Virginia decriminalizes cannabis
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation on Thursday that decriminalizes marijuana possession, joining a majority of states that have ceased treating the drug as a criminal offense.
States & provinces
New York and Kentucky expand mail-in voting access
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear both signed executive orders mandating applications for absentee ballots be sent to all of their states’ voters — upon returning the applications to state officials, voters will receive ballots.
Wind blows by coal to become Iowa’s largest source of electricity
A new report from the American Wind Energy Association, Iowa is now generating more than 10,000 megawatts of wind energy, accounting for more than 40% of the state’s electricity.
Asthma rates in Kentucky improve as coal plants shut down, new study finds
After four coal plants in Kentucky either retired or were retrofitted, local asthma-related hospitalizations dropped and individuals used their inhalers less frequently.
Virginia governor signs LGBTQ nondiscrimination measure into law
Gov. Northam signed the Virginia Values Act, making it the first in the South and the 21st across the United States to pass anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community.
New York halts evictions indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic
The move came after tenant advocates and elected officials argued that evictions during this public health crisis would drive up homelessness and worsen the spread of COVID-19.
Colorado will replace Columbus Day with Cabrini Day
Cabrini Day – recognizing Frances Xavier Cabrini who created 67 schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the U.S. and South and Central America – will be the first paid state holiday recognizing a woman in the U.S.
Virginia legislature passes sweeping carbon reduction plan
The Washington Post reports that the Clean Economy Act will create many new employment opportunities in wind and solar industries as the state’s utility companies are now mandated to use only carbon-free electricity by 2050.
Nova Scotia will officially be home to North America’s first whale sanctuary
Nova Scotia will be the official home base to the first whale sanctuary in North America, with whales expected in the water just off the coast of Port Hilford before the end of 2021.
Florida approves largest community solar program in the United States
The Florida Public Service Commission unanimously approved the SolarTogether program, which will ensure the development of 1,490 MW of solar over the next two years making it the largest community solar program in the US.