Va. Code Ann. tit. 45.2, ch. 17

Va. Code Ann. tit. 45.2, ch. 17
in effect

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1700 Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Consortium" means the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium established pursuant to Article 5 (§ 45.2-1714 et seq.). "Division" means the Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of the Department of Energy. "Plan" means the Virginia Energy Plan prepared pursuant to Article 4 (§ 45.2-1700 et seq.). 2006, c. 939 , § 67-200; 2020, cc. 657 , 658 , 960 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 387 , 532 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1701 Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency established; powers and duties

A. The Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency is established in the Department. The Director has the immediate authority to coordinate the development and implementation of energy policy in the Commonwealth. B. The Division shall coordinate the energy-related activities of the various state agencies and advise the Governor on energy issues that arise at the local, state, and national levels. All state agencies and institutions shall cooperate fully with the Division to assist in the proper execution of the duties assigned by this section. C. In addition, the Division is authorized to make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties or the execution of its powers, including the implementation of energy information and conservation plans and programs. D. The Division shall: 1. Consult with state agencies and institutions concerning energy-related activities or policies as needed for the proper execution of the duties assigned to the Division by this section; 2. Serve as the Commonwealth's liaison with appropriate agencies of the federal government concerning the activities of the federal government related to energy production, consumption, and transportation and energy resource management in general and identify and monitor any federal grant programs, loan programs, or other opportunities for federal funding to further the Commonwealth's energy efficiency goals; 3. Provide services to encourage efforts by and among businesses in the Commonwealth, industries, utilities, academic institutions, state and local governments, and private institutions to develop energy resources and energy conservation programs; 4. In consultation with the State Corporation Commission, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research, prepare the Virginia Energy Plan pursuant to § 45.2-1710 ; and 5. Observe the energy-related activities of state agencies and advise such agencies in order to encourage conformity with established energy policy. 1984, c. 590, § 45.1-390; 2006, c. 939 ; 2016, c. 518 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 387 , 532 ; 2024, c. 539 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1701.1 Public disclosure of certain electric generating facility closures

A. The provisions of this section shall apply to any electric generating facility that: 1. Has a nameplate generating capacity of 80 megawatts or more; 2. Is located in the Commonwealth; 3. Emits carbon dioxide as a byproduct of combusting fuel, whether or not certificated by the State Corporation Commission pursuant to subsection D of § 56-580 ; and 4. Is subject to, and not exempt from, regulations adopted pursuant to subsection E of § 10.1-1308 or § 10.1-1330 . B. Within 30 days of an owner of an electric generating facility making public the decision to close such facility, or within 30 days of the owner of an electric generating facility making a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding a material impact to the cost, operations, or financial condition of the owner, which material impact is a direct precursor to the closure of the electric generating facility, the owner shall send a written notice of the impending closure to: 1. The governing body of the locality where the facility is located; 2. The governing body of any locality adjoining the locality where the facility is located; 3. Any town council located within a county described in subdivision 1; 4. Any planning district commission of any locality described in subdivision 1 or 2; 5. The State Corporation Commission Division of Public Utility Regulation; 6. The Department and the Division; 7. The Department of Housing and Community Development; 8. PJM Interconnection, LLC; 9. The Virginia Employment Commission; 10. The Department of Environmental Quality; and 11. The Virginia Council on Environmental Justice. C. The notice required by subsection B shall include, at a minimum, (i) the anticipated closure date of the facility; (ii) references to any website maintained by the owner containing closure information; (iii) a list of permits obtained from a local government, the State Air Pollution Control Board, the State Water Control Board, or the Department of Environmental Quality, including the permit number and date of issuance; (iv) anticipated future use of the facility site, if known; (v) workforce transition assistance information; and (vi) decommissioning information. If the owner of the facility is a registrant with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any filings mentioning the impending closure shall also be included with the notice. D. In the six months following receipt of the notice required by subsection B, the governing body of the locality where the facility is located shall conduct at least three public hearings, which may be part of a regular meeting agenda, where at least one representative of the owner of the facility being closed shall be present, make a presentation regarding the impending closure, and take questions from the governing body and the public. E. In the six months following receipt of the notice required by subsection B, the planning district commission of the locality where the facility is located shall conduct at least one public hearing, which may be part of a regular meeting agenda, where at least one representative of the owner of the facility being closed shall be present, make a presentation regarding the impending closure, and take questions from the planning district commission and the public. F. The Division shall maintain a public website listing the facilities subject to this section and their anticipated closure dates, if such dates are reasonably known by virtue of the laws of the Commonwealth or a public record or filing with an agency of the Commonwealth, including the State Corporation Commission, and a link shall be provided to the facilities' environmental protection or remediation obligations included in permits obtained from the Department, State Air Pollution Control Board, State Water Control Board, Department of Environmental Quality, or local governing body. At least every 12 months, the State Corporation Commission shall transmit to the Division any information that it reasonably believes would necessitate updates to the anticipated closure dates or other information contained on the Division's website. G. As providing advance notice to affected communities of an impending closure of a facility under this section is a matter of vital importance for public policy, this section shall be liberally construed. The obligations imposed on agencies of the Commonwealth under this section are to be construed in favor of public disclosure of the information required by subsection F. H. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the provisions of this section shall not apply to any electric generating facility that has a nameplate generating capacity of 90 megawatts or less and that filed a deactivation notice with PJM Interconnection, LLC, prior to September 1, 2019. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 41 , 42 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1702 Definitions

As used in this article: "Contracting entity" means any public body as defined in § 2.2-4301 . "Energy conservation measures" means the use of methods and techniques, the application of knowledge, or the installation of devices, including an alteration or betterment of an existing facility, that reduces energy consumption or operating costs and includes: 1. Insulation of the facility structure and systems within the facility. 2. Installation of storm windows and doors, caulking or weatherstripping, multiglazed windows and doors, heat-absorbing or heat-reflective glazed and coated window and door systems, or additional glazing; reductions in glass area; or the completion of other window and door system modifications that reduce energy consumption. 3. Installation of automatic energy control systems, including related software, or required network communication wiring, computer devices, wiring, and support services, or the design and implementation of major building technology infrastructure with operational improvements. 4. Modification or replacement of heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems. 5. Replacement or modification of lighting fixtures to increase the energy efficiency of the lighting system. Such replacement or modification shall, at a minimum, conform to the applicable provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.). 6. Installation of energy recovery systems. 7. Installation of cogeneration systems that produce, in addition to electricity, steam or another form of energy, such as heat, for use primarily within a facility or complex of facilities. 8. Installation of energy conservation measures that provide long-term operating cost reductions and significantly reduce the BTUs consumed. 9. Installation of building technology infrastructure measures that provide long-term operating cost reductions and reduce related operational costs. 10. Installation of an energy system, such as solar, biomass, or wind. 11. Installation of devices that reduce water consumption or sewer charges. "Energy cost savings" means a measured reduction in fuel, energy, or operation and maintenance costs created from the implementation of one or more energy conservation measures when compared with an established baseline for previous fuel, energy, or operation and maintenance costs. When calculating "energy cost savings" attributable to the services performed or equipment installed pursuant to a performance-based efficiency contract, maintenance savings shall be included. "Energy performance-based contract" means a contract for the evaluation, recommendation, and implementation of energy conservation measures that includes, at a minimum: 1. The design and installation of equipment to implement one or more such measures and, if applicable, the operation and maintenance of such measures. 2. The amount of any actual annual savings. Such amount shall meet or exceed the total annual contract payments made by the contracting entity for such contract. 3. The financing charges to be incurred by the contracting entity for such contract. "Maintenance savings" means the operating expenses eliminated and future capital replacement expenditures avoided as a result of new equipment installed or services performed by the performance contractor. "Performance guarantee bond" means the performance bond provided by the energy performance contractor for each year of the energy program in an amount equal to, but no greater than, the guaranteed measured and verifiable annual savings set forth in the program. 2001, c. 219 , § 11-34.2; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1703 Energy performance-based contract procedures; required contract provisions

A. Any contracting entity may enter into an energy performance-based contract with an energy performance contractor to significantly reduce (i) energy costs to a level established by the public body or (ii) operating costs of a facility through one or more energy conservation or operational efficiency measures. For the purposes of this article, energy conservation or operational efficiency measures shall not include roof replacement projects, except as provided in subdivision B 2. B. 1. The energy performance contractor shall be selected through competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in § 2.2-4302.1 or 2.2-4302.2 . The evaluation of the request for proposals shall analyze the estimates of all costs of installation, maintenance, repairs, debt service, post-installation project monitoring, and reporting. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any contracting entity may purchase energy conservation or operational efficiency measures under an energy performance-based contract entered into by another contracting entity pursuant to this article even if it did not participate in the request for proposals if the request for proposals specified that the procurement was being conducted on behalf of other contracting entities. 2. A contracting entity may procure a roof replacement as part of a larger energy conservation or operational efficiency measure, including solar, where the replacement is necessary for the installation of such measure. Such contracting entity may also procure a roof replacement pursuant to § 2.2-4302.1 when the original contract for the energy conservation or operational efficiency measure, including solar, does not include a roof replacement and the contracting entity determines that the replacement of more than 20 percent of the roof is necessary for the installation of such measure. Such roof replacements procured separately from a larger energy conservation or operational efficiency measure, including solar, shall also be publicly noticed on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website. All roof replacement projects procured separately pursuant to this subdivision shall be designed by a licensed architect or professional engineer. C. Before entering into a contract for energy conservation measures, the contracting entity shall require the performance contractor to provide a payment and performance bond relating to the installation of energy conservation measures in an amount the contracting entity finds reasonable and necessary to protect its interests. D. Prior to the design and installation of any energy conservation measures, the contracting entity shall obtain from the energy performance contractor a report disclosing all costs associated with such energy conservation measures and providing an estimate of the amount of the energy cost savings. After reviewing the report, the contracting entity may enter into an energy performance-based contract if it finds (i) the amount the entity would spend on the energy conservation measures recommended in the report will not exceed the amount to be saved in energy and operation costs more than 20 years from the date of installation, based on life-cycle costing calculations, if the recommendations in the report were followed and (ii) the energy performance contractor provides a written guarantee that the energy and operating cost savings will meet or exceed the costs of the system. The contract may provide for payments over a period not to exceed 20 years. E. The term of any energy performance-based contract shall expire at the end of each fiscal year but may be renewed annually for up to 20 years, subject to the contracting entity making sufficient annual appropriations based upon continued realized cost savings. Such contract shall stipulate that the agreement does not constitute a debt, liability, or obligation of the contracting entity, or a pledge of the faith and credit of the contracting entity. Such contract may also provide capital contributions for the purchase and installation of energy conservation measures that cannot be totally funded by the energy and operational savings. F. An energy performance-based contract shall include the following provisions: 1. A guarantee by the energy performance contractor that annual energy and operational cost savings will meet or exceed the amortized cost of energy conservation measures. The guaranteed energy savings contract shall include a written guarantee of the qualified provider that either the energy savings or operational cost savings, or both, will meet or exceed within 20 years the costs of the energy and operational savings measures. The qualified provider shall reimburse the contracting entity for any shortfall of guaranteed energy savings projected in the contract. 2. A requirement that the energy performance contractor to whom the contract is awarded provide a 100 percent performance guarantee bond to the contracting entity for the installation and faithful performance of the installed energy savings measures as outlined in the contract document. 3. A requirement that the energy performance contractor provide to the contracting entity an annual reconciliation of the guaranteed energy cost savings. The energy performance contractor shall be liable for any annual savings shortfall that may occur. G. The Department shall make a reasonable effort, as long as workload permits, to: 1. Provide general advice, upon request, to local governments considering pursuit of an energy performance-based contract pursuant to this article; and 2. Annually compile a list of performance-based contracts entered into by local governments of which the Department becomes aware. 2001, c. 219 , § 11-34.3; 2004, c. 197 ; 2009, c. 399 ; 2013, c. 583 ; 2017, c. 259 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 ; 2022, cc. 465 , 466 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1704 Application of article

The provisions of this article shall not apply to any new construction project undertaken by a public body. 2001, c. 219 , § 11-34.4; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1705 Legislative findings

The General Assembly hereby finds that: 1. Energy is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the Commonwealth and to the Commonwealth's economy; 2. The government of the Commonwealth should facilitate the availability and delivery of reliable and adequate supplies of energy to industrial, commercial, and residential users at reasonable costs so that such users and the Commonwealth's economy are able to be productive; 3. The Commonwealth would benefit from articulating clear objectives pertaining to energy issues, adopting an energy policy that advances such objectives, and establishing a procedure for measuring the implementation of such policy; 4. Climate change is an urgent and pressing challenge for the Commonwealth. Swift decarbonization and a transition to clean energy are required to meet the urgency of the challenge; and 5. The Commonwealth will benefit from being a leader in deploying a low-carbon energy economy. 2006, c. 939 , § 67-100; 2020, cc. 1191 , 1192 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1706.1 Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy

A. The Commonwealth recognizes that effectively addressing climate change and enhancing resilience will advance the health, welfare, and safety of the residents of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth further recognizes that addressing climate change requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the Commonwealth's economy sufficient to reach net-zero emission by 2045 in all sectors, including the electric power, transportation, industrial, agricultural, building, and infrastructure sectors. To achieve these objectives, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to: 1. Develop energy resources necessary to produce 30 percent of Virginia's electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and 100 percent of Virginia's electricity from carbon-free sources by 2040; 2. Enable widespread integration of distributed energy resources, including energy storage and rooftop solar, into the grid to achieve decarbonization and to enhance resilience; 3. Support the distributed generation of renewable electricity by: a. Encouraging private sector investments in distributed renewable energy; b. Increasing the security of the electricity grid by supporting distributed renewable energy projects and energy storage with the potential to supply electric energy to critical facilities during a widespread power outage; and c. Enhancing the ability of private property owners to generate their own renewable energy for their own personal use from renewable energy sources on their property; 4. Lead by example in state government by supporting the carbon-free energy resources required to fully decarbonize the electric power supply of the Commonwealth, including deploying 30 percent renewables by 2030, realizing 100 percent carbon-free electric power by 2040, and achieving net zero emissions by 2045; 5. Maximize energy efficiency programs as defined in § 56-576 , to the extent determined to be in the public interest, that are the lowest-cost energy option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in order to produce electricity cost savings and to create jobs and economic opportunity from the energy efficiency sector; 6. Support net-zero emission targets by promoting zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure, including electrified transport, decreasing the carbon intensity of the transportation sector, encouraging alternative transportation options, and increasing the efficiency of motor vehicles operating on Virginia's roads; 7. Support electric distribution grid transformation projects as defined in § 56-576 ; 8. Promote building and construction practices that reduce emissions associated with built environment, including energy efficiency targets, new building standards, and transit-oriented and other sustainable development practices; and 9. Ensure that energy development projects avoid, minimize, and, if necessary, mitigate damage to the Commonwealth's natural and cultural resources. B. The Commonwealth recognizes the need to promote environmental justice and ensure that it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth, as provided in § 2.2-235 , and the need to address and prevent energy inequities in historically economically disadvantaged communities, as defined in § 56-576 . To achieve these objectives, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to: 1. Recognize the disproportionate and inequitable impacts of climate change on historically economically disadvantaged communities and prioritize solutions and investment in these communities to maximize the benefits of clean energy and minimize the burdens of climate change; 2. Ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement, as those terms are defined in § 2.2-234 , of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, faith, disability, or income with respect to the administration of energy laws, regulations, and policies; and 3. Increase access to clean energy and the benefits from clean energy to historically economically disadvantaged communities. C. As Virginia transforms its energy economy, the Commonwealth must continue to prioritize economic competiveness and workforce development in an equitable manner. To achieve this objective, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to: 1. Equitably incorporate requirements for technical, policy, and economic analyses and assessments that recognize the unique attributes of different energy resources and delivery systems to identify pathways to net-zero carbon that maximize Virginia's energy reliability and resilience, economic development, and jobs; 2. Require that pathways to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions be determined on the basis of technical, policy, and economic analysis to maximize their effectiveness, optimize Virginia's economic development, support industrial employment, and create quality jobs while minimizing adverse impacts on public health, affected communities, and the environment; 3. Ensure an adequate energy supply and a Virginia-based energy production capacity, while also optimizing intrastate and interstate use of energy supply and delivery to maximize energy availability, reliability, and price opportunities to the benefit of all user classes and the Commonwealth's economy; 4. Increase wind energy development and grow the Commonwealth's role as a wind industry hub for offshore wind generation projects in state and federal waters off the United States coast; 5. Ensure the availability of reliable energy at costs that are reasonable and in quantities that will support the Commonwealth's economy; 6. Ensure reliable energy availability in the event of a disruption occurring to a portion of the Commonwealth's energy matrix and to address the needs of businesses during the transition to clean energy; 7. Minimize the Commonwealth's long-term exposure to volatility and increases in world energy prices by expanding the use of innovative clean energy technology within the Commonwealth; 8. Create training opportunities and green career pathways for local workers and workers in historically economically disadvantaged communities in onshore and offshore wind, solar energy, electrification, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and other emerging clean energy industries; 9. Support the repurposing and development of clean energy resources on previously developed project sites as defined in § 56-576 ; 10. Ensure that decision making is transparent and includes opportunities for full participation by the public; 11. Explore approaches to maximizing and leveraging the capacity of lands and waters in the Commonwealth to store energy; and 12. Increase the Commonwealth's reliance on and production of sustainably produced biofuels made from traditional agricultural crops and other feedstocks, such as winter cover crops, warm season grasses, fast-growing trees, algae, or other suitable feedstocks grown in the Commonwealth, that will (i) create jobs and income, (ii) produce clean-burning fuels that will help to improve air quality, and (iii) provide the new markets for Virginia's silvicultural and agricultural products needed to preserve farm employment, conserve farmland and forestland, and increase implementation of silvicultural and agricultural best management practices to protect water quality. D. The elements of the policy set forth in subsections A, B, and C shall be referred to collectively in this title as the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy. E. All agencies and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth, in taking discretionary action with regard to energy issues, shall recognize the elements of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy and, where appropriate, shall act in a manner consistent therewith. F. The Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy is intended to provide guidance to the agencies and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth in taking discretionary action with regard to energy issues and shall not be construed to amend, repeal, or override any contrary provision of applicable law. Nothing in this section shall preclude reliable access to electricity and natural gas during the transition to renewable energy. The failure or refusal of any person to recognize the elements of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy, to act in a manner consistent with the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy, or to take any other action whatsoever shall not create any right, action, or cause of action or provide standing for any person to challenge the action of the Commonwealth or any of its agencies or political subdivisions. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 326 , 327 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1708 Role of local governments in achieving objectives of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy

A. In the development of any local ordinance addressing the siting of renewable energy facilities that generate electricity from wind or solar resources, such ordinance shall: 1. Be consistent with the provisions of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy pursuant to subsection E of § 45.2-1706.1 ; 2. Provide reasonable criteria to be addressed in the siting of any renewable energy facility that generates electricity from wind or solar resources. Such criteria shall provide for the protection of the locality in a manner consistent with the goals of the Commonwealth to promote the generation of energy from wind and solar resources; and 3. Include provisions establishing reasonable requirements upon the siting of any such renewable energy facility, including provisions limiting noise, requiring buffer areas and setbacks, and addressing generation facility decommissioning. B. Any measures required by an ordinance adopted pursuant to subsection A shall be consistent with the locality's existing ordinances. 2011, c. 750 , § 67-103; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 327 , 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1709 Nuclear energy; considered a clean energy source

For the purposes of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy as set out in § 45.2-1706.1 , in any clean energy initiative or carbon-free energy initiative undertaken, overseen, regulated, or permitted by the Department, nuclear energy shall be considered to be a clean energy source. 2020, c. 960 , § 67-104; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 327 , 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1710 Development of the Virginia Energy Plan

A. The Division, in consultation with the State Corporation Commission, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Clean Energy Advisory Board, the solar, wind, energy efficiency, and transportation electrification sectors, and a stakeholder group that includes representatives of consumer, environmental, manufacturing, forestry, and agricultural organizations and natural gas and electric utilities, shall prepare a comprehensive Virginia Energy Plan (the Plan) that identifies actions over a 10-year period consistent with the goal of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy set forth in § 45.2-1706.1 to achieve, no later than 2045, a net-zero carbon energy economy for all sectors, including the electricity, transportation, building, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The Plan shall propose actions, consistent with the objectives enumerated in § 45.2-1706.1 , that will implement the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy set forth in § 45.2-1706.1 . B. In addition, the Plan shall include: 1. Projections of energy consumption in the Commonwealth, including the use of fuel sources and costs of electricity, natural gas, gasoline, coal, renewable resources, and other forms of non-greenhouse-gas-generating energy resources, such as nuclear power, used in the Commonwealth; 2. An analysis of the adequacy of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution resources in the Commonwealth for the natural gas and electric industries, and how distributed energy resources and regional generation, transmission, and distribution resources affect the Commonwealth; 3. An analysis of siting requirements for electric generation resources and natural gas and electric transmission and distribution resources, including an assessment of state and local impediments to expanded use of distributed resources and recommendations to reduce or eliminate such impediments; 4. An analysis of fuel diversity for electricity generation, recognizing the importance of flexibility in meeting future capacity needs; 5. An analysis of the efficient use of energy resources and conservation initiatives; 6. An analysis of how such Virginia-specific issues relate to regional initiatives to ensure the adequacy of fuel production, generation, transmission, and distribution assets; 7. An analysis of the siting of energy resource development, refining, and transmission facilities to identify any disproportionate adverse impact of such activities on economically disadvantaged or minority communities; 8. With regard to any regulations proposed or adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units under § 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7411(d), an analysis of (i) the costs to and benefits for energy producers and electric utility customers, (ii) the effect on energy markets and reliability, and (iii) the commercial availability of technology required to comply with such regulations; 9. An inventory of greenhouse gas emissions compiled using a method determined by the Department of Environmental Quality for the four years prior to the issuance of the Plan; 10. Data regarding the number and type of electric and hybrid electric vehicles currently registered in the Commonwealth; projections of future electric vehicle sales across all vehicle classes, taking into consideration the impact of current and potential statewide policies; and analysis of the impact that the growth of electrified transit on the Commonwealth's electric system; 11. An analysis of the Commonwealth's current electric vehicle charging infrastructure and all future infrastructure needed to support the 2045 net-zero carbon target in the transportation sector, including chargers, make-ready electrical equipment, and supporting hardware and software needed to support the electrification of all vehicle categories used on and off roads and highways, including light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and electric bicycles, as well as that needed to electrify ground transportation at all ports and airports, with particular attention to the needs of historically economically disadvantaged communities as defined in § 56-576 and any state or local impediments to deployment; and 12. Recommendations, based on the analyses completed under subdivisions 1 through 11, for legislative, regulatory, and other public and private actions to implement the elements of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy. C. In preparing the Plan, the Division and other agencies involved in the planning process shall utilize state geographic information systems, to the extent deemed practicable, to assess how recommendations in the Plan may affect pristine natural areas and other significant onshore natural resources. Effective October 1, 2024, interim updates on the Plan shall also contain projections for greenhouse gas emissions that would result from implementation of the Plan's recommendations. D. In preparing the Plan, the Division and other agencies involved in the planning process shall develop a system for assigning numerical scores to any parcel of real property based on the extent to which such parcel is suitable for the siting of a wind energy facility or solar energy facility. For a wind energy facility, the scoring system shall address the wind velocity, sustained velocity, and turbulence. For either a wind energy facility or a solar energy facility, the scoring system shall address the parcel's proximity to electric power transmission lines or systems, potential impacts of such a facility to natural and historic resources and to economically disadvantaged or minority communities, and compatibility with the local land use plan. The system developed pursuant to this section shall allow the suitability of the parcel for the siting of a wind energy or solar energy facility to be compared to the suitability of other parcels so scored, and shall be based on a scale that allows the suitability of the parcel for the siting of such a facility to be measured against the hypothetical score of an ideal location for such a facility. E. Upon receipt by the Division of a recommendation from the Department of General Services, a local governing body, or the parcel's owner stating that a parcel of real property is a potentially suitable location for a wind energy facility or solar energy facility, the Division shall analyze the suitability of the parcel for the location of such a facility. In conducting its analysis, the Division shall ascribe a numerical score to the parcel using the scoring system developed pursuant to subsection D. 2006, c. 939 , § 67-201; 2014, cc. 603 , 756 ; 2020, cc. 1191 , 1192 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 326 , 327 , 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1711 Schedule for the Plan

A. The Division shall complete the Plan. B. Prior to the completion of the Plan and each update thereof, the Division shall present drafts to, and consult with, the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission established pursuant to Chapter 25 (§ 30-188 et seq.) of Title 30 and the Energy Commission of Virginia established pursuant to Chapter 31 (§ 30-201 et seq.) of Title 30. C. The Plan shall be updated by the Division and submitted as provided in § 45.2-1713 by October 1, 2014, and every fourth October 1 thereafter. In addition, the Division shall provide interim updates on the Plan by October 1 of the third year of each Governor's administration. Updated reports shall specify any progress attained toward each proposed action of the Plan, as well as reassess goals for energy conservation on the basis of progress to date in meeting the goals in the previous Plan and lessons learned from attempts to meet such goals. D. Beginning with the Plan update in 2014, the Division shall include a section setting forth energy policy positions relevant to any potential regulations proposed or promulgated by the State Air Pollution Control Board to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units under § 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7411(d). In such section of the Plan, the Division shall address policy options for establishing separate standards of performance pursuant to § 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7411(d), for carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units to promote the Plan's overall goal of fuel diversity as follows: 1. The Plan shall address policy options for establishing the standards of performance for existing coal-fired electric generating units, including the following factors: a. The most suitable system of emission reduction that (i) takes into consideration (a) the cost and benefit of achieving such reduction, (b) any non-air quality health and environmental impacts, and (c) the energy requirements of the Commonwealth and (ii) has been adequately demonstrated for coal-fired electric generating units that are subject to the standard of performance; b. Reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide that can be achieved through measures reasonably undertaken at each coal-fired electric generating unit; and c. Increased efficiencies and other measures that can be implemented at each coal-fired electric generating unit to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the unit without converting from coal to other fuels, co-firing other fuels with coal, or limiting the utilization of the unit. 2. The Plan shall also address policy options for establishing the standards of performance for existing gas-fired electric generating units, including the following factors: a. The application of the criteria specified in subdivisions 1 a and b to natural gas-fired electric generating units instead of to coal-fired electric generating units; and b. Increased efficiencies and other measures that can be reasonably implemented at the unit to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the unit without switching from natural gas to other lower-carbon fuels or limiting the utilization of the unit. 3. The Plan shall examine policy options for state regulatory action to adopt less stringent standards or longer compliance schedules than those provided for in applicable federal rules or guidelines based on analysis of the following: a. Consumer impacts, including any disproportionate impacts of energy price increases on lower-income populations; b. Unreasonable cost of reducing emissions resulting from plant age, location, or basic process design; c. Physical difficulties with or impossibility of implementing emission reduction measures; d. The absolute cost of applying the performance standard to the unit; e. The expected remaining useful life of the unit; f. The economic impacts of closing the unit, including expected job losses, if the unit is unable to comply with the performance standard; and g. Any other factors specific to the unit that make application of a less stringent standard or longer compliance schedule more reasonable. 4. The Plan shall identify options, to the maximum extent permissible, for any federally required regulation of carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units and regulatory mechanisms that provide flexibility in complying with such standards, including the averaging of emissions, emissions trading, or other alternative implementation measures that are determined to further the interests of the Commonwealth and its citizens. 2006, c. 939 , § 67-202; 2008, cc. 651 , 883 ; 2014, cc. 161 , 419 , 603 , 756 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 326 , 387 ; 2026, c. 949 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1712 Annual reporting by investor-owned public utilities

Each investor-owned public utility providing electric service in the Commonwealth shall prepare an annual report disclosing its efforts to conserve energy, including (i) its implementation of customer demand-side management programs and (ii) efforts by the utility to improve efficiency and conserve energy in its internal operations pursuant to § 56-235.1 . The utility shall submit each annual report to the Division and the Energy Commission of Virginia by November 1 of each year, and the Division shall compile the reports of the utilities and submit the compilation to the Governor and the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents. 2008, c. 651 , § 67-202.1; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 ; 2023, cc. 753 , 793 ; 2026, c. 949 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1713 Submission of the Plan

Upon completion, the Division shall submit the Plan, including periodic updates thereto, to the Governor, the Commissioners of the State Corporation Commission, and the General Assembly and shall present the Plan to the Energy Commission of Virginia at a public meeting. The Plan shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents. The Plan's executive summary shall be posted on the General Assembly's website. 2006, c. 939 , § 67-203; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 ; 2023, cc. 753 , 793 ; 2026, c. 949 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1714 Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium established; board of directors

A. The Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium is hereby established to include Old Dominion University, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science of The College of William and Mary in Virginia, the Advanced Research Institute of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, James Madison University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Hampton University, George Mason University, and the University of Virginia and is to be located at Old Dominion University. B. The Consortium shall be governed by a board of directors (the Board), which shall consist of 16 voting members as follows: the Director or his designee, the Commissioner of Marine Resources or his designee, the President of the Virginia Manufacturers Association or his appointed member of the maritime manufacturing industry, the President of the Virginia Maritime Association or his appointed member of the maritime industry, the Director of the Advanced Research Institute of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or his designee, the President of Old Dominion University or his designee, the Director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science of The College of William and Mary in Virginia or his designee, the President of Norfolk State University or his designee, the President of James Madison University or his designee, the President of Virginia Commonwealth University or his designee, the President of the University of Virginia or his designee, the President of Hampton University or his designee, the President of George Mason University or his designee, the chairman of the Hampton Roads Technology Council or his appointed member of the technology community, the Director of the Hampton Roads Clean Cities Coalition or his appointed member of the renewable energy industry, and the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality or his designee as the lead agency for the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program. In addition, a representative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Langley Research Center, to be selected by the Director of the Research Center, shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member of the Board. 2006, c. 939 , §§ 67-600, 67-602; 2007, c. 904 ; 2009, c. 575 ; 2010, c. 695 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1715 Functions, powers, and duties of the Consortium

The Consortium shall serve as an interdisciplinary study, research, and information resource for the Commonwealth on coastal energy issues. As used in this article, "coastal energy" includes wave or tidal action, currents, offshore winds, thermal differences, and methane hydrates. The Consortium shall (i) consult with the General Assembly, federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, private industry, and other potential users of coastal energy research; (ii) establish and administer agreements with other baccalaureate institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth to carry out research projects relating to the feasibility of increasing the Commonwealth's reliance on all domestic forms of coastal energy; (iii) disseminate new information and research results; (iv) apply for grants made available pursuant to federal legislation, including the federal Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 2000, P.L. 106-193, and from other sources; and (v) facilitate the application and transfer of new coastal energy technologies. 2006, c. 939 , § 67-601; 2009, c. 575 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1716 Appointment of a director; powers and duties

A. The Board shall appoint an executive director to serve as the principal administrative officer of the Consortium. The executive director shall report to the Board and be under its supervision. B. The executive director shall exercise all powers imposed upon him by law, carry out the specific duties imposed upon him by the Board, and develop appropriate policies and procedures for (i) identifying priority coastal energy research projects; (ii) cooperating with the General Assembly, federal, state, and local governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private industry in formulating its research projects; (iii) selecting research projects to be funded; and (iv) disseminating information and transferring technology related to coastal energy within the Commonwealth. The executive director shall employ such personnel and secure such services as may be required to carry out the purposes of the Consortium, expend appropriated funds, and accept moneys from federal or private sources for cost-sharing on coastal energy projects. 2006, c. 939 , §§ 67-603, 67-604; 2009, c. 575 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1717 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Definitions

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Authority" means the Southwest Virginia Energy Research and Development Authority established pursuant to this article. "Coal mine methane" means methane gas captured and produced from an underground gob area associated with a mined-out coal seam that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere. "Developer" means any private developer of an energy development project. "Energy development project" means any activity that generates, produces, or stores energy, any energy efficiency system, and any supporting ancillary activities located within Southwest Virginia and includes interests in land, improvements, and ancillary facilities and research, development, commercialization, and deployment activities designated by the Authority to the nonprofit collaborative. "Nonprofit collaborative" means a multi-site nonprofit innovative energy technology testbed established as a collaborative effort of the Department of Energy, the Authority, and the Authority's business partners to support the Authority's purpose through energy technology research, development, commercialization, and deployment. "Southwest Virginia" means the region of the Commonwealth designated as Southwest Virginia in § 22.1-350 . "Southwest Virginia Energy Park" means the nonprofit collaborative. 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1600; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 ; 2023, cc. 720 , 721 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1718 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Southwest Virginia Energy Research and Development Authority established; purpose

The Southwest Virginia Energy Research and Development Authority is established as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The purposes of the Authority are to promote opportunities for energy development in Southwest Virginia, create jobs and economic activity in Southwest Virginia consistent with the Virginia Energy Plan prepared pursuant to Article 4 (§ 45.2-1710 et seq.), and position Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth as a leader in energy workforce and energy technology research and development. The Authority may also consult with research institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and stakeholders as the Authority deems appropriate. The Authority shall have only those powers enumerated in this article. 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1601; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1719 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Membership; terms; vacancies; expenses

A. The Authority shall have a total membership of 11 nonlegislative citizen members appointed as follows: four members to be appointed by the Governor, four members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and three members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. All members of the Authority shall be citizens of the Commonwealth. B. Except as otherwise provided in this article, all appointments shall be for terms of four years each. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two successive four-year terms. After expiration of an initial term of three years or less, two additional four-year terms may be served by such member if appointed thereto. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be made for the unexpired terms. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made in the same manner as the original appointment. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. C. The Authority shall appoint from its membership a chairman and a vice-chairman, each of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Authority. The chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, shall preside at each meeting of the Authority. The meetings of the Authority shall be held on the call of the chairman or whenever a majority of the members so request. A majority of members of the Authority serving at any one time shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. D. Members shall serve without compensation. However, all members may be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825 . Such expenses shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Authority by the General Assembly. E. Members of the Authority shall be subject to the standards of conduct set forth in the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.) and may be removed from office for misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, neglect of duty, or misconduct in the manner set forth therein. F. Except as otherwise provided in this article, members of the Authority shall be subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1602; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1720 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Powers and duties of the Authority

In addition to the other powers and duties established under this article, the Authority has the power and duty to: 1. Adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal; 2. Make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs; 3. Maintain an office at any place within the Commonwealth it designates; 4. Accept, hold, and administer moneys, grants, securities, or other property transferred, given, or bequeathed to the Authority, absolutely or in trust, from any source, public or private, for the purposes for which the Authority is established; 5. Make and execute contracts and all other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions, including executing contracts and all other instruments and agreements that the Authority deems necessary with the nonprofit collaborative; 6. Employ, in its discretion, consultants, attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and any other employees and agents necessary and fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the Authority; 7. Invest its funds as permitted by applicable law; 8. Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association, or person grants, donations of money, or real or personal property for the benefit of the Authority, and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any other state, from any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof, or from any other source, aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made; 9. Enter into agreements with any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States or of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions and with lenders and enter into loans with contracting parties for the purpose of conducting research and development, energy project development, and planning, regulating, and providing for the financing or leasing or assisting in the financing or leasing of any project; 10. Do any lawful act necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers granted or reasonably implied in this article; 11. Leverage the strength in energy workforce and energy technology research and development of the Commonwealth's public and private institutions of higher education; 12. Support energy development projects generally, including pump storage hydropower, energy storage, hydrogen production and uses, carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, and advanced wind and solar energy; 13. Promote energy development projects on closed power plant sites, brownfield sites, former coal mine sites, reclaimed coal mine sites, abandoned mine lands, and lands adjacent thereto; 14. Promote energy workforce development and energy supply chain development; 15. Assist energy technology research and development by, among other actions, promoting the development of a Southwest Virginia Energy Park; 16. Identify and work with the Commonwealth's industries and nonprofit partners and, through mutually agreed collaborations, the Commonwealth's research and development partners, in advancing efforts related to energy development in Southwest Virginia; and 17. Promote the capture and beneficial use of coal mine methane from active, inactive, and abandoned coal mines as a low-carbon intensity feedstock for manufacturing and energy generation projects located in Southwest Virginia. 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1603; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 ; 2023, cc. 720 , 721 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1721 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Annual report

On or before October 15 of each year, beginning in 2020, the Authority shall submit an annual summary of its activities and recommendations to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, the House Committee on Labor and Commerce, and the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor. 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1604; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1722 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Confidentiality of information

A. The Authority shall hold in confidence the personal and financial information supplied to it or maintained by it concerning the siting and development of energy projects. B. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Authority, in its discretion, from releasing any information that has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow the identification of the person who supplied particular information. C. Information supplied by or maintained on any person or entity applying for or receiving an allocation of any federal loan guarantee, as well as specific information relating to the amount of, or the identity of the recipient of, such distribution, shall be subject to disclosure in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1605; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1723 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Declaration of public purpose; exemption from taxation

A. The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth and for the promotion of their welfare, convenience, and prosperity. B. The Authority shall be deemed to be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this article, and the property of the Authority and its income and operations shall be exempt from taxation or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article. 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1606; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1724 (Effective until July 1, 2029) Sunset

The provisions of this article shall expire on July 1, 2029. 2019, cc. 555 , 556 , § 67-1607; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1725 Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund and Program

A. For the purposes of this section: "Brownfield" means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. "Fund" means the Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund. "Previously coal mined lands" means lands, associated waters, and surrounding watersheds where coal extraction, beneficiation, or processing has occurred. "Program" means Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Program. "Project" means all or any part of the following activities necessary or desirable for the restoration and redevelopment of a brownfield site or previously coal mined lands for renewable energy purposes: (i) environmental or cultural resource site assessments; (ii) the monitoring, remediation, cleanup, or containment of property to remove hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, solid wastes, or petroleum; (iii) the appropriate treatment of grave sites, and the appropriate and necessary treatment of significant archaeological resources, or the stabilization or restoration of structures listed on or eligible for the Virginia Landmarks Register; (iv) the demolition and removal of existing structures, or other site work necessary to make a site or certain real property usable for economic development; (v) the development of a remediation and reuse plan; and (vi) the development or operation of such site for renewable energy generation or storage. "Renewable energy" means energy derived from sunlight, wind, and geothermal power. B. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of (i) awarding grants on a competitive basis through the Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Program established pursuant to subsection C or (ii) implementing and administering the Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund and Program. Moneys used for implementing and administering the Fund and Program shall be limited to 10 percent of the amount available in the Fund each year. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Director. C. The Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Program is hereby established for the purpose of awarding grants on a competitive basis from such funds as may be available from the Fund to renewable energy projects located on brownfields or previously coal mined lands. The Program shall be administered by the Department. In administering the Program, the Department shall consult with the Department of Environmental Quality and establish and publish guidelines and criteria for grant awards, including guidelines and criteria governing agreements between the Department and grant recipients relating to the development of renewable energy projects on brownfields or previously coal mined lands. The criteria for grant recipients shall include requirements for project developers to hire local residents. The Department shall oversee each grant awarded through the Program and ensure thorough annual reporting on each such grant. D. Grants shall be awarded in an amount of $500 per kilowatt of nameplate capacity from renewable energy sources that are located on previously coal mined lands and $100 per kilowatt of nameplate capacity from renewable energy sources that are located on brownfields. No more than $10 million shall be awarded to any single previously coal mined lands project and no more than $5 million shall be awarded to any single brownfield project that is not located on previously coal mined lands. If a project is eligible to receive a grant as a previously coal mined lands project, it shall not be eligible to receive a grant as a brownfields project, and vice versa. No more than $35 million per year shall be allocated by the Program. Of this amount, $20 million shall be reserved for projects sited on previously coal mined lands. However, if less than $20 million is distributed to previously coal mined lands projects in a given year, any remaining funds may be reallocated to brownfield projects. E. The Department shall, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality, localities, interest groups, private businesses, and other stakeholders, develop an online handbook for renewable energy and energy storage development on brownfields and previously coal mined lands. The online handbook shall include a discussion of coal mining permit types and reclamation requirements, permitting requirements for development on brownfields and previously coal mined lands, and policy recommendations for encouraging renewable energy development on brownfields and coal mines. The handbook shall be completed no later than July 1, 2022, and shall be updated as needed at the discretion of the Department. F. The Department shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly regarding administration of the Fund and Program for the preceding fiscal year. The report shall include the number of grants awarded, the number of acres reclaimed or revitalized, the amount of nameplate capacity constructed, the number of jobs created, and the general economic impact of the Fund and Program. The report shall be furnished to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Labor and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor no later than November 1 of each year. However, no annual report shall be required if the Fund and Program do not receive funding. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 141 , § 67-1800; 2024, cc. 1 , 100 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1726 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Definitions

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Advisory Council" means the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Advisory Council. "Base price" means the manufacturer's base price for the lowest price trim level of the model and shall not include charges for optional equipment, taxes, title, or registration fees. "Dealer" means a motor vehicle dealer licensed pursuant to Chapter 15 (§ 46.2-1500 et seq.) of Title 46.2. "Electric motor vehicle" means a two-axle motor vehicle with a base price of not more than $55,000 that uses electricity as its only source of motive power. "Electric motor vehicle" includes fuel cell electric vehicles. "EPA" means the federal Environmental Protection Agency. "Fund" means the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Fund. "Participating dealer" means a dealer who is participating in the Program. "Program" means the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program established pursuant to this article. "Purchase" means the purchase or lease of a new or used electric motor vehicle. "Qualified resident of the Commonwealth" means a resident of the Commonwealth whose annual household income does not exceed 300 percent of the current poverty guidelines. "Used electric motor vehicle" means a previously owned or leased electric motor vehicle that is more than two years old and not more than seven years old. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 , § 67-1800.

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1727 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

There is hereby established an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for the purchase of new and used electric motor vehicles to provide an incentive to increase electric vehicle awareness and adoption in the Commonwealth. The Program shall be administered by the Department. The Department shall determine the best method to administer the Program, which may include contracting with a third-party administrator. As provided in § 58.1-2420 , the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles may examine all records, books, papers, or other documents of any dealer in motor vehicles to verify the truth and accuracy of any statement or any other information relating to rebates claimed by the dealer. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 , § 67-1901.

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1728 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Eligibility for rebate; amount of rebate

A. Beginning January 1, 2022, a resident of the Commonwealth who purchases a new electric motor vehicle from a participating dealer shall be eligible for a rebate of $2,500. A qualified resident of the Commonwealth who purchases such vehicle shall also be eligible for an additional $2,000 enhanced rebate. B. Beginning January 1, 2022, a resident of the Commonwealth who purchases a used electric motor vehicle from a participating dealer with a sale price as provided by § 58.1-2401 of not more than $25,000 shall be eligible for a rebate of $2,500. A qualified resident of the Commonwealth who purchases such vehicle shall also be eligible for an additional $2,000 enhanced rebate. C. Any rebate provided under this article shall be applied toward payment for the purchase. The participating dealer shall be reimbursed by the Department from the Fund for each eligible rebate. D. Rebates available pursuant to this article are subject to availability of funds in the Fund. E. The amount of the rebates provided under this article may be increased or decreased annually by the Department in an amount not to exceed the recommendation of the Advisory Council pursuant to subsection A of § 45.2-1730 . F. The Department in consultation with the Advisory Council, shall develop and implement a process for verifying eligible purchasers and shall ensure that such process (i) is capable of being administered at the point of sale or lease of a vehicle, (ii) allows for the immediate determination of purchaser eligibility and the total amount of the rebate to which the purchaser is entitled, and (iii) confirms the rebate to the participating dealer. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 , § 67-1902.

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1729 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Program website

The Department shall establish a website for the administration of the Program. The website shall include general information for the public, including details about the Program and performance metrics regarding the Program. The website shall also provide (i) data updated weekly regarding the availability of funds in the Fund at the time of the purchase and (ii) instructions for the dealer as to how to process a reimbursement for the rebate provided pursuant to this article. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 , § 67-1903.

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1730 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Advisory Council

A. The Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Advisory Council is established to monitor the implementation and operation of the Program and to make recommendations to the Department regarding suggested changes to the Program, including regular assessment to determine the effect of the rebate on increasing electric vehicle sales, whether the Fund allocations pursuant to subsection B of § 45.2-1731 should be adjusted, and whether an income cap should be established to determine the eligibility of purchasers for a rebate pursuant to this article. The Advisory Council shall consider the goal of increasing electric vehicle awareness and adoption in developing and making its recommendations. The Advisory Council shall annually evaluate and recommend an increase or decrease in the amount of the rebates provided under this article to reflect the rate of inflation, as defined by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the relative price of electric motor vehicles compared with the price of traditional motor vehicles. B. The Advisory Council shall consist of three legislative members and 13 nonlegislative members as follows: (i) two members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; (ii) one member of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; (iii) three nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, two of whom shall be licensed new motor vehicle dealers and one of whom shall represent a new vehicle dealer association to which a majority of new motor vehicle dealers in the Commonwealth belong; (iv) seven nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, two of whom shall represent environmental justice organizations, two of whom shall represent environmental advocacy organizations, one of whom shall represent a vehicle manufacturer association to which a majority of vehicle manufacturers belong, and two of whom shall represent vehicle original equipment manufacturers; (v) the Director of the Department, or his designee, who shall serve ex officio with voting privileges; (vi) the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality, or his designee, who shall serve ex officio with voting privileges; and (vii) the Executive Director of the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, who shall serve ex officio with voting privileges. After an initial staggering of terms, legislative and nonlegislative members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. C. The Advisory Council shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually from among the members. The meetings of the Advisory Council shall be at the call of the chairman, the Director of the Department, or whenever a majority of the members so request. D. Nonlegislative citizen members shall receive compensation and shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825 . Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Department. E. The Department shall serve as staff to the Advisory Council. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 , § 67-1904.

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1731 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Fund

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes set forth in this article, including expenses related to the administration of the Program by the Department. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Director of the Department. B. All funds shall be allocated for the payment of rebates and enhanced rebates in this article. Beginning July 1, 2024, 25 percent of any unused funds remaining in the Fund at the end of the fiscal year shall be reallocated to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure as approved by the General Assembly. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 , § 67-1905.

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1732 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Report

The Director of the Department shall report annually on or before December 1 to the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the implementation and administration of the Program and any recommendations of the Department or the Advisory Council. Each report shall include an assessment of the rebate and enhanced rebate, a recommendation on whether the Fund allocation set forth in subsection B of § 45.2-1731 should be adjusted, and a recommendation on whether an income cap should be established to determine the eligibility of purchasers for a rebate pursuant to this article. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 , § 67-1906.

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1733 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Sunset

The provisions of this article shall expire on January 1, 2027. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 493 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1734 Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Power Innovation Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund," that shall be administered by the Department. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All amounts appropriated and such other funds as may be made available to the fund from any other source, public or private, shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of research and development of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Director. B. The Virginia Power Innovation Program (the Program) is hereby established for the purpose of (i) establishing a Virginia nuclear innovation hub from such funds as may be available from the Fund and (ii) awarding grants on a competitive basis from such funds as may be available from the Fund to support energy innovation. The Program shall be administered by the Department. In administering the Program, the Department shall, in collaboration with the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium, establish and publish guidelines and criteria for disbursement of funds pursuant to clause (i), including providing grants to support higher education research on advanced nuclear technologies and advanced reactor technologies, to fund nuclear energy workforce development programming, and to assist with site selection for future small modular reactor projects in Virginia. In administering the Program, the Department shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, establish and publish guidelines and criteria for disbursement of funds pursuant to clause (ii). The Department shall oversee each grant awarded through the Program and ensure thorough reporting on each such grant. 2023, cc. 504 , 505 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1735 Smart Solar Permitting Platform; residential solar energy systems

A. For the purposes of this section: "Alternative platform" means an alternative automated solar permitting platform. "Platform" means the Smart Solar Permitting Platform. "Residence" means a detached single-family or two-family home. "Residential solar energy system" means a system of components that is located at a residence and produces electricity from sunlight. "Residential solar energy system" includes solar photovoltaic equipment and construction projects, such as batteries, main panel upgrades, and main breaker derates. B. The Smart Solar Permitting Platform is hereby established to serve as a tool for (i) contractors to obtain permits for the construction of streamline-eligible residential solar energy systems and (ii) localities to process applications for such permits. The Department shall, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, the building industry, and other relevant stakeholders, establish, launch, and administer an internet-based platform that automates plan review and instantly issues a permit or a permit revision to construct a residential solar energy system that complies with the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) and any applicable state laws. The Platform shall, at a minimum: 1. Automate plan review and automatically approve applications for residential solar energy systems that comply with applicable state laws and building codes; 2. Instantly issue a permit or permit revision once a code-compliant system is approved by the Platform; 3. Perform robust code compliance checks using algorithms to evaluate characteristics of the proposed residential solar energy system in order to determine whether such system aligns with applicable state laws and building codes; 4. Produce construction documents that can be used for the inspection of a residential solar energy system; 5. Have the capability to process applications for streamline-eligible residential solar energy systems with panels, racking, mounting, and associated rooftop hardware that weigh less than or equal to four pounds per square foot that are installed on a permitted roof on a property with a main service disconnect of up to or equal to 200 amps, have other characteristics as determined by the Department in consultation with industry and building safety stakeholders, and constitute a substantial majority of residential rooftop energy systems in the Commonwealth that provide electrical power to a residence; 6. Be available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, for users to submit an application to construct a residential solar energy system, except when the Platform is down for an upgrade or maintenance; 7. Allow the use of electronic signatures on all applications and submitted materials for issuance of a permit; and 8. Process permit applications for residential solar energy systems and associated equipment, including photovoltaic panels, energy storage systems, main electrical panel upgrades that are related to the residential solar energy system, and main breaker derates that are related to the residential solar energy system. C. The Department may request a third party to provide the Platform in accordance with the criteria required in subdivisions B 1 through 8 at no cost or at a low cost to the Department in lieu of the Department establishing such Platform. In either case, the Department shall consider cost-effectiveness when determining the best method for launching the Platform. D. On or before July 1, 2028, a locality shall allow for the submission of an application to construct a residential solar energy system either through the Platform or through an alternative automated solar permitting platform that is equivalent to the Department's Platform, preserving the permitting authority of localities. The alternative platform may interface with the locality's existing permitting platform to satisfy the requirements of subdivisions B 1 through 8, such as the requirement for permit issuance. The Department may grant, upon the locality's request, an extension of time for the locality to implement its alternative platform for a period not to exceed six months. Any locality that implements an alternative platform shall submit an annual compliance report no later than March 1 of each year to the Department containing sufficient information for the Department to determine whether the locality's alternative platform is equivalent to the Department's Platform. Such report shall be submitted by the locality in accordance with any guidelines and forms developed by the Department. The Department shall make such report publicly available on its website. If the Department finds that a locality does not have an alternative platform or determines that a locality's alternative platform is not equivalent to the Department's Platform, the Department shall notify the chief administrative officer of the locality of such failure. The Department shall publish on its website a list identifying localities that have been issued a notification. A contractor may use the Department's Platform in a locality that allows for the submission of residential solar energy system applications through an alternative platform if the locality is on such list, or if the locality does not have an alternative platform. E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to (i) limit the authority of localities to issue permits for residential solar energy systems or (ii) limit or otherwise affect the interconnection requirements and approval process established by the State Corporation Commission for an electrical utility pursuant to §§ 56-578 and 56-594 . 2026, cc. 633 , 634 .

Va. Code Ann. § 45.2-1736 (Effective pursuant to Acts 2026, cc. 928 and 999, cl. 2) Minimum energy and water conservation standards for certain products

A. If any product or product categories under 10 C.F.R. Parts 430 and 431 of the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-163), as amended, are removed by the U.S. Secretary of Energy or the federal government, the Department shall adopt energy or water conservation standards that shall be equivalent to the last applicable federal standards with a product compliance date of on or before December 31, 2025. No such new products may be sold or offered for sale, lease, or rent in the Commonwealth unless such products meet or exceed such standards. B. In the event the Department adopts energy or water conservation standards pursuant to subsection A, it shall require a manufacturer that produces a product described in subsection A to test its products in accordance with the test procedures provided in 10 C.F.R. Parts 430 and 431 of the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-163), as amended, as of December 31, 2025. The Department may adopt additional test methods when new versions of test methods become available or when an alternative test method has been adopted by another state or the federal government. Such manufacturers shall certify through a third-party database, such as the Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System, Home Ventilating Institute Products Directory, AHAM Verifide Certification and Verification Program Directories, or Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships State Appliance Standards Database, or any other database approved by the Department, and based on such test results, that its products comply with the provisions of this section. C. Nothing in this section shall apply to (i) any energy or water conservation standard set aside by a court pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 6306(b) or (ii) any product if federal law preempts the application of this section to such product, including any product or product categories where there is a requirement to develop a standard pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 6291 et seq. or where there is a standard developed pursuant to 10 C.F.R. Parts 430 and 431 of the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-163), as amended. 2026, cc. 928 , 999 .
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title45.2/chapter17/Fetched: 10/16/2026

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