Virginia House Rejects Ambitious Renewable Energy Plan to Create Jobs In Advanced Energy Sector

Richmond, VA — Today, the House of Delegates voted 86 -12 to reject a bill that would have moved Virginia to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2035 while also placing a moratorium on new fossil fuel permits.    

“Today’s vote by the House of Delegates shows that legislators do not have a real vision for creating high-paying jobs in Virginia’s renewable energy industry nor do they want to address the negative health impacts being caused by Virginia’s current energy production. Sadly, these delegates are holding Virginia back in the new economy.

“Opponents of the bill used antiquated arguments and untruths that mirrored talking points that the fossil fuel utilities have been using for decades to stymie solar and wind energy. One delegate even argued that Virginians would have to depend on candles for their source of lighting if Virginia attempted to move to renewables. That is just one example of the shallow level of arguments opponents gave for why Virginia simply cannot require bold and necessary clean energy benchmarks.

“Yesterday, another bill that would have funded $1 billion in solar panels for public institutions and that would jumpstart renewables in the state was also defeated in committee.

“Food & Water Watch’s recent report on Dominion Energy’s enormous influence on state legislators and their absolute dedication to preserving the status quo was reconfirmed by the votes this week.  Our organization and our allies are ready to continue educating and mobilizing Virginians to ensure that this corporate influence on our state’s energy policy is broken going forward.”