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Happy Friday!
January 24, 2025
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With tour focus this week on our hosting of the Legislative Reception, our team visited a handful of counties before sharing the room with Governor Youngkin on our mission for
Clean Energy the Right Way.
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Governor Youngkin Joins the Energy Right Legislative Reception
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This week, Energy Right was joined by Governor Glenn Youngkin for the 2025 Energy Right Legislative Reception to commemorate the achievements of solar and an “all-the-above” energy strategy implemented in 2024. The past year we witnessed unprecedented investment from the solar industry in Virginia, a testament to the dedicated efforts of local and state officials. This collaborative approach to responsible policymaking at all levels has propelled Virginia to new heights in renewable energy generation. As Virginia’s energy demands continue to surge due to record growth and investment, the need for a diverse energy portfolio becomes increasingly apparent.
The Governor understands the energy crisis we are headed towards if we do not act now. To address growing energy needs, Virginia must continue to support and permit responsible energy projects, evaluating each based on cost-effectiveness and potential community impact. This approach necessitates policies that empower localities to make informed decisions about projects based on their individual merits. By supporting responsible solar projects, and helping to increase American made energy, localities can help propel Virginia toward continued job and economic growth.
Only through effective collaboration between state and local leaders can Virginia rise to the challenge of meeting the energy needs of its thriving economy and growing population. By supporting local leaders and ensuring informed decision making at the local level, Virginia will be unstoppable. This unified effort will ensure Virginia’s continued progress and prosperity in the evolving energy landscape
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Can Solar Save the Family Farm?
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Solar farms are proving to be a vital lifeline for farmers struggling to maintain their operations and keep ownership of their land. Leasing a portion of their property for solar energy production offers farmers a stable, long-term income stream that complements their agricultural earnings. This steady revenue provides the flexibility needed to weather unpredictable seasons and rising costs, allowing agricultural practices to thrive on the remaining acreage. For many, this is not just about income—it’s about preserving a heritage and connection to the land that has often been in their families for generations.
Beyond providing financial security, solar farms serve as a practical conservation tool, safeguarding rural landscapes from irreversible development. Unlike industrial or residential construction, solar installations leave a light footprint. Panels can be removed at the end of their operational life, returning the land to its original state. This temporary use protects the soil, preserves the land’s future agricultural potential, and acts as a buffer against permanent conversion. For communities, this approach represents a win-win: economic benefits for local farmers and increased clean energy generation for the region.
Supporting responsible solar farm development strengthens communities in other significant ways. Not only do these projects offer clean energy to meet growing demands, but they also boost local tax revenues, funding schools, emergency services, and infrastructure improvements. Thoughtfully sited solar farms allow communities to embrace renewable energy without sacrificing their agricultural roots or rural character. By bridging the needs of farmers and the future of clean energy, Virginia continues to build a model of sustainable progress.
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This week, our team attended meetings in Franklin County, Dinwiddie County, and hosted our reception in Richmond.
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2025 Legislative Reception
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Energy Right was proud to host dozens of local officials in Richmond on the eve of Local Government day in the General Assembly. Continued discussions with leaders, community members, and industry experts about the development and growth of clean energy initiatives within the Commonwealth is paramount. We were thrilled to present Halifax County with Energy Right’s County of the Year award because of their steadfast leadership in this space.
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Young conservatives want to push Trump on the environment — the ‘America First’ way
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This article offers a look at the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), a group redefining how conservatives approach environmental issues. Founded in 2017, the ACC has grown into a significant force, with 60,000 grassroots members and growing influence in Congress. By focusing on innovation, deregulation, and energy independence, the group has prioritized clean energy like nuclear power, permitting reform, and an all-of-the-above energy strategy.
ACC’s effort to bridge political divides shows that meaningful action doesn’t require abandoning conservative values. Their emphasis on practical results over partisan posturing aligns with many in advancing renewable energy and fostering bipartisan solutions to meet growing energy demands.
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NEXT WEEK
We’ll be heading out to Brunswick, Lunenburg, Richmond, Surry and Sussex counties!
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A bill (HB2027) aimed at regulating Virginia’s data center expansion failed in subcommittee, leaving concerns about rising utility costs and grid strain unaddressed. While data centers drive economic growth and local revenue, critics argue that unregulated growth risks inequitable rate hikes for residential customers. Debate highlights the need for further legislative focus.
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