Dominion Virginia Power customers will have lower electric rates starting today, July 1, when a new fuel charges takes effect on an interim basis, according to a news release from Charles Penn, Dominion spokesman.

The Blue Crab population in the Chesapeake Bay continues to grow but still below target levels, according to a report issued by developed by the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC).

V-DOT will conduct overnight lane closures on I-66 between US 15 and US 29 in Gainesville, weather permitting, for crews to remove beams from the old Catharpin Road overpass, according to a news release from Gainesville Supervisor Pete Candland.

Prince William County Landfill and Balls Ford Road Yard Waste Composting Facility, both in Manassas, will be closed Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Gainesville Supervisor Pete Candland is again asking residents to sign the e-petition asking the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to accept its staff report which recommends that the proposed Dominion Power Lines be buried rather than strung overhead.

Future scientists will learn how to capture solar energy to generate electricity and heat through new energy education program with the installation of a solar array panel at T. Clay Wood Elementary School, the first step in an energy education and training program, “Solar for Schools” which Dominion is piloting in four schools statewide.

To be a part of the first Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week, events in MD, PA or VA see http://www.chesapeakebay.net/takeaction/events

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency June 2 announced that Solutex, Inc. of Sterling, Va. has been selected as a Safer Choice Partner of the Year for its distribution of janitorial and building maintenance supplies that carry the Safer Choice label.