After a few bridge mishaps in the news lately, highlighted by the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, VDOT is turning its attention to the Falmouth Bridge in Fredericksburg which will undergo a rehabilitation project starting in early June. In October 2023, the bridge was rated “Poor” by VDOT.
The Falmouth Bridge crosses the Rappahannock River, connecting Fredericksburg to Stafford along Route 1.
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(The Center Square) – Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office issued an announcement Wednesday morning that as of next year, Virginia will no longer follow California’s electric vehicle mandates.
“Once again, Virginia is declaring independence – this time from a misguided electric vehicle mandate imposed by unelected leaders nearly 3,000 miles away from the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said in a statement.
Though Youngkin has fought green energy mandates established by the prior administration – most notably, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – the announcement comes as a surprise, as it was believed that the decision was in the hands of the General Assembly.
Youngkin encouraged state lawmakers at the start of this year’s legislative session to repeal the 2021 law tying Virginia’s vehicle emissions policies to California’s, but the bill never made it out of committee due to the Assembly’s Democratic majority.
But state Attorney General Jason Miyares has issued what is sure to be a highly contested official opinion “confirm[ing] that Virginia is not required to comply with expansive new mandates adopted by the unelected California Air Resources Board (CARB) set to take effect January 1, 2025.”
The governor held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, proudly declaring Virginia’s emancipation from California policy.
“I have the privilege of announcing once and for all the California electric vehicle mandate in Virginia. The idea that governments should be telling Virginians what kind of car they must drive is just simply wrong,” Youngkin said.
Federal law limits state autonomy regarding vehicle emissions: States must adhere to federal vehicle emissions standards, or they can choose to adopt California’s more stringent standards.
In 2021, under a Democratic governor and a Democratic majority in the General Assembly, Virginia passed several bills that dramatically changed the state’s energy and environmental landscape. One was the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which committed to transitioning Virginia’s electric grid entirely to green energy by 2050, and another hitched Virginia’s electric vehicle policies to California’s.
California requires 100% of new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035 and can fine automakers that fail to comply.
Republicans have bucked against the mandates since they came to Virginia but have been unable to reverse them through the legislative process. But Miyares seems confident that he has found a legal loophole.
In 2012, California adopted its Advanced Clean Car Program I, regulating vehicle emissions standards from 2015 to 2025. In 2022, California adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II.
“Virginia’s air pollution control board has never approved, never adopted these ACCII (Advanced Clean Car Program II) regulations and because there was an explicit sunset provision placed on ACCI, it expires on December 31 of this year,” Miyares said.
Miyares also pointed to “permissive” language in the Virginia law referring to the first program, ACCI, which allowed the commonwealth to abandon California’s clean cars policies in 2025.
“I can reach no other conclusion as the attorney general of Virginia that the provisions tying us to California ACCII are no longer operable and yes, Virginians, yet again, have consumer freedom,” Miyares said.
Republicans are voicing their support for the move, grateful the commonwealth’s environmental policies will no longer be tied to California’s.
“Virginians, not unelected bureaucrats in California, should be able to choose the cars that fit their families needs,” Republican Senate Majority Leader Michael McDougle posted on X.
“Outstanding!! This had to be one of the most ridiculous policy decisions forced on Virginians when the Democrats took complete control of government in 2020/2021,” Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper, posted on X.
Virginia Democrats have yet to issue an official response to the news.
On June 10, 2024, OmniRide will implement changes to the Local bus service in eastern Prince William County.
The restructuring aims to expand the service footprint, introduce new destinations, and enhance efficiency. The updated service will no longer include off-route trips and on-demand stops. Instead, OmniRide will launch the OmniRide Access paratransit service for residents with disabilities. This service will operate within Âľ-mile of all Local bus routes and requires rider registration.
Changes by Route:
– Dumfries: New routing serving new destinations.
– Route 1: New routing.
– Dumfries Connector: New route connecting Route 1 corridor with the OmniRide Transit Center.
– Dale City: New routing serving new destinations.
– Lake Ridge: New routing covering part of the old Woodbridge/Lake Ridge route and serving new destinations.
– Woodbridge: New routing covering part of the old Woodbridge/Lake Ridge route and serving new destinations.
– Lake Ridge Connector: New route connecting Tackett’s Mill with the Rippon VRE Station.
OmniRide paratransit will serve riders with disabilities in the eastern Prince William service area who previously relied on off-route trips on Local buses.
Michelle Shropshire left a void in Fredericksburg when she became the new Megaprojects Director in VDOT's Northern Virginia District.
Her past work in Fredericksburg with the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension as VDOT’s Assistant District Engineer of Project Development put her in the “megaprojects” zone.
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A 38-year-old man from Quantico survived a severe car accident after police said he drove drunk and crashed into a tree on Joshua Road late Saturday night. The driver, who admitted to consuming approximately four beers, was charged with driving under the influence and refusal and was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
From the Stafford sheriff's office:
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Howdy, folks!
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OmniRide, the leading public transit provider for Northern Virginia, is poised to expand its services to new regions, pending final budget approvals. Bob Schneider, CEO of OmniRide, shared the plans in a recent interview, highlighting the organization's efforts to connect more communities along expanding transit corridors.
OmniRide has submitted a budget amendment and several grant applications to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). Once approved, the transit provider can extend its operations beyond Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties. "This allows us to partner with any planning district, county, or municipality to operate services," Schneider explained. The amendment would enable OmniRide to offer transit solutions in areas like Warrenton and Front Royal, significantly expanding its reach.
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- Between Exit 118 (Thornburg) and Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) at mile marker 119 bridge over the Po River and mile marker 121 bridge over the Ni River.
- Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) bridge over Route 1 overpass.
- Between Exit 130 (Route 3) and Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) at mile marker 132 bridge over the Rappahannock River.
- Exit 140 (Courthouse Road) bridges over Route 630.
- Between Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) and Exit 148 (Quantico) at mile marker 145 bridge over Aquia Creek.
- Exit 104 (Carmel Church): Saturday - Sunday, 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. Static lane closures at mile markers 104-103 for bridge inspection at CSX railroad crossing.
I-95 Northbound: Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) to Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Tuesday - Friday, 9 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. and Friday - Saturday, 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. Single lane closure starting at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closure at 10 p.m. on I-95 northbound at mile markers 133-135 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension work.
- Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) to Exit 148 (Quantico): Tuesday - Friday, 9 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. and Friday - Saturday, 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closure at 10 p.m. on I-95 northbound at mile markers 146-148 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension work.
I-95 Southbound: Exit 148 (Quantico) to Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville)
Tuesday - Friday, 9 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. and Friday - Saturday, 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closure at 10 p.m. on I-95 northbound at mile markers 148-146 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension work. Double lane closure is permitted until 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure continues from 4:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday - Thursday.
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Memorial Day Events
Prince William County: On Friday, May 24, members of the community are invited to join the Board of County Supervisors and others in a commemoration to honor and remember those who served in our nation’s armed services. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza, located at the Prince William County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge.
The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, brief remarks by Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson, Prince William County Veterans Commission Chair Dr. Vanessa Gattis, County Executive Chris Shorter, as well as the presentation of a wreath by members of the Veterans Commission and a performance by the Marsteller Middle School 8th Grade Bass Select Choir. The ceremony will conclude with the playing of taps.
All are welcome to attend.
Potomac Region Veterans Council: As it has done for the last five decades, the Potomac Region Veterans Council (PRVC) will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024. The event will feature remarks by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and will be hosted by the PRVC in partnership with Marine Corps Base Quantico and the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.
Originating in the years following the Civil War and becoming an official federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day honors the memory of those Americans who have given their last full measure of devotion in uniform in the service of their country. As in years past, military and veteran officials will join with members of the general public in this annual observance.
The ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and conclude by noon. The Potomac Region Veterans Council extends a warm invitation for all to attend.
Transportation Notes
OmniRide: In observance of Memorial Day OmniRide will operate the following service on Monday, May 27:
- Express, Metro Express, and Local North-B (65B) – NO SERVICE
- Prince William Metro Express, and East-West Express – WILL RUN ON SATURDAY/WEEKEND SERVICE SCHEDULE
- Local – WILL RUN ON SATURDAY/WEEKEND SERVICE SCHEDULE
Regular service will resume Tuesday, May 28.
Transurban: I-95 Express Lanes Summer reversal schedule will begin on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Daytime reversal will begin at 10 a.m.; overnight reversal will begin at midnight.
- For the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 27, 2024, the 95 Express Lanes will operate on a weekend schedule, with no reversal and the facility remaining open northbound.
- Regular summer reversal schedule (outlined above) will resume on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Government Closings
Stafford County: Stafford offices, departments, facilities, and all courts will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 27, 2024. Both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be closed.
The following offices and facilities will remain open:
- Fire and Rescue Information (540) 658-7200
- Emergency 911
- Sheriff’s Office Information (540) 658-4400
- Emergency 911
- Magistrate (540) 659-2968
- All outdoor parks are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
