Legislative Session Preview: Chap Petersen

Though prepared for the likely arguments over selecting judges, passing the state budget and forming committees now that the Senate is evenly split between the parties, Sen. Chap Petersen said he is not changing his own proposed legislation in the 2012 General Assembly session just because the Democrats lost control of the chamber.

"The bills that I've had pass in the past have by and large had bipartisan support. It's not like I've had a lot of bills pass on a 21-19 margin, and if they did they didn't get anywhere in the House," Petersen (D-34th District) said. "The fact that it's now 20-20, that's not going to change my own personal legislation."

Though his own priorities for the upcoming session remain much the same as last session, he said predicting the focus of 2012 General Assembly is nearly impossible.

"You never know what the priority is going to be until you get there," Petersen said.

The session begins Wednesday. Until then, Petersen plans to introduce legislation that largely focuses on transportation and cost-effective buildings, while also introducing a controversial bill among his own constituents regarding water rates.

Water Rates

A few months ago, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors decided they had the authority to set water rates for all county residents, including those who live in municipalities.

The water companies in the Town of Vienna and Fairfax City, both within Petersen's district, would be affected by this decision. Petersen is adamantly opposed to it, while many constituents want to see the county's decision stand because they believe it will help bring rates down.

"I'm not objecting to people getting the best possible deal as consumers, I just think it's naive, if not disingenuous, for the same people that are a competitor to walk in and say, 'We're going to manage this process,'" Petersen said.

In response, he plans to introduce legislation for two reasons: to make sure Fairfax County residents receive cost-based service in cooperation with existing state law, and to ensure the autonomy of localities and independent providers is respected.

"[Municipalities] should be able to go about their business, consistent with state law, and not have to look over their shoulder at anybody else," Petersen said.

Petersen wrote a blog entry on his website about this issue Friday.

Transportation Issues

Once again, Petersen will introduce legislation to determine the rates of Virginia's fuels taxes by using a fuel efficiency index.

The proposal has died in committee the last two sessions, and likely will again, but Petersen will file it anyway.

"The bill on index fuel taxes is to make sure they keep pace with inflation because they've been way behind," Petersen said.

The idea is to use revenue from fuel taxes to help fund transportation needs.

In addition, Petersen would like to see more money poured into the Transportation Trust Fund, which helps fund highway construction, and to allocate seats on the Commonwealth Transportation Board pursuant to congressional districts. 

Cost-Effective Buildings

Last session, Petersen put forth the "Green Public Buildings Act," which called for state buildings larger than 5,000 square feet to comply with the Virginia Energy Conservation and Environmental Standards.

The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support, but was left in committee in the Republican-dominated House of Delegates.

To avoid partisan push back, Petersen will attempt the legislation again, but with a word change: Instead of "green," he'll be using the term "cost-effective."

"I want to make sure we operate our state buildings in the cheapest and most efficient manner," Petersen said.

Petersen would also like to see the cost-effectiveness of state buildings measured so they can be improved upon, if necessary.

"There's a lot of technology where you can measure energy outputs for prison buildings, college buildings, VDOT buildings, and based on that, figure out ways to save energy," Petersen said.

Petersen will hold a town hall meeting with Del. Mark Keam (D-35th District) at 9 a.m. Jan. 21 at , 330 Center Street N. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.