As the year 2024 closes, we wish to reflect on what is happening in Buckingham. We call on you, our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens to support all the work yet to be done to protect our natural environment and cultural heritage of Buckingham County.

Whether you’ve been learning about pressing issues, sharing vital information with neighbors, advocating to elected officials, participating in community meetings, or taking direct action to protect the natural resources in your neighborhood, thank you. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we head into 2025.

Support for Friends of Buckingham can be given in many ways. We welcome your time, your energy, your ideas. We also welcome—and need—your financial support. There are just two days left to get a tax deduction with your donation for 2024. Please consider a tax-exempt end-of-year donation, using the link you can always find at https://www.friendsofbuckinghamva.org/take-action/donate/.
Thanks for your donation!

Please consider a tax-deductible, secure online donation on or before December 31!

Our many accomplishments of 2024:

• Attended legislative meetings and successfully lobbied for a ban on cyanide bill and other environmental protections. On Lobby Day in Richmond, HB85 (a.k.a. ban on cyanide bill) received full approval from both the State House and Senate. The bill became law in 2024, and Virginia has officially banned the use of cyanide in mineral mining or processing. This essentially put the nail in the coffin of the plan that threatened us with open-pit gold mining and all the associated, deadly effects on our water and environment.
• Attended and provided transport for council members when the UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Presents: Community MLK Celebration — keynote speaker, Dr William Barber.
• Tabled and distributed educational materials related to environmental justice and current FoB campaigns at Juneteenth celebration in Buckingham.
• Attended and provided speakers for a book event about Union Hill and Buckingham’s contribution to the cancellation of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline: Gaslight / The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Fight for America’s Energy Future, by Jonathan Mingle.
• Virtually participated in Mountain Valley Pipeline coordination calls.
• Attended virtual Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Justice meetings.
  Developed media contacts (Farmville Herald) to provide updates and encourage coverage of FoB campaigns and events.
• Attended the Pipeline Safety Conference, New Orleans, LA.
• Recruited new memberships and nominations for the FoB Council.

Organized and held FoB 10th anniversary event (hybrid) with the annual membership meeting.

Watch Scott Flood speak about the Solar campaign.

Enjoy hearing songs by Josh Vana:

Solar campaign

1. Solar Presentation at Annual Meeting (see talk)
This year, an overview was presented on industrial solar at the annual meeting. The focus was on environmental harm. Sources of reports on ecological damages included Virginia DEQ and US EPA. Additional topics included economic risks and a proposed law presented at the upcoming General Assembly. If this law passes, it will allow the state to usurp local authority on industrial solar siting.

2. FoB In-person and Virtual Meetings with State Legislators
Two in-person meetings and two virtual meetings were attended with Senator Jonn McGuire and Representative Tom Garrett. During these sessions, industrial solar concerns were presented, highlighting environmental challenges and impacts to constituents. They were asked to oppose legislation negatively impacting local rights.

3. Attended Bi-monthly ABRA Zoom Meetings
Regular participation in bi-monthly meetings hosted by the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance (ABRA) was maintained throughout the year. These meetings served as a platform for discussing regional environmental issues.

4. ABRA Conservation Hub
Map produced by ABRA Conservation Hub. Compiled information including locations, statistics, and the additional impacts of industrial-scale solar in Buckingham County.

5. Discussions with SELC on Industrial-Scale Solar Concerns
A virtual meeting that addressed industrial solar concerns was conducted with a Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) representative. Participants from FoB contributed insights into legal and environmental issues relating to large-scale solar installations. The emphasis was on Distributed and Community vs. Industrial-scale Solar installations. Follow-up discussions were conducted through phone and email.

6. Riverstone Solar Project
Communications with supervisors regarding the Riverstone Solar project’s expiration and the developer’s actions. Updates were sought from county administration and received.

7. Communications Regarding the Mountain Pine Arvonia Solar Project
FoB representatives communications with supervisors concerning the Mountain Pine Arvonia Solar project. Information shared focused on the environmental and community impacts of approving the project.

8. Local Media
Communications with the editor of Farmville Herald on industrial-scale solar. Monitoring same for public notices and pertinent articles.

9. FoB Website
Included new information and updates on gold/metals mining and industrial-scale solar.

In summary, this year has been marked by active engagement in various environmental forums, particularly in addressing industrial-scale solar concerns while fostering communication among the stakeholders.

We are alive and well with new officers and members!

The Current Friends of Buckingham Council Members
Scott Flood, President
Laura Luniewski, Treasurer
Karen Kreps (a.k.a. Karuna), Secretary
Chad Oba, Past President
Marie Flowers
Kenda Hanuman
Ruby Laury
Irene Leech
Kathy Mosley
Richard Walker

Our website has new and archived information, and our bios are gradually being added on the About Us page. Please visit often and share the address, https://friendsofbuckinghamva.org.

All best wishes for the season.

Karen Kreps (a.k.a. Karuna)

Secretary

Friends of Buckingham