An overview of the topics that PEC has its eye on this session: data center reform, land conservation and public access, solar implementation, housing and local land use authority
Utility-scale solar
Better Solar through HB206
A transition to renewable energy is imperative for our planet, and the good news is that Virginia has taken a major step in that direction with the ambitious Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) passed in 2020. The VCEA requires that Dominion Energy build 16.1 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind energy in the public interest by 2035 and operate with 100% renewable energy by 2045. Recent studies by the University of Virginia tell us we are well on our way. However, a history of poorly designed solar projects in Virginia have made it clear that utility-scale solar can have significant hidden costs if not done well.
General Assembly Snapshot: 2025
The General Assembly convenes on Jan. 8 for a planned “short session” that runs through Feb. 22. PEC has co-authored several white papers that form the framework of the Virginia Conservation Network’s legislative priorities.
On The Ground Updates – September 2024
A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Cville Area Land Use: Week Ahead for July 1, 2024
Charlottesville to review sidewalk priority list; Fluvanna Supervisors to hold public hearing on solar ban on agricultural land
On the Ground Updates – March 2024
A series of short updates from around the PEC region.
Beyond Solar Ordinances: Utility-Scale Solar Policy, Host Siting Agreements & Other Emerging Topics
Join Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley for “Beyond Solar Ordinances,” aimed at helping local planning officials stay abreast of best practices for the evolving land use of utility-scale solar.
On The Ground Updates – September 2023
A series of short updates from around the PEC region.
Deploying Utility-Scale Solar Responsibly
Utility-scale solar facilities are a key component of Virginia’s transition to a clean energy future. However, the Commonwealth must ensure that impacts on Virginia’s farms, forests, and streams are minimized.
Meet Ashish Kapoor, Senior Energy & Climate Policy Analyst
Ashish Kapoor has joined the PEC staff to fill the important new role of Senior Energy & Climate Policy Analyst, and we sat down with him recently to learn more about how and why the transformation of our energy system is so important.