Natural Resources
Virginia's goal is to protect, conserve and wisely develop our natural, historic and cultural resources.
- Virginia's air quality is within federal limits for all pollutants except ozone; however, even that has significantly decreased since 1997.
- Since 2001, Virginia has been making a concerted effort to increase the amount of land kept free from development.
- The total amount of solid waste has grown in recent years, and recycling rates remain well below 50 percent for most Virginia regions.
- Virginia ranks first in the nation for historic district registrations.
- Although discharges of harmful substances into the Chesapeake Bay have been reduced, progress is slow.
The natural, historic and cultural resources indicators help to assess the progress we are making, understand the key elements that influence performance, and clarify the role the Commonwealth is taking to sustain and improve our resources.
