Cortney Marquette

The meeting focused on the status of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program and a detailed review of Business-as-Usual (BAU) modeling scenarios for the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Discussions included updates on community outreach and engagement activities, exploration of pathways toward state greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals, and a review of draft GHG reduction strategies and measures. The session also covered the quantitative modeling approach and assessment frameworks for these strategies.

The meeting served as the first stakeholder session to discuss the development of the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan under the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. Key topics included a review of Virginia's 2021 greenhouse gas inventory, current emissions trends, and the planning process for creating a Virginia-specific Business-as-Usual scenario for emissions projections up to 2050. The group participated in sector-specific discussions—covering transportation, electric power, buildings, industry, natural and working lands, and waste—to identify necessary data sources, growth assumptions, and adjustments needed to make the baseline projections more representative of the Commonwealth's specific circumstances.

The meeting focused on the development of the Commonwealth's Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Key discussion topics included updates on Business-as-Usual (BAU) modeling scenarios and feedback from previous sessions, specifically regarding the power sector and data presentation. Participants reviewed EPA requirements for CCAP, including GHG inventory and projections, reduction targets, benefits analysis, Low-Income/Disadvantaged Community (LIDAC) and Tribal analysis, and workforce planning. The group also engaged in a discussion regarding potential gaps in GHG reduction strategies, data sources for modeling, and opportunities to support strategy implementation through various funding and workforce development initiatives.

The board discussed several regulatory and operational items, including guidance on the calculation of the declinable preneed funeral guarantee fee, legislative proposals concerning funeral service intern criminal history requirements, and the consideration of adding the Shenandoah Funeral Director's Association as an approved continuing education provider. Additionally, the board adopted an electronic meeting policy, reviewed agency and staff reports, and conducted a formal administrative hearing resulting in the license revocation of a funeral establishment.

The board meeting included reports from the agency director, chair, board counsel, and various committees. Key discussion topics included updates on the Social Work Compact, legislative and regulatory reports, and specific amendments to Guidance Document 140-2. Presentations were held regarding licensure examinations, focusing on psychometric standards, potential biases, and alternative pathways to social work licensure. The Board also addressed the election of a new Compact Commissioner and received administrative reports on discipline, licensing, and outreach activities.