More Energy news More news in Virginia Find Energy lawyers in Virginia
On September 3, 2025, Virginia took a significant step towards achieving its renewable energy goals with the passage of new legislation aimed at increasing clean energy production in the state. The move comes as part of Governor Sarah Thompson's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.The new legislation, known as the Clean Energy Act of 2025, sets ambitious targets for renewable energy procurement in Virginia. By 2035, the state aims to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. This represents a major shift away from the state's reliance on fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable energy future.One key aspect of the Clean Energy Act is the establishment of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Virginia. The RPS requires utilities to gradually increase the percentage of electricity they generate from renewable sources, with specific targets set for each year leading up to the 2035 goal. This will incentivize the development of new renewable energy projects and help diversify the state's energy mix.In addition to the RPS, the legislation includes provisions for expanding access to solar energy for residential and commercial customers. This includes measures to streamline the permitting process for solar installations, as well as financial incentives to encourage investment in solar energy systems. By making it easier and more affordable for Virginians to go solar, the state hopes to further reduce its carbon footprint and promote clean energy adoption.Governor Thompson hailed the passage of the Clean Energy Act as a major milestone in Virginia's transition to a more sustainable energy system. She emphasized the importance of investing in renewable energy technologies to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and protect the environment for future generations.The passage of the Clean Energy Act was met with widespread support from environmental groups, renewable energy advocates, and clean energy companies. Many see it as a positive step towards addressing climate change and improving air quality in Virginia.As the state moves forward with implementing the Clean Energy Act, stakeholders will be closely watching to see how Virginia's energy landscape evolves in the coming years. With strong commitments to renewable energy and ambitious goals for the future, Virginia is positioning itself as a leader in the clean energy transition.