As we often tend to do when we reach certain benchmarks or milestones, I have spent a good amount of time recently looking back on what we accomplished and what we learned over the past year. I've concluded that one of the greatest lessons that we can take from the past year is the example of House Bill 1207. Governor Gilmore and I are committed to protecting and enhancing our natural resources while promoting a healthy economic climate. Some may think that these two goals are contradictory, but they are not. In fact, a strong economy is essential if we are to have a healthy environment.
Agribusiness is an important part of that strong economy.
In its original form, House Bill 1207 sought to achieve important environmental goals, however, the cost of those goals would have been great to the poultry industry. The Gilmore Administration was committed to bringing the involved parties to the table and facilitating a discussion that would allow us to achieve the environmental goals of the bill while protecting the economic integrity of the industry. Thanks to the efforts of all those involved, especially the Agribusiness Council, all of Virginia will benefit from the compromise. The example of House Bill 1207 gives me great confidence that when we enlist all groups to work together, we can reach consensus on even the most difficult issues, for there are still many challenges ahead. The Governor's number one environmental priority is to improve water quality throughout the Commonwealth.