New Law Sets Virginia on a Clean Energy Path

On Saturday Governor Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which will replace all carbon-emitting power plants in Virginia with zero-carbon generation by 2050, with milestones to ensure progress along the way. This broad new legislation will accelerate retirement of fossil-fuel power plants, establish a statewide energy efficiency standard, speed installation of rooftop solar for homeowners, and expand larger-scale solar and offshore wind. 

Southern Environmental Law Center Senior Attorney Will Cleveland, issued the following statement:

“This is undoubtedly the boldest climate action legislation ever to come out of the South. SELC is proud to have worked with the Governor’s administration, dedicated legislators, and many climate champions to see this legislation through, along with several key complementary bills.  We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the best possible implementation of this groundbreaking legislation and to ensure that this transformation of our energy landscape benefits all Virginians equally.    

The Clean Economy Act charts the course towards a zero-carbon electricity grid, but the many pressing challenges of climate change cannot be tackled in a single legislative session. SELC will work in future legislative sessions to clean up remaining outdated energy policies and to further address climate change and promote cleaner energy, while improving the lives and livelihoods of Virginians across the Commonwealth.”