Several days of below freezing temperatures didn’t deter the General Assembly in Richmond this past week. Democratic-backed Constitutional amendments moved forward in the Senate; efforts to undermine unions were rebuffed; my legislation to compensate wrongly-convicted Virginians moved forward in committee. It was a refreshing distraction from the mess unfolding across the Potomac.
With so much happening, it is easy to forget this session is nearly half over already, and many minds are already looking towards this November’s elections. Keep that in mind when you see things get heated in the Senate or Republicans try to shorten early voting periods.
As always, my office is available to hear your thoughts and assist on matters of state government. Do not hesitate to call my office or email us through the link below.
6th District Constituents Spotted in Richmond
Speaking directly with constituents about the issues most important to them is one of the highlights of my job as a Delegate. Here are some constituents that have stopped by this week.
If you find yourself in Richmond during this year’s session, be sure to stop by Room 908 and say hello to me and my team and sign our visitor log.
Fusion Power in Virginia: The Future of Energy Production
One of my favorite parts of being in the General Assembly is supporting efforts that you know will have major benefits for Virginians for generations to come.
One of those such efforts includes being part of a recent effort to bring fusion energy technology to Virginia. This year I am carrying legislation (HB 1779) that will include fusion power in the code of Virginia for the first time. It follows the major announcement last month that Commonwealth Fusion Systems is planning to build the world’s first fusion energy plant in Chesterfield, Virginia.
What Is Fusion Energy?
Many people are not familiar with fusion power, which has been more like science fiction for years.
But it may be coming soon. Fusion is the combining of particles, while fission is the splitting of them. Fusion is the same process that powers the sun!
Here is a short video from the Fusion Industry Association that explains fusion in more depth, explains the difference between fusion and fission, and lays out plainly why this technology will be so important for our energy needs in the future.
So Fusion Power In Virginia?
In December, Commonwealth Fusion Systems announced, after a nation wide search, that it will building the first commercially available fusion power plant in Virginia. This investment builds on the work Virginia has done to be a leader in clean, renewable energy while also being supportive of business development.
I am proud to be carrying legislation that will help the further development and regulation of fusion power in Virginia. Though this facility may not be operational until the early 2030s, the potential of this technology has major implications for the growing demand for energy Virginia is projected to have.
Read the full report here: https://app.indigov.com/pub/outreach/bf928c26-9df0-40f5-aaf8-36cda2a2220a
