What We Do
The Secretary of Natural Resources advises the Governor on natural resources issues and works to advance the Governor's top environmental priorities. The Secretary oversees six agencies that protect and restore the Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources. The Secretary's office and all of the natural resources agencies work together to uphold the provisions of Article XI of the Virginia Constitution.
- - Article XI, Constitution of Virginia
“To the end that the people have clean air, pure water, and the use and enjoyment for recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings. Further, it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth.”
NEW!
The Governor's Commission on Climate Change issued its final report on December 15, 2008.
Read a summary of the report here. (pdf, 33kb)
On December 16, 2008, Secretary Gottschalk and Secretary Bryant met with Germany's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Klaus Scharioth, to discuss climate issues. Virginia and Germany signed a communiqué, agreeing to work as part of the "Transatlantic Climate Bridge" and advance collaborations in the areas of emissions trading, community energy planning, energy research, and green jobs. More information can be found at http://www.germany.info/climate.
Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant (second from left) participated in a Sept. 30 global climate change conference in Berlin, Germany. He is shown here with, from left, Dr. Karsten Sach, Deputy Director General for International Cooperation, German Federal Ministry for the Environment; Mr. Reinhard Butikofer, Chairman, German Green Party; and Dr. Markus Ederer, Director of Policy Planning, German Federal Foreign Office.
New: Materials from the Governor's Conference on Water Conservation and Drought - June 2, 2008
New: Read Secretary Bryant's Environment Virginia presentation--April 2, 2008 (pdf, 141kb)
Where do I report pollution complaints?
If there is a threat to health or property, please call 911. The Department of Environmental Quality's Pollution REsponse Program, known as PREP, provides for responses to air, water, and waste pollution incident.
Governor Kaine has made land conservation a primary goal of his administration. To that end, he has set a challenge to permanently protect 400,000 acres of land. Among the many benefits of such a conservation effort: maintaining water quality, providing additional opportunities for recreation, and preserving wildlife habitat and historic landscapes. Learn more about our progress towards the 400,000 acres goal.