Natural Resources
Virginia's goal is to protect, conserve and wisely develop our natural, historic and cultural resources.
- Virginia's air quality has improved markedly over the last decade.
- Virginia is working hard to use less energy, use it more efficiently, and find cleaner but still affordable energy sources.
- Since 2001, Virginia has been making a concerted effort to increase the amount of land kept free from development.
- With the resumption of economic growth, the total amount of solid waste is again on the rise, but recycling rates are increasing as well.
- Virginia consistently ranks in the Top 5 for historic districts, listings, registered landmarks, and the long-term protection of historic assets.
- Although discharges of harmful substances into the Chesapeake Bay have been reduced, progress is slow. However, efforts at restoring the crab population in the Bay have seen significant progress in recent years.
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.
