OUR PLAN
Due to the devastating human and environmental impacts of the coal mining industry, we propose its downsizing. It would be impractical to completely eliminate the coal mining industry; however, tighter control is imperative. Presently, there are three regions in the state of Virginia that produce coal in considerable amounts: the Piedmont, the Valley and Ridge, and the Appalachian Plateau. We propose to localize the coal mining industry in the Appalachian Plateau, where Virginia's coal resources are most abundant. There are approximately 38 commercially-operating coal beds in Virginia with a majority being located in the Appalachian Plateau. Creating legislation that would concentrate the coal mines in a place where most of them are already present is a viable option that would make sense and cost very little money. Some of the coal beds not in the Appalachian Plateau would still remain in operation; however, many of them would be closed for the sake of environmental security. To counteract the energy loss caused by the closing of these facilities, we propose to invest in a variety of more sustainable energy sources. What is unique about this approach is that each region would have a specific energy source that is most concentrated in that region. The Coastal Plains region would be primarily based on wind energy; the Piedmont would be the main producer of energy through new anaerobic digestion facilities; the Blueridge Mountain region would be primarily solar; the Valley and Ridge would produce energy by means of natural gas; and the Appalachian Plateau would be the main producer of coal. However, each source of energy would not be specific to one region. Solar power would be seen across the entire state but would be most concentrated in the Blueridge mountain region. This concept would apply to all regions and all sources of energy.
To implement the widespread use of solar panels, we also propose creating an increase of tax incentives similar to the Federal Investment Tax Credit, except in a larger amount for Virginia residents willing to install personal solar panels. The possibility to privatize this business could also be an economically viable option. With this policy and all the other energy sources throughout the state, we would virtually create a "commune" of energy that would allocate resources to different locations throughout the commonwealth through the use of a state wide smart grid. This smart grid concept would be implemented in order to utilize the energy effectively throughout all of Virginia. By using a culmination of all sources of energy, we would produce much more and damage the environment much less. Although this smart grid and the creation of anaerobic digestion facilitates and large scale wind turbines would be costly for Virginia, the economic gain would be much greater than that of the coal mining industry. The process of building and running these new industries effectively would require more people to work, thus increasing employment. And, making the wind turbines or the solar panels or the anaerobic digestion facilities more aesthetically pleasing and more fitting for individual communities could also employ local artists, architects, and designers. Overall, the implementation of this policy would create a more sustainable Virginia.
To implement the widespread use of solar panels, we also propose creating an increase of tax incentives similar to the Federal Investment Tax Credit, except in a larger amount for Virginia residents willing to install personal solar panels. The possibility to privatize this business could also be an economically viable option. With this policy and all the other energy sources throughout the state, we would virtually create a "commune" of energy that would allocate resources to different locations throughout the commonwealth through the use of a state wide smart grid. This smart grid concept would be implemented in order to utilize the energy effectively throughout all of Virginia. By using a culmination of all sources of energy, we would produce much more and damage the environment much less. Although this smart grid and the creation of anaerobic digestion facilitates and large scale wind turbines would be costly for Virginia, the economic gain would be much greater than that of the coal mining industry. The process of building and running these new industries effectively would require more people to work, thus increasing employment. And, making the wind turbines or the solar panels or the anaerobic digestion facilities more aesthetically pleasing and more fitting for individual communities could also employ local artists, architects, and designers. Overall, the implementation of this policy would create a more sustainable Virginia.