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HAPPY FRIDAY
November 22, 2024
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Welcome to Energy Right’s weekly roundup! This week our team went far and wide through the Commonwealth on our mission for
Clean Energy the Right Way.
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Merit Matters: A Better Approach for Local Ordinances and Growth
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Making informed, merit-based decisions for solar project applications is essential for maximizing community benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks. Evaluating projects on their merits—such as solar potential, land compatibility, and community impact—ensures installations are strategically sited for optimal efficiency while still aligning with local priorities. This approach allows solar to deliver more significant benefits for the community and the local energy grid as a whole.
However, for merit-based decision-making to be effective, localities must ensure that their ordinances facilitate a clear and fair pathway for applications. Unfortunate, many areas in Virginia face restrictive regulations that can bring solar development to a standstill, limiting the opportunity these communities may see with new jobs, reduced electricity costs, and increased tax revenue. Without supportive frameworks, these areas risk falling behind in the renewable energy transition.
A balanced approach to local regulations enables solar projects to align with economic, environmental, and social goals. Clear, merit-based guidelines empower communities to attract investments and ensure solar solutions respect their community’s unique character while advancing sustainability and energy independence. Thoughtful, proactive policy is the foundation to fostering renewable energy growth that benefits all in the Commonwealth.
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Local Voices Bring Local Solutions
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When it comes to solar energy development, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to county ordinances and managing the siting process. Each community is shaped by its unique landscape, priorities, and values, and local governments need the flexibility to tailor regulations accordingly. By adjusting zoning laws, land-use policies, and permitting processes, local authorities can ensure that solar projects align with their community’s vision while safeguarding long-term goals. This adaptability is essential for striking a balance between advancing clean energy and preserving the character of the community.
Flexibility also creates room to address specific concerns and incorporate valuable feedback from residents. Public hearings are a critical part of this process that provides a platform for community members to share their perspectives, ask questions, and propose solutions. By engaging directly with residents, local governments can design solar ordinances that address concerns and deliver set goals. This engagement not only strengthens support for solar projects but also ensures that decisions are well-informed and reflective of the community’s collective voice.
A recent joint meeting in Halifax County demonstrated the importance of open dialogue, as residents and officials on both sides of the solar debate shared their perspectives with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. Discussions were productive and solution-oriented, highlighting opportunities to refine standards while encouraging rounded deliberation among officials. This type of collaboration ensures solar projects benefit the community as a whole, blending innovation with tradition in a way that works for everyone.
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Past planning Commission Meeting in Giles County
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This week, our team travelled to:
Halifax, Henrico, and Nottoway counties.
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Richmond, Virginia
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This past Monday, the Energy Right team attended the Virginia Clean Economy Act Summit in Richmond. The summit hosted elected officials, as well as industry leaders in clean energy, business, and policymaking. The primary topic at the summit was the discussion on siting of clean energy projects, and the panel discussions allowed for a great mixing of ideas and pathways forward for a cleaner, and brighter energy future in Virginia.
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Virginia Welcomes 14.6 MW Solar Project By Adapture Renewables
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Adapture Renewables has launched the 14.6 MW Rivanna Solar project in Charlottesville, Virginia—its first in the state and within Dominion Energy and PJM territories. Expected to generate over 21,000 MWh of clean energy annually, Rivanna Solar will power thousands of homes while supporting Virginia’s clean energy goals and addressing surging energy demands.
Backed by Inflation Reduction Act incentives, the project showcases collaboration with local contractors and will provide $2 million in state and local taxes, 150 jobs during construction, and long-term environmental benefits as the land transitions back to timber farming after its operational term.
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NEXT WEEK
We’ll be going to Brunswick, Lunenburg, and Surry counties.
Have a great weekend!
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Earlier this month, the Weldon Cooper Center at UVA released this database to help folks get a sense of the bigger picture regarding solar energy here in Virginia. The database allows anyone to see where solar projects have been permitted around the state and allows users to filter by project name, locality, project size, and the status of the permit. The more information we have around current projects in the state will help communities make determinations on future projects. This database goes to show just how relevant educating communities on solar initiatives is, and how important it is to remain informed.
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