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Both a subcommittee and the full Commission on Electric Utility Regulation heard recommendations from staff at their meetings earlier this month, and they were both cleanly split between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to solar.

Democrats, unsurprisingly, are lining up to force rural areas to accept solar farms. Republicans are standing strong for the rights of local communities. At issue is proposed legislation that would give a newly established public body the ability to override local governments on issues of solar farm and other clean energy siting.

At its core, the legislation would require each local government to adopt a siting ordinance — approved by an un-elected board — regarding whether or not these projects would be approved. While previous legislative efforts have proposed a direct override of local government decisions, this new legislation stacks the deck from the beginning.

Local ordinances are required to comply with the state’s alternative energy mandates for wind and solar. If a locality fails to adopt such an ordinance, the model ordinance created by the un-elected board takes effect.

It also requires regional planning districts to come up with an “energy plan” that will create a “meaningful annual contribution to clean energy generation, energy efficiency measures, and energy storage.”

Democrats have no problems sacrificing local communities if it means they can charge their electric cars and still feel good about themselves. I stand with local government. 

I appreciate those who contact my office and hope you will continue to reach out when we can be of assistance.  The best way to contact me is via email at DelTWright@house.virginia.gov or by calling 434.696.3061 or 804.698.1150. You can also send mail to PO Box 1323, Victoria, Virginia 23974. Follow me on Facebook: Delegate Tommy Wright.