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RICHMOND, Va. — Today, the House passed HB711, patroned by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria), by a 63-33 vote. This follows Senate passage of companion bill SB347, patroned by Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico), on Friday by a bipartisan 21-17 vote. The legislation sets standards for local siting and zoning approvals of solar projects so that localities cannot blanket-ban the most affordable form of electric generation. Both bills will now cross over to the other chamber.
Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Ryan O’Toole released the following statement:
“Virginia faces an energy affordability crisis, and the best way to solve it is to rapidly generate more of the cheapest form of electricity right here in Virginia. Virginians need relief from skyrocketing energy costs, and we’re pleased to see bipartisan action in the House and Senate to remove barriers to clean, job-creating, and affordable solar generation. Let us also be clear – this bill is an important first step in preventing expensive and reckless solar bans, but it alone does not get more affordable energy onto our grid. We look forward to seeing this legislation make its way to the governor’s desk, and work with all policymakers and stakeholders in the coming year to advance stronger, necessary reform to increase affordable, solar energy in Virginia.”
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