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Happy Friday!
February 14, 2025
This week our team engaged with several counties in public hearings and committee meetings as well as speaking in the Conservative Energy Caucus on our mission for
Clean Energy the Right Way.
The Next Energy Revolution: Are We Leading the Charge or Falling Behind?
In every century, pivotal moments in energy innovation have driven unprecedented growth and transformation in the United States. As Gerard Reid argues, coal powered the 19th century and oil dominated the 20th. Harnessing these energy sources fueled periods of economic expansion and solidified America’s global influence. In today’s rapidly evolving world, maintaining leadership in emerging energy technologies is essential to ensuring continued American economic strength and international relevancy.
America stands at the threshold of a new industrial revolution—one fueled in large by clean energy. Advancements in solar, wind, hydrogen, and other renewable sources present an opportunity to reshape our economy and reclaim a manufacturing strength not seen in quite some time. Just as previous industrial revolutions catapulted the United States to global economic leadership, this new era of innovation offers a chance to revitalize American industry and secure our energy independence.
The world is already embracing these transformative technologies, with global solar installations reaching a record 182 GW. If we fail to support American leadership in renewable energy, we risk falling behind. This new industrial revolution demands the collective effort of hardworking Americans, businesses, and policymakers. From solar panel manufacturing to next-generation battery storage, the industries of our future should be built right here in America, and by our own hands.
It’s clear that the momentum is building, and the choices we make today will determine how much or how little the American people reap the benefits. Now is the time to champion policies and initiatives that prioritize U.S.-made renewable energy and technology. By investing in American industry, we can drive innovation, create high-paying jobs, and build a stronger, more prosperous nation for generations to come.
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WHAT WE’RE THINKING
Who Decides? The Growing Tension Between Landowners and County Solar Restrictions
Virginia’s clean energy future is increasingly shaped by the ongoing debate over land use authority, with many landowners caught in the middle. As more property owners explore solar leases as a way to diversify income and put underutilized land to productive use, restrictive county ordinances have made it nearly impossible for many to move forward. Nearly one-third of Virginia’s counties have adopted such policies—not outright bans, but rules that significantly limit solar development. This growing tension was highlighted at a recent Conservative Energy Caucus meeting, where new research from Virginia Commonwealth University was presented on the potential land impact of utility-scale solar.
Following the discussion, Energy Right CEO Skyler Zunk reaffirmed the importance of landowner rights in shaping Virginia’s energy future. “There are probably hundreds of landowners who might want to entertain a solar lease on their land, diversify their income, and take some of their unproductive land and put it into a project that’s going to pay dividends,” Zunk stated. While protecting local authority is critical, he emphasized that local restrictions should not come at the cost of individual property rights. This sentiment was echoed by Sen. Creigh Deeds, who noted that the true dispute is not between the state and localities, but between landowners and restrictive county policies. Though legislative efforts to address the issue stalled in the General Assembly, the conversation is far from over as Virginia continues to balance energy growth, property rights, and community interests.
Conservative Energy Caucus
Where We Went
This week, our team went to Brunswick, Buckingham, Lunenburg, Rockbridge, and Scott counties.
FROM THE ROAD
Public Hearing, Brunswick County
This week, the Energy Right team gave remarks at a public hearing in Brunswick County where the county was considering two different solar projects. It was exciting to see a responsible project be approved and to hear the many county members’ voices on what a proper solar project looks like to them.
WHAT WE READ
Falling costs drive US toward green energy — even as political tides shift
By Rachel Frazin, The Hill
The U.S. energy transition is accelerating, with solar power leading the charge due to plummeting costs and growing demand. Renewables accounted for over 20% of electricity in 2023, doubling their share since 2010. While GOP lawmakers debate the future of clean energy tax credits, experts predict solar will continue expanding, even without subsidies. Meanwhile, rising energy needs from data centers are driving demand for both renewables and natural gas, while coal generation is expected to decline further.
WHAT NEXT?
NEXT WEEK
We’ll be going to Appomattox, Giles, and Halifax counties!
WORTH A READ + SHARE
Bill requiring solar planning framework dies, returns, dies again
– VPM News
As spoken on above:
“A bill to create a planning framework for solar development that keeps up with Virginia’s rapidly growing electricity needs died after extensive debate this week — then quietly came back to life, before petering out a day later.
As recommended by the state Commission on Electric Utility Regulation, Sen. Creigh Deeds (D–Charlottesville) sponsored a bill that would have set regional and local planning requirements, and created frameworks to support that planning. Del. Rip Sullivan (D–Fairfax) carried a version of the bill in the House, which failed in committee.”
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