At the request of the patrons, and in the face of strong opposition from Virginia counties, HB 636 (Sullivan) and SB 567 (Deeds) were carried over to the 2025 legislative session.
The bills proposed giving the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) the authority to override local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances for the siting of utility-scale solar, wind and battery storage facilities. The legislation sets up the process for applicants to essentially bypass local planning commissions and boards of supervisors when seeking approval for the siting and operations of solar projects with a rated generation capacity 50 megawatts (MW) or more, wind projects of 100 MW or more, and energy storage facilities of 50 MW or more.
VACo Members – Thank you for your advocacy.
VACo Contact: Joe Lerch, AICP