Bill Text: VA SJR115 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending David K. Paylor.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-21 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ115ER) [SJR115 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-SJR115-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, David K. Paylor retired as director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in January 2022 after 45 years of service to the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is committed to conservation and protection of the Commonwealth's natural resources for future generations, and David Paylor dedicated his career, in multiple capacities, to finding solutions to environmental challenges and achieving measurable results; and
WHEREAS, David Paylor began his career in public service on June 1, 1976, serving in many roles protecting Virginia's natural resources, first as a field biologist, then as an aquatic ecologist, water resources manager, petroleum programs director, and director of operations for DEQ; and
WHEREAS, under David Paylor's leadership, Virginia's environment and the well-being of its citizens has improved substantially, and DEQ has followed the science and adhered to the law, earning national recognition for continuous improvement; and
WHEREAS, during David Paylor's tenure, air pollution in Virginia has decreased by more than 50 percent, and the number of high-ozone days has diminished by approximately 96 percent statewide; and
WHEREAS, David Paylor has also overseen a significant growth in the Commonwealth's recycling rate, and water quality has improved in 400 waterways, 29 square miles of estuaries, and nearly 2,000 miles of streams; and
WHEREAS, David Paylor helped ensure that more than 30,000 leaking petroleum tank sites and 4,000 acres of contaminated lands have been remediated and secured adequate water supplies by developing management plans throughout Virginia and leading communities toward sustainable groundwater use and slowing threats to the Commonwealth's aquifers; and
WHEREAS, a number of innovative programs have been established and bolstered under the leadership of David Paylor, including nutrient trading, biosolids, wastewater reclamation, brownfields assistance, clean water funding, employee recognition and training, Clean Communities and Clean School Bus programs, the Marine Debris Reduction Plan, and the establishment of a DEQ Environmental Justice Office; and
WHEREAS, David Paylor is respected by his peers in the Commonwealth and throughout the nation, serving as president of the Environmental Research Institute of the States and as former president of the Environmental Council of the States; and
WHEREAS, David Paylor is known to be an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping, canoeing, and fishing, and he has inspired friends and colleagues through his professional commitment, thoughtfulness, and sincerity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend David K. Paylor on the occasion of his retirement as director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to David K. Paylor as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his faithful and meritorious service, exemplary career, and outstanding contributions to the enhancement and protection of Virginia's environment and natural resources in the Commonwealth.
