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A new statewide poll of likely Virginia voters shows strong support for practical, common-sense energy solutions that protect property rights, strengthen local economies, and keep energy affordable for families and businesses. Conducted January 27–28, 2026, among 861 likely voters, the survey reflects widespread concern about rising energy costs and a clear preference for energy policies that improve reliability while keeping decisions closer to home.
That desire for local control is not limited to energy. During this General Assembly session, voters opposed efforts by governors or state legislatures to redraw congressional maps for partisan advantage by a 53% to 29% margin, signaling frustration with top-down political maneuvering and a broader expectation for fairness and accountability. That same skepticism toward centralized decision-making carries into energy policy, where voters consistently favor results-driven solutions shaped at the local level.
“The results are clear—working with communities to site responsible energy projects has never been more important,” said Energy Right COO Blake Cox. “To meet the historic energy demand Virginia is facing, we must invest in generating energy here in the Commonwealth. Virginians support an all-of-the-above approach that prioritizes affordability, reliability, and energy security at home.”
Energy Right CEO Skyler Zunk added, “Clean energy development continues to be a driver of economic growth in Virginia, and this survey confirms it works best when it works for local communities. Projects that respect property rights and deliver tangible local benefits are more likely to earn lasting support.”
Key Energy Takeaways:
The poll shows Virginians are more likely to support energy projects when they clearly benefit local communities:
57% are more likely to support solar projects when they generate new local tax revenue for schools, first responders, and infrastructure.
44% are more likely to support solar when it provides additional income for farmers and landowners.
62% are more likely to support solar projects that allow continued agricultural use, such as grazing, protecting working lands and rural livelihoods.
Virginians Favor Solar Energy Projects that Directly Benefit the Community
56% of voters are more likely to support solar projects that use American-Made Solar technology
62% of voters are more likely to support solar farms utilizing sheep grazing
63% of voters are more likely to support solar as most cost-effective way to bring more energy to the grid
57% of voters are more likely to support solar projects when they generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to help fund schools and first responders in their community
All-of-the-Above Approach to Energy Affordability
73% of voters are very concerned about the affordability of their utility bill with 20% also being somewhat concerned
61% of voters support an all-of-the-above approach to energy to increase production to meet growing energy demands
83% of voters want energy security to be an important priority of the U.S.
62% of Virginia voters support landowners’ property rights to use their land for solar and clean energy projects as they see fit
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