Amid Richmond water crisis, Virginia lawmakers convene. Some even showered

Kate Seltzer, The Virginian-Pilot on Jan 8, 2025

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RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia House Speaker Don Scott is freshly showered. That is not ordinarily a noteworthy observation, but with much of the city of Richmond still without water, the relative cleanliness of state lawmakers was very much in question as they convened for the first time this session.

“This is a good wake-up call for all of us and how precarious these things that we take for granted could be,” said Scott, a Portsmouth Democrat, of the ongoing water crisis. “It reminds us how blessed we are and how grateful we should be, but how much work we need to do to make sure every Virginian has access to clean water.”

Legislators met Wednesday to bring the General Assembly into session, fulfilling their constitutional mandate to meet on the second Wednesday of January. Both the General Assembly Building and Virginia Capitol remained closed to the public due to concerns about potable water and whether there would be sufficient fire sprinkler pressure in the event of an emergency. Members of the media were invited to attend the gavelling-in, provided they brought credentials and empty bladders — the bathrooms and water fountains remained out of commission, though port-a-potties were available outside.

The first day of the legislative session lasted just long enough to pass the necessary procedural resolutions to get started, including extending the deadline for prefiled legislation to Monday instead of Friday. Both chambers then adjourned. No other legislative business will be conducted this week.

Both Scott and Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle remained optimistic that they would be able to accomplish their legislative goals in an already short session.

“We’re ready to work,” said McDougle, a Mechanicsville Republican. “Many of our members will be working in their offices in their districts throughout this time, and we’re continuing to hear from constituents. We plan to get the job done in the 45 days that the Constitution prescribes.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, some of Richmond’s water pumps are again operational. The city will remain under a boil water advisory, likely until Friday.