2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102137D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 46

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

Designating the week of the fourth Monday in January, in 2027 and in each succeeding year, as Winter Salt Week in Virginia.

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Patron—Tran

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Referred to Committee on Rules

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WHEREAS, it is important to raise awareness among residents, businesses, and local government agencies about the responsible use of winter salt to protect both public safety and the long-term health of the environment; and

WHEREAS, chloride contamination from winter salt has been found in lakes, streams, and groundwater across the region and throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Winter Salt Week is observed by public and private entities across the nation and serves as an opportunity to educate Virginians on smart salting practices, including effective application methods and environmental considerations; and

WHEREAS, reducing the overuse of winter salt not only protects the Commonwealth's freshwater resources but also minimizes damage to infrastructure and property and reduces harm to aquatic plants and animals; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth is committed to a sustainable approach to winter maintenance for the benefit of present and future generations and has developed the Virginia Salt Management Strategy (SaMS) to mitigate environmental harm; and

WHEREAS, Virginians can contribute to salt pollution reduction efforts locally by learning about and implementing recommendations from SaMS, including salt application best management practices, safe winter driving, smart salting tools and resources, and other aspects of the program; and

WHEREAS, the Northern Virginia Winter Salt Workgroup is a coalition of governmental and non-governmental organizations led by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission working to reduce road salt pollution throughout the region by providing resources on winter salt best practices to businesses, homeowners, condo associations, and other winter salt applicators; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the week of the fourth Monday in January, in 2027 and in each succeeding year, as Winter Salt Week in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the Northern Virginia Winter Salt Workgroup so that members of the organization may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this week on the General Assembly's website.