Contact Steve Pazmino
December 10, 2008 (804) 644-1966 ext 230
Virginia State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington) has been named chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Environment Committee. North Carolina Speaker of the House and incoming NCSL President Joe Hackney made the appointment.
"I am honored to represent the interests of state legislatures in the continuing debate over the changing state-federal relationship," Whipple said about her new appointment. “Now is an exciting and critical time as we look at the role of the environment in the areas of energy independence and helping to create green jobs and industries.”
The environment committee is one of 12 standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The standing committees are responsible for developing policies that guide NCSL's activities on Capitol Hill and within the administration. The policies stress three themes: opposition to unfunded federal mandates, prevention of unnecessary preemption of state laws and protection of state revenue sources.
"Senator Whipple brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the table," said Speaker Joe Hackney. "I am pleased that she has accepted the appointment and I look forward to her valuable contributions to state public policy."
NCSL has just completed an active year in representing the interests of the states in Washington, D.C. including work on REAL ID, welfare, education, Medicaid, pensions and electronic commerce, among other issues.
Senator Whipple has long been one of Virginia’s leaders in regards to protecting Virginia’s environment. “This position will help us bring cutting edge ideas back to Virginia, especially when it comes to creating green jobs and protecting our natural resources.”
The National Conference of State Legislatures is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
