A host of federal agencies and state and local initiatives influence policy toward the bay. Wittman and Warner propose a so-called crosscut budget that would allow for greater tracking of restoration programs. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation supports the bill. Bipartisan backing from Wittman and Warner enhances its prospects. The two discussed their bill in a column on Sunday’s Op/Ed page.
On Wednesday, Warner joined his fellow Democrat, Sen. Tim Kaine, in announcing legislation to authorize energy exploration and production off Virginia’s coast. Their bill resembles a bill drafted by Rep. Scott Rigell (R-2nd). The United States is making great strides toward energy independence. It is exporting liquefied natural gas. Energy traditionally has been associated with Texas, Oklahoma and a handful of other states. The nation is learning that natural resources abound in other areas, too. Twenty years ago calls to transform Virginia into an energy capital would have seemed fanciful. They no longer do. We applaud Warner, Kaine and Rigell. Gov. Bob McDonnell has endorsed their efforts.
On Thursday, Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th) joined Warner, Kaine, Wittman, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd) and Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-11th) in calling for the passage of legislation to grant official recognition to Virginia’s Indian tribes. Chief Steve Adkins of the Chickahominy attended. Recognition would acknowledge the tribes’ status within the American compact. Republicans and Democrats alike long have supported it. We simply do not understand why the tribes have waited so long. Objections, such as the implications for gambling, have been addressed. The time has come.
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