Showing posts with label Executive Order. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Executive Order. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order to Choke All Virginians

It just does not get any dumber than this.  Carbon Emissions, let's see, the stuff we breath out and trees and plants breath and change into oxygen.  So the idiot governor thinks people are getting way to much oxygen?  He has signed an executive order, without the consent of the people, to cut the oxygen levels in Virginia hence wanting to choke us all to death?

  First, where does this scumbag get off on just signing some order without the consent of the people?  Where is that democratic republic?  Signing some executive order without the consent of the people is communism.  The New Virginia Economy.

Second, where are the studies to show that Virginia has more oxygen than it needs?  The bottom line is that this is nothing more than a tax and theft of the rights of the people to conduct business without government interference.  It is putting more people into slavery.  Another real objective here folks is the raising of all costs such as electric bills, transportation costs, shipping costs, which will affect all other costs.  Here is the official propaganda from the state and his office.

~ Order creates workgroup to recommend executive actions to reduce carbon emissions from the electric sector ~

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe today issued Executive Order 57 directing Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward to convene a workgroup and recommend concrete steps to reduce carbon pollution from Virginia’s power plants. The group will evaluate options under Virginia’s existing authority to address carbon pollution.

The Commonwealth’s electric sector has already made significant strides towards a reduced environmental impact; between 2005 and 2014, carbon emissions from Virginia’s electrical generators fell by 21%. Currently the sector accounts for approximately 30% of the state’s overall carbon emission. The workgroup will focus on how to continue this trajectory in a way that makes clean energy a meaningful part of Virginia’s energy portfolio.

“Increasing Virginia’s emphasis on clean energy generation will help grow Virginia’s economy by reducing carbon emissions, ensuring our Commonwealth’s long-term energy security and creating the next generation of good jobs in this emerging sector,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Many of the largest employers on the globe have made it clear that the availability of clean energy is a key part of their decision making process when it comes to new jobs and investments. To continue attracting competitive and innovative businesses, we need to invest in a 21st century energy policy to ensure our grid is reliable, affordable, and clean.”

The newly convened workgroup will receive input from a diverse range of perspectives including scientists, energy experts, business leaders, and environmental advocates. The Secretary of Natural Resources will be charged with developing a regulatory strategy to reduce carbon pollution in Virginia’s energy sector while realizing opportunities to lead in the new clean energy economy.

“Global warming and sea level rise driven by carbon emissions pose a significant threat to Virginia’s environment, economy, and way of life,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward. “The energy choices we make today will be felt for generations to come, so it’s worth thoroughly reviewing all options under Virginia’s existing authority. This workgroup’s report will be a jumping-off point for future conversations about climate change and clean energy in the Commonwealth.”

The group’s recommendations will build upon the McAuliffe administrations existing efforts to improve energy efficiency and transition the Commonwealth to carbon-neutral energy sources. Executive Order 31 directed state agencies to implement energy efficient practices, protecting Virginia’s environment and bottom line. The governor established the Solar Energy Development Authority to catalyze growth in this rapidly-expanding market. Additionally, Governor McAuliffe set new procurement standards for state agencies, requiring eight percent of the energy they consume to be generated by renewables within the next three years.

The full text of Executive Order 57 is below:

DEVELOPMENT OF CARBON REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION FACILITIES

Executive Order Number 57
Part I – Importance of the Initiative

Though our coastal communities may be the first to witness the effects of climate change, the risks presented by increasingly fierce storms, severe flooding, and other extreme weather events are not confined to a single geographic area. Neither are their causes. The economic implications are significant, and we must do all we can to protect our critical military infrastructure, our ports, our homes, and our businesses. It is only by acting together with common purpose that the Commonwealth can effectively adapt and stave off the most severe consequences of climate change.

One key step forward is to continue with a strategic goal of reducing carbon emissions. Virginia has already made meaningful strides – between 2005 and 2014, Virginia reduced its carbon emissions from power plants by 21 percent. However, the electric sector is still responsible for approximately 30 percent of the carbon dioxide pollution in the Commonwealth. Moreover, electric companies are including carbon regulation projections in their long-term plans. The electric sector is changing rapidly through increasing reliance on low and zero carbon resources. As such, it is vital that the Commonwealth continue to facilitate and engage in a dialogue on carbon reduction methods while simultaneously creating a pathway for clean energy initiatives that will grow jobs and help diversify Virginia’s economy.

Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in the Governor under Article V of the
Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, I hereby direct the Secretary of Natural Resources to convene a Work Group, chaired by the Secretary, to study and recommend methods to reduce carbon emissions from  electric power generation facilities. The Secretary shall receive input from interested stakeholders.

Such methods shall align with the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board’s power to promulgate regulations abating, controlling and prohibiting air pollution throughout or in any part of the Commonwealth.

Part II – Scope and Guidance

In preparing their recommendations, the Secretary and the Work Group shall consider the following:
(1) the establishment of regulations for the reduction of carbon pollution from existing electric power generation facilities pursuant to existing authority under Virginia Code § 10.1-1300 et seq.;
(2) the carbon reduction requirements for existing electric power generation facilities established under § 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act, which are currently stayed pending final disposition;
(3) the interaction between electric utilities and regional markets, including PJM Interconnection;
(4) the impact any reduction requirements place on the reliability of the electric system;
(5) the impact any reduction of carbon pollution may have on electric rates and electric bills;
(6) the impact of reducing carbon pollution on low income and vulnerable communities;
(7) the cost effectiveness of pollution reduction technologies that may be deployed;
(8) the economic development opportunities associated with deployment of new carbon reduction technologies;
(9) the implementation and administration of carbon reduction regulations; and
(10) flexibility in achieving the goals of any carbon reduction regulation.

The Secretary of Natural Resources shall complete her work, including the development of recommendations as to viable carbon reduction methods for the electric power generation facilities by April 30, 2017. The Secretary of Natural Resources shall provide a report on the recommendations to the Governor by May 31, 2017.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect for one year after its signing unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 28th Day of June, 2016.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Governor McAuliffe Launches Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship

~ Council is latest Administration initiative to catalyze entrepreneurism in Virginia ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today signed Executive Order 47 establishing the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship, which shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing youth entrepreneurship initiatives and fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people in Virginia.

“The foundation of the new Virginia economy rests on the strength of Virginia’s young people,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “This Council will work to grow the Commonwealth’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that Virginia is the best state in the nation for young people to innovate, create, and start a business.”

The Council, which will be co-chaired by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones, will include student entrepreneurs and leaders from education, business and startup communities. Working with higher education and other public and private sector resources, the Council will conduct a comprehensive assessment of current local, state and federal programs and services available to young entrepreneurs, connect local business leaders and job creators with young entrepreneurs to help grow ecosystems in their communities and provide recommendations to support the goals and priorities of the Council.

“Entrepreneurism is a vital strategy for job and economic growth in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “In order to attract the best and brightest talent to Virginia, we need to create an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurism and innovation.  This Council is another step in achieving that goal.”

The Council is the outgrowth of several roundtables and meetings Governor McAuliffe and his Administration held with student innovators and higher education faculty to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing young entrepreneurs in Virginia.  As a result of these discussions, Governor McAuliffe identified the following initial priorities for the Council:

  1. Expand students’ intellectual property (IP) rights – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, administrators and faculty at institutions of higher education to craft policies that give students more rights over their own research and IP. 
  2. Promote the formation of collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and students to meet – Entrepreneurs consistently cite physical space as a priority in deciding where to start a business.  The Council shall work with partners in education and business to identify opportunities for expanded space for entrepreneurs and students to collaborate. 
  3. Encourage schools to offer courses in entrepreneurship that are easily accessible to all students and to integrate innovation into the curriculum – The Council shall evaluate strategies to further integrate entrepreneurship into classroom environments and curricula in higher education and work to ensure that entrepreneurship courses are accessible to all students regardless of their concentration of study. 
  4. Identify ways for colleges and universities to award academic credit to students for starting a business – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, administrators and faculty to determine criteria for awarding academic credit to students for starting a business, similar to existing policies awarding academic credit for an internship, independent study or co-op, to allow students to remain in school on a graduation track while still pursuing business ventures.   
  5. Remove unnecessary costs for students starting a business in Virginia – The Council shall consider ways to remove regulations and fees that create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for individuals who are starting a new business.

The Council will work closely with institutions of higher education and other state agencies to make progress toward achieving these priorities, while supporting opportunities to advance research, innovation and commercialization at Virginia’s colleges and universities.  

Expanding entrepreneurial enterprises in Virginia has been a top priority of Governor McAuliffe and his Administration.  Governor McAuliffe’s “New Virginia Economy” Strategic Economic Development Plan identified entrepreneurism as one of the five key pillars for growth in Virginia.  In June, Governor McAuliffe launched Virginia Velocity, a first-class business plan competition designed to encourage entrepreneurs in key sectors to bring their ideas and grow their businesses in Virginia.  The Council is the next step to further catalyze Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The initial report of the Council’s assessments and recommendations is due to the Governor no later than December 1, 2015.

The full text of Executive Order 47 is below:

NUMBER FORTY SEVEN (2015)
ESTABLISHING THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Importance of the Initiative
            Entrepreneurship and innovation are among the central pillars of Governor McAuliffe’s economic development platform.  The foundation for a new Virginia economy rests upon the strength of Virginia’s young people.  In order to stimulate future economic prosperity for all Virginians, young people must have the support and resources they need to become economically secure and successful.
In Virginia, the unemployment rate for young adults was 8.4 percent, double the unemployment rate for Virginians over age 35.  At the same time, the majority of new jobs come from startup firms (firms less than five years old), estimated at about 3 million jobs per year nationally.
Virginia is home to some of the best colleges, universities and community colleges in the world.  By investing in our young people, we can provide them the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century workforce.  We can ensure that they have the foundation to become creative and innovative leaders of the new Virginia economy.  In classrooms and businesses across the Commonwealth, our young people are already developing the ideas that will transform our future.  We have achieved great success in supporting young entrepreneurs, but we also have an outstanding opportunity for improvement and growth.  Virginia should work to strengthen the innovation infrastructure for young people by engaging with leaders in the public and private sectors, the education and business communities, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.   
Establishment of the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship
            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship. 
Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship
            The Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship (Council) shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing youth entrepreneurship initiatives and fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people in Virginia.  Specifically, the Council is charged with:
  • Conducting a comprehensive, statewide assessment of current programs, services, and local, state, and federal resources that support Virginia’s young entrepreneurs and innovators;
  • Developing a website that aggregates these resources to provide a one-stop location for young entrepreneurs, businesses and educators to easily access information;
  • Connecting young entrepreneurs to assets in their communities through a series of roundtables, town halls or other collaborative events to bring together local business leaders and job creators with young entrepreneurs to help grow these ecosystems; and
  • Providing additional recommendations to achieve the goals of this Council and reporting regularly to the Governor. 
Additionally, the Council will address five significant priorities related to youth entrepreneurship: 
  1. Expand students’ intellectual property (IP) rights – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, presidents, administration, and faculty at institutions of higher education to craft policies that give students more rights over their own research and IP.  In considering possible alternatives, the Council shall consider model policies of institutions that have expanded student IP rights with the goal of strengthening innovation ecosystems and stimulating economic growth. 
  2. Promote the formation of collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and students to meet – The Council shall work with partners in education and business to identify opportunities for expanded space for entrepreneurs and students to collaborate.  Entrepreneurs consistently cite physical space as a priority in deciding where to start a business.  The Council shall consider model collaborative spaces across Virginia and the nation.  
  3. Encourage schools to offer courses in entrepreneurship that are easily accessible to all students and to integrate innovation into curriculum – The Council shall research and evaluate strategies for integrating entrepreneurship into classroom environments and curricula in higher education.  It shall explore best practices, such as entrepreneurs-in-residence and out-of-classroom curricular programs.  It shall work to ensure that entrepreneurship courses are easily accessible and available to all students at institutions of higher education regardless of a student’s concentration of study. 
  4. Identify ways for colleges and universities to award academic credit to students for starting a business – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, presidents, administrators, and faculty at institutions of higher education to determine criteria for awarding academic credit to students for starting a business.  In the new Virginia economy, it is critical to recognize the important skills and training that students receive from launching a new business venture.  Similar to awarding academic credit for an internship or co-op, awarding academic credit to students for starting a business provides crucial workforce development opportunities that allow students to remain in school on a graduation track while still pursuing business ventures.  
  5. Remove unnecessary costs for students starting a business in Virginia – The Council shall consider ways to remove regulations and fees that create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for individuals who are starting a new business.

Composition of the Council
            The Council will be led by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and include leaders in higher education and business, innovators and entrepreneurs, and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.  In coordination with relevant state agencies, the Council will serve as a central coordinating entity to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for improvement, including but not limited to: 1) entrepreneurship education, 2) support from the business community for young entrepreneurs, 3) strategies for keeping the ‘best and the brightest’ young innovators in Virginia, 4) opportunities for strengthening institutional support for student creativity and innovation, and 5) the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems across Virginia.  The Council will also collaborate with other entities as appropriate and seek participation from relevant stakeholders, including the business and education communities, nonprofit groups, and advocacy organizations.
Staffing
            Staff support for the Council will be provided by the Office of the Governor, and any other Secretariats, agencies or offices as designated by the Governor, including staff from institutions of higher education if appropriate. The Council will serve in an advisory role to the Governor, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of theCode of Virginia.  The initial report of the Council’s assessments and recommendations is due to the Governor no later than December 1, 2015.  Subsequent annual reports from the Council are due to the Governor on December 1st each year.  In coordination with the Council, each public institution of higher education will report annually to the Governor on its progress towards these goals.
Effective Date
            This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect from its signing until superseded or rescinded.
            Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 24th day of August, 2015.    


Friday, November 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Statement on the President's Executive Actions on Immigration


RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement following President Obama’s executive actions on immigration:

“I applaud President Obama’s efforts to ensure that undocumented workers who are living, working, and paying taxes in the United States are no longer under constant threat of deportation. Families come here to achieve the American Dream and to provide a better future for their children. Over the last few years, Virginia has become increasingly diverse, with many first-generation Americans, and I believe this diversity adds value to our Commonwealth. 

“I also have spoken with business leaders across the Commonwealth and the nation who have called for skilled worker immigration reform to ensure that top international talent who have come to the United States are encouraged to stay here to pursue their careers. In order to build a new Virginia economy, we must make sure that international entrepreneurs have opportunities to start their businesses and create jobs here. The actions President Obama took today will help us achieve those goals.

“While these are important steps, it is clear that comprehensive immigration reform is still needed. Senators Kaine and Warner have shown great leadership on this issue, and it is my hope that Congress put their differences aside and take decisive action to build upon the progress President Obama announced today.”

(Guess that means we can keep our housekeeper and gardener for now.  Sweating bullets over that.  Just hated putting down the Rolling Stones magazine and High Times to watch the news broadcast.  Now it's on to Mad Magazine.)

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Establishing Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide

RICHMOND – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order establishing the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide, which will be chaired by First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.

“A critical component in building a new Virginia economy is ensuring that no Virginia child or family goes hungry,” said Governor McAuliffe. “By using the assets unique to Virginia, we can bridge this nutritional divide, put more Virginians on pathways to success, and at the same time grow our local agriculture economies. I look forward to the great work the Council will do to benefit our communities and all Virginia children and families. “

“With the formation of this council, we are making clear our belief that, in order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians must have access to nutritious foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “With the formation of this Council we’re saying enough with the tightrope, now we start building a bridge.”

The Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide will work to help solve childhood hunger in the Commonwealth, promote Virginia’s agriculture economy, and support local programs related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies. 

The Council will include representatives from both the McAuliffe administration and the private sector. This public-private partnership will be tasked with finding innovative ways to ensure that Virginia pursues new opportunities, as well as every federal dollar and program currently available that promotes healthy living, nutrition, and our local food programs. 

The full text of Executive Order 34 is below.

NUMBER THIRTY FOUR (2014)

THE COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL ON
BRIDGING THE NUTRITIONAL DIVIDE

Importance of the Initiative

            The foundation for a new Virginia economy rests upon the pillars of a world-class education system, infrastructure, business climate, and workforce. In order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians, especially children and young adults, must have access to nutritious, affordable, and locally-sourced foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive. We must work to bridge the nutritional divide in Virginia by pursuing these objectives with a cross-Secretariat, public-private approach, relying on the Commonwealth’s vast resources and the vibrancy of our large agriculture sector.

Establishment of the Council

            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide (“Council”).

Initiative

            The Council will seek to achieve three major objectives through partnerships across the Governor’s Cabinet, with state agencies, national, regional, and local nonprofits, local governments, schools, and private businesses, and with increased data sharing and research:

1.      Eliminate childhood hunger in Virginia by increasing participation in nutrition assistance programs:

·       Increase school division and community participation in a) the Community Eligibility Provision, b) the Summer Food Service Program, c) the Child and Adult Care Food Program, d) alternative breakfast models, and e) additional pathways to expand meal access as determined by the Council.
·       Increase eligible household participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition  Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

2.      Promote Virginia’s leading industry – agriculture – and increase access to affordable, healthy, and local foods:

·       Improve food distribution systems to better serve a diversifying Virginia agricultural economy
·       Improve accessibility to farmers’ markets
·       Increase acceptance of SNAP/Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and WIC/EBT at farmers’ markets
·       Encourage the development of innovative and sustainable retail models to provide access to healthy foods in areas classified as food deserts
·       Increase farm-to-school and other farm-to-institution programs

3.      Facilitate efficient and effective local initiatives related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies and programs across the Commonwealth:

·       Support the development of regional agricultural councils, nutrition education programs, and additional community and learning gardens
·       Serve as a communications hub for initiatives and convener of partners, and recognize and promote innovative local programs, that align with the council’s mission

Composition of the Council

            The Chair of the Council will be the First Lady of Virginia and consist of representatives of the Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Veterans and Defense Affairs, state and local agencies, the agriculture and business communities, leaders in education and health, and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.

Staffing

Staff support for the Council will be provided by the Office of the Governor, and any other agencies or offices as may be designated by the Governor. The Council will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year.

Accountability

The Council shall develop a three-year plan to achieve its objectives and shall regularly report to the Governor and the Children’s Cabinet. The plan shall include quantifiable metrics and associated goals for each objective, and progress toward achieving these goals shall be made available to the public via an online scorecard.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until January 12, 2018, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 20th day of November, 2014.





Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor






Attest:             _______________________________________
                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth




(Now does this sound good?  It does until you realize that it may just mean the government takeover of local farmers markets and farmers.  But you don't think this could ever happen now do you?  Or could it?  Stick around and find out.)