Legislation would help promote Va. conservation

Del. Ed Scott, R-Madison
Published: February 4, 2008

House Bill 727 ... would dedicate a portion of the existing state sales tax to fund agricultural best management practices and purchase of development rights programs.

Article XI of the Virginia Constitution states, "To the end that the people have clean air, pure water, and the use and enjoyment for recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings. Further, it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth."

In Virginia, state government has established goals and policies to reduce pollution and to preserve farmland. Yet, despite guidance in our Constitution and elsewhere, consistent dedicated funding has been elusive. This session I am working with colleagues who share my interest in conservation to build on these commitments.

I have introduced House Bill 727, which would dedicate a portion of the existing state sales tax to fund agricultural best management practices and purchase of development rights programs across the commonwealth, with an emphasis on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Both BMPs and PDRs are proven conservation programs and are critical to Virginia achieving its goals under the multi-state Chesapeake Bay agreement.

Other legislation before the House of Delegates would fund the Ag BMP program in a similar fashion and is broadly supported by agricultural and environmental groups - groups that often are on the opposite sides of issues. My legislation, with the additional PDR component, is also gathering support across the state, including from the Piedmont Environmental Council and the American Farmland Trust.

Earlier this session, this newspaper published a survey in which 30th District residents were asked if they would support legislation similar to House Bill 727. Over 75 percent of the survey respondents have voiced support for this concept.

Several years ago, Republicans in the House of Delegates launched a multiyear, multimillion dollar commitment to clean up wastewater treatment plants across Virginia. This year, my legislation and others provide a vehicle by which we can make a similar commitment to reduce runoff and preserve land. To a degree, the disposition of House Bill 727 will be guided by the budget. It also can and should be guided by the Constitution.

As a Republican, I am reminded that I am a member of the party of Teddy Roosevelt. President Roosevelt was one of our nation's finest Presidents and most likely the leading conservationist to ever inhabit the White House. It would be encouraging for the General Assembly to share Teddy Roosevelt's long-term views and commitment to resource conservation.

Del. Ed Scott, R-Madison, represents Culpeper in the General Assembly's House of Delegates. E-mail del_escott@
house.state.va.us