Senator Mamie Locke, Virginia

What motivated you to get involved with environmental issues?

I live in Hampton Roads, an area prone to sea level rise and coastal flooding. When you hear that your area is second only to New Orleans, that is enough to get involved with doing something.

What environmental issues are you most passionate about?

I am most concerned about sea level rise and coastal flooding, and yes, I have worked on these issues. I cosponsored the legislation that formed the subcommittee to study coastal flooding. 

How has NCEL helped you in your work?

By bringing attention to this issue as well as bringing attention to the nuisance of plastic bags in waterways.

What is your greatest environmental policy success story? 

Having Virginia join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). NCEL was an advocate. There is a push in Virginia now to repel RGGI, but we believe it won’t happen. We are also moving in the right direction with wind energy and clean energy with passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act.