Virginia: Speak Up for Clean Energy
Generation180 focuses on inspiring & equipping individuals to take action on clean energy—and now is a crucial time for political action in Virginia.
During this General Assembly session (Jan. 8–March 7), there’s an unprecedented opportunity to make serious headway in Virginia’s transition to clean energy. Bills expanding access to solar power, incentivizing electric cars, and establishing statewide targets are being considered. To put it simply: Virginia has the opportunity to go from a laggard in the clean energy transition to a leader.
This is a critical moment—and your voice matters. Below is an opportunity to contact your Virginia legislators and speak up for clean energy.
Contact Your Legislators
If you’re already a pro at talking to legislators, you don’t need this pep talk—get right to it. If, like many of us, you’ve never done this sort of thing, there’s no need to feel intimidated. We’ve got the key talking points for you below and legislative staff are almost always polite and friendly. It is, after all, their job to listen to and represent you. So go flex some citizen muscle—your voice matters.
What key bills are on the table?
Clean Economy Act of 2020
VCEA would be the most ambitious clean energy policy in Virginia’s history, putting Governor Ralph Northam’s pledge to transition our electric grid to 100% clean energy by 2050 into law. This plan will eliminate carbon emissions and invest in clean energy technologies, which will create thousands of jobs and make our power cheaper. Further, it will give all Virginians a personal stake in the advanced energy economy by reducing barriers to energy efficiency programs in every corner of the Commonwealth—including low-income communities.
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Solar Freedom Bill
Removes unnecessary barriers that restrict our ability to utilize the power of the sun. Provisions include authorizing third-party power purchase agreements for all customer classes and allowing local governments and schools to install solar or wind facilities of up to five megawatts on government-owned property.
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Shared Solar Bill (HB 1634)
Provides all Dominion and Appalachian Power customers—notably low-income households and renters—with the opportunity to purchase solar power from shared solar facilities.