Virginia Environmental Health & Safety (VEHS) Conference & Expo

Description

The Virginia Environmental Health & Safety (VEHS) Conference & Expo, a VMA signature event, brings together industry environmental leaders, regulators, legislators, and allies, facilitating sessions where participants can share information, best practices, and technologies. Plus, explore the affordability and sustainability of regulations on the Virginia economy.

Conference Topics

Leveraging AI to Transform EHS
This discussion will include agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and techniques being used to transform environmental, health, and safety programs and regulations in industry and government.

Regulatory Briefing: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)
This annual briefing by the DEQ is a favorite among conference attendees as a “one-stop shop” for updates on pending and proposed regulations related to air, water, waste, recycling, climate change, land use, and permit practices.  

Regulatory Workshop & Panel Discussion: Best Management Practices, Case Studies & Technology with Virginia Occupational Safety & Health (VOSH)
Explore current safety and regulatory priorities with VOSH experts, including OSHA’s National Emphasis Programs, heat illness prevention, robot and co-bot safety, and THC impairment protocols. This session features case studies, best practices, and emerging technologies to help manufacturers stay compliant and proactive.

THC Impairment: Evolving Standards & Testing Challenges in the Workplace
As THC legalization expands, employers face increasing uncertainty around impairment standards and reliable testing methods. This panel will examine the current landscape of THC impairment protocols, legal considerations, and practical challenges for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. Experts will discuss emerging technologies, policy development, and what employers should know as regulations and science continue to evolve.

PFAS Impacts on Wastewater Treatment Costs: Laboratory Capacity, Remediation Technology, & Consumer Costs
Learn more about the costs of proposed regulations to treat wastewater for PFAS removal, the technology needed for removal, and the challenges with laboratory testing capacity. 

Combatting Product Bans and Wasted Materials: Implementing Market-Based Recycling Solutions
Panelists will discuss how the development of a market- and material-focused Recycling Development Center and Recycling Infrastructure Investment Fund could reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills and increase the recycling of valuable materials and fuels.

Climate Change Update: Legislation, Litigation, Mitigation, Regulation, & Taxation in Virginia
Learn about the current status of climate change mitigation funding in the Commonwealth, get an update on the Virginia Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, review the pending RGGI litigation, and understand how Virginia’s changing politics may impact EHS programs and manufacturing costs in 2026-2029 through electricity taxes, carbon emission regulations, and electric car mandates.

Sustainability Reception & Networking
Visit exhibitors and network with peers at a reception that offers the best in environmental technology and services.

Plan Your Stay