WASHINGTON GAS Virginia E-News - special general assembly 2010 summary

Welcome to Washington Gas Virginia E-News, a periodic electronic newsletter about the company's efforts and activities in Northern Virginia .The purpose of the e-newsletter is to educate and inform business, community and civic leaders about the company, share insights into how it does business and provide news items of interest in Northern Virginia. We believe this tool will be a valuable addition to our community outreach efforts and will provide helpful and timely information about the quality of service we provide to our customers. Feel free to forward this newsletter to other community-based organizations that you feel may be interested.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUMMARY REPORT

SESSION ENDING VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPORT

This year the Virginia General Assembly convened its 2010 "long" session on January 13 and adjourned on March 14. During that 60-day period over 2,900 bills and resolutions were introduced. Following review of each measure, Washington Gas tracked, monitored and/or advocated for approximately 75 bills.

The annual Reconvened Session was held Wednesday, April 21, to review and vote on amendments and vetoes proposed by Governor Robert F. McDonnell.

The following is a summary of action on a few of Washington Gas key priority bills:

Natural Gas Utilities - Steps to Advance Virginia's Energy Plan; cost recovery for certain infrastructure improvements: House Bill 533 (Delegate Nixon of Chesterfield Co.) and Senate Bill 112 (Petersen of Fairfax).
This successful bill allows natural gas utilities to recover certain costs associated with the construction of replacement infrastructure aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The utility must submit a plan for approval by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Plans cannot, however, include infrastructure projects that will increase the revenues of the company by connecting new customers.

Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act; sewer laterals; House Bill 1230 (Delegate Ware of Chesterfield Co.).
HB 1230 sets requirements for protecting the Commonwealth's sewer system. It is seen by its numerous and diverse supporters as means of assuring that proper technique is used when excavating near sewer lines and services. The new law will increase the safe operation of these facilities as well as provide a cost savings to the localities, excavators and other underground facility owners and operators.

Virginia Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation created: House Bill 928 (Bell of Albemarle).
This bill creates the Virginia Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation, established to seek and administer funding for research and development of alternative, clean energy production and related technologies. The measure would also support economic development in certain rural areas of the Commonwealth, as well as assist in the commercialization of alternative fuels and clean energy technologies.

Customers should call Washington Gas at 703.750.1000 for special programs offered by Washington Gas.

Washington Gas Virginia E-News is a periodic newsletter delivered to civic and neighborhood associations and customers in the State of Virginia.
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