energy savings of $284,000.  Energy efficiency makes good business sense and is a responsible way to ensure each taxpayer dollar is as productive as possible.”     

The text of Executive Order Number 31 is below:

NUMBER THIRTY ONE (2014)

CONSERVING ENERGY AND REDUCING CONSUMPTION

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Importance of the Issue

The cleanest and cheapest energy is energy that is not consumed. Strong energy efficiency measures in government, businesses, and residences can reduce energy consumption, costs, and bills, diminish the need to build new generation infrastructure, and increase Virginians’ quality of life through lower carbon emissions polluting the atmosphere. Increased energy efficiency measures will serve as a stimulus to the growing energy efficiency industry in Virginia, helping create new jobs and diversifying our economy. The Commonwealth of Virginia will demonstrate the extraordinary potential and invaluable business advantages achieved with energy efficiency. 

As a prudent steward of taxpayer dollars, Virginia is dedicated to finding creative solutions with increasingly limited resources. Pursuing sensible energy efficiency in state government will increase the productivity of the energy used, reduce consumption, save money, and lessen any negative environmental impact. The Commonwealth is seeking to reduce electricity consumption in state facilities by 15% by 2017, using 2009-2010 as a baseline.

While the Commonwealth embraces the challenge of reducing energy consumption, localities, businesses, and individual consumers are encouraged to use energy efficiently, and utilize available tools to conserve energy.  

Energy Efficiency Initiatives

By the power vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, and § 2.2-103 of theCode of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby direct all executive branch agencies, authorities, departments, and all institutions of higher education, to every extent practicable, to operate in accordance with the following guidelines:

·       All state agencies should proactively pursue energy efficiency measures, especially Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), to reduce energy consumption. EPC is a budget neutral, cost-effective tool that permits state agencies and publicly-owned facilities to reduce their deferred maintenance backlogs without adding any financial burden to the taxpayer. In addition, EPC is an effective mechanism to finance capital improvements using leveraged energy savings to reduce both energy costs and consumption. For agencies that have already employed EPC, overall energy consumption should be re-evaluated to identify areas for further efficiency improvements. 

·       Agencies should utilize the current process, at no cost to the agency, which provides for a general audit to assess whether EPC is appropriate for the agency. This portion of the process is managed by the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME), and all agencies should work with DMME to have a general audit conducted with the goal of implementing an EPC by 2016.

             

I have appointed the Advisor for Infrastructure and Development as the Commonwealth’s Chief Energy Efficiency Officer (CEEO) to oversee planning, implementation, and measurement of energy efficiency throughout state government, as follows:

·       Organize a meeting with all agencies tasked with overseeing EPC in state government and state-certified Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to establish a fully transparent, streamlined, and standardized process that agencies will use to implement EPC. This will include the development of an “EPC Roadmap” that will lay out each step of the EPC process, and ensure accountability among agencies and the ESCOs at each stage of project development and implementation.

·       Coordinate with SCHEV to identify the deferred maintenance needs at each higher education institution and the opportunities to leverage energy savings to fund building infrastructure upgrades.

·       Work with the Department of General Services (DGS) and DMME to identify and prioritize state facilities that offer opportunities for significant cost and consumption reduction. 

·       Work with DMME to establish a comprehensive system to measure, verify, and track energy consumption in state facilities. 

·       Re-commission electrical equipment and systems in publicly-owned facilities, when needed.

·       Ensure that DMME reviews all annual project performance reports submitted by ESCOs to the agencies.

·       Work with subject matter experts to identify best practices to incentivize individuals and agencies regarding energy efficiency measures. Those who show leadership in energy efficiency, regardless of agency and project size, will be recognized. 

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon signing and shall remain in force and effect from its signing unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

           

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 16th day of October, 2014.

Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor

Attest:             _______________________________________

                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Fuel the economy but do not expend any energy doing so?  An expanding economy requires more energy.  Are we speaking about shrinking the economy here?  Common Sense need not apply!

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Virginia Reaches Temporary Agreement to Allow Safe, Regulated Operation of Uber and Lyft

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Transportation network companies to come into compliance with Virginia law ~

RICHMOND (August 06, 2014) – Governor Terry McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia has reached an agreement with transportation network companies Uber and Lyft that will help ensure the safety of passengers, bring the companies into compliance with Virginia law, provide transparency into their operations, and promote a level playing field for transportation providers. This temporary legal framework, one of the first of its kind in the nation, is the result of extensive discussions between the companies, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the McAuliffe administration, and Attorney General Herring's office following the issuance of "cease and desist" letters to the companies on June 5.

“In order for Virginia to remain economically competitive, it is important that we welcome innovative companies like Uber and Lyft and provide them with the resources they need to safely and effectively operate in the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Technology – specifically related to smart phones – continues to advance at a rapid pace, and I am pleased that we were able to work together to find a swift solution that will provide Virginia’s workers, students, and families with more transportation options.”

“I knew there had to be a better way to ensure the safety of Virginia passengers," said Attorney General Herring. "These companies offer services that Virginians want, but it just wasn't acceptable for them to operate without complying with regulations or other measures to help ensure the safety of passengers and motorists. I'm proud that we were able to get folks back to the table and get them talking again, and now we've shown that Virginia can be responsive to innovative businesses while promoting public safety and the rule of law. Because of this cooperation, Virginians are going to have more transportation options that are safer, more transparent, and appropriately regulated.  I hope other states will look to Virginia as a model for how to safely integrate the so-called sharing economy."

"Thanks to the leadership of Governor McAuliffe and Attorney General Herring for putting consumers first and embracing innovation, choice and opportunity," said Justin Kintz, public policy, Uber Technologies, Inc. "We look forward to continuing to work together to create a permanent home for ridesharing, providing residents and visitors with safe, reliable transportation options.”

"Today's agreement allows Lyft to continue providing safe rides and economic opportunity to Virginians as we work with state leaders to secure a permanent future for ridesharing, said Dave Estrada, VP of Government Relations for Lyft. "Virginia has led the way in embracing innovative industries and we applaud Governor McAuliffe and Attorney General Herring for their thoughtful work to reach an agreement that maintains the highest level of public safety while expanding consumer choice. In addition to our involvement in DMV's ongoing study on Transportation Network Companies, we look forward to helping craft new rules for peer-to-peer transportation that increase access to safe, affordable and convenient rides for all Virginia residents."

The Department of Motor Vehicles has informed Uber and Lyft that their applications for transportation broker's licenses and temporary operating authority have been granted, effective immediately, they meet an extensive set of regulations to promote passenger safety, have appropriate insurance, and comply with Virginia law. If at any point either company fails to comply with these terms, DMV can revoke the temporary operating authority.

These conditions include:

·       Extensive background checks of drivers, with immediate disqualifiers including convictions for any felony, fraud, sexual offenses, or violent crimes, or registration as a sex offender.

·       A review of driving history, with disqualification for drivers convicted of three or more moving violations in the last three years, DUI, underage drinking, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer, hit and run, or eluding law-enforcement, or a revocation of a driver's license.

·       Zero tolerance for the use of drugs or alcohol by any drivers, and a suspension pending investigation of any driver accused of violating the zero tolerance policy.

·       Only employing drivers who are properly licensed and over 21, and vehicles that carry a maximum of seven passengers and are properly registered and inspected for safety and emissions, where applicable.

·       Rigorous insurance requirements, including requiring drivers to maintain automobile liability insurance, maintaining on behalf of all drivers an additional $1,000,000 of coverage from the moment a driver accepts a trip request until the passenger leaves the vehicle, and liability insurance for drivers who are logged onto the companies' software but not providing services.

·       Maintaining documentation for each driver of his or her background check, sex offender registry check, driving record, proof of insurance, valid driver's license, Social Security number, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle safety inspection. Documentation must be available to DMV on demand to investigate any complaints, and must be available for periodic audits to ensure compliance.

·       Paying any previously assessed civil penalties for non-compliance and dropping any appeals, which both companies have already done.

·       Features to help customers identify their driver and vehicle, including from the outside of the vehicle.

·       Drivers notifying the companies of any change in their license status, vehicle registration, insurance, or any arrest for a crime that would disqualify them from being a driver.

·       Rate transparency and documentation.

·       Companies advising drivers of their need to comply with applicable tax laws.

·       Only accepting rides booked through the companies’ mobile device apps, not street hails.

·       Companies maintaining a Virginia transportation broker's license.

Virginia DMV is currently leading a study at the request of the General Assembly to developing a long-term legislative solution that addresses services provided by Uber, Lyft, and similar companies, while also ensuring a level playing field for taxicabs and all other passenger transportation services. The study is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2015 legislative session. This temporary authority agreement can serve as a foundation for potential legislation and will also provide valuable data on the operations of these companies as legislation is crafted.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Continued Drop in Virginia’s Recidivism Rate

Virginia Department of Corrections (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Virginia’s re-incarceration rate has dropped to 22.8 percent, the state’s lowest rate on record. 

“Long-term public safety is critical to Virginia’s future,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “This reduction in the recidivism rate means our children are safer, our state is more attractive to businesses, and we are returning offenders to their communities better prepared to be productive, contributing citizens.”

About ninety percent of individuals incarcerated in Virginia will one day be released back into their communities. Like most states, Virginia counts its official recidivism rate as the percentage of offenders who return to incarceration within three years of being released.

“A lower re-incarceration rate means fewer crimes, fewer victims, and less taxpayer money that must be allocated to repeat offenders,” said Virginia Department of Corrections Director Harold Clarke.

Virginia’s recidivism rate has dropped to its lowest on record. Those inmates who were released in fiscal year 2009 had a recidivism rate of 22.8 percent, as measured through 2012. The previous year’s cohort of offenders released in fiscal year 2008 and measured through 2011 had a recidivism rate of 23.4 percent, and the recidivism rate the year before that was 26.1 percent.

“We commend the Department of Corrections’ staff for their hard work, as well as the offenders who are turning their lives around and those employers who give them a second chance,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran.

In Virginia, reentry preparation begins the day the VADOC receives an offender, starting with a risk and needs assessment. From offender training and education programs, work programs, resource fairs, veterans’ programs, and offender savings accounts to a partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles to get offenders DMV-issued state identification before they leave prison, the VADOC is operating a multitude of successful reentry programs.  

More information on the VADOC can be found at www.vadoc.virginia.gov.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Personnel Transition at Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Police patch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DMV’s Holcomb to Oversee Transition at ABC as Chief Operating Officer Coleburn retires

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Rick Holcomb, the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, will become acting Chief Operating Officer at the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) following the retirement of W. Curtis Coleburn.

“Rick Holcomb is a proven leader in Virginia government who has excelled at DMV, an agency where customer service, sound financial management and responsible law enforcement are key,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I am glad he has agreed to take on this new temporary role while continuing the great work he is doing at DMV as my team and I search for a permanent replacement to fill Curtis Coleburn’s shoes and lead the Virginia ABC into the future.”

W. Curtis Coleburn III will retire as Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control after more than 30 years of service to the Commonwealth.

“I want to thank Curtis Coleburn for his leadership and service to the people of Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe. “During his time as Chief Operating Officer, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control became the professional and profitable state agency it is today. Few people have earned their retirement more than Curtis has.

“Giving Virginians the best possible customer experience and the highest return on their tax dollars is one of my top priorities. I am looking forward to working with Rick Holcomb, Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran and their entire team to continue modernizing the ABC and making it as successful, responsible and responsive to taxpayers as it can possibly be.” 

Richard D. Holcomb was reappointed as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014, after serving in the same capacity for four years under Governor Robert F. McDonnell. 

As DMV Commissioner, Holcomb manages a state agency with a budget of approximately $215 million and a statewide workforce of about 2,000 employees. Holcomb oversees the collection of approximately $2.2 billion dollars in revenue annually, which funds a significant portion of the state’s highway construction and maintenance.

In addition, he serves as the Governor's Highway Safety Representative, on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, and as vice chair of the Virginia's Information Technology Advisory Council. He is chairman of the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board and serves as Secretary of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators International Board of Directors.  In 2014, he was nominated to receive the White House’s “Champions of Change” award.

Prior to his 2010 appointment, Holcomb served as DMV Commissioner from 1994 to 2001.  During Holcomb's initial seven-year tenure at DMV, he oversaw a dramatic transformation of the agency’s workforce training model and approach to customer service that improved Virginians’ experience at DMV branches and increased the agency’s efficiency.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Successful Launch of DMV/VDH Vital Records Partnership

Birth certificate (actually, excerpt from the protocol of baptised) of Nikola Tesla. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

People Born in Virginia Will Now Have More Access to Birth Certificates Than Ever Before

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the successful launch of the partnership of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Vital Records to provide increased access to Virginia birth certificates. As of March 1, 2014, copies of Virginia birth certificates are available statewide at all 75 DMV customer service centers and five mobile offices.

Already, approximately 5,000 Virginians have requested birth certificates at DMV locations. Most of these customers are able to leave DMV with copies of their birth certificates printed and in hand.    

“By increasing access to these vital records, the DMV and VDH are making life a little easier for Virginians,” said Governor McAuliffe. “That is an example of what government should do for its citizens. Efficiency, innovation and good service are and will continue to be cornerstones of my administration.”

The process for obtaining vital records through DMV is the same as doing so directly through the Division of Vital Records. Customers complete an application, submit the required documentation, and pay a fee to the agency. The fee for a birth certificate at DMV is $14.

“We are excited to partner with VDH to offer this option to Virginians,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “DMV is dedicated to providing security, integrity and convenience in delivering this important service.”   

“The Division of Vital Records has long been a trusted steward of Virginia records,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. “Together with our partners at DMV, we look forward to continuing that tradition while offering new avenues to access important documents.” 

The DMV/VDH partnership was authorized by legislation (SB 1039, Newman) passed by the General Assembly in 2013. In addition to birth certificates, the legislation provides that DMV will begin issuing copies of death, marriage and divorce records on January 1, 2015. All original records will continue to be stored securely at the Vital Records office.

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