See below for a press release from Gov. Abigail Spanbeger’s office on her ceremonial signing yesterday of “a package of bipartisan legislation focused on addressing high energy costs for families, increasing energy generation in Virginia, and putting the Commonwealth on the path to greater energy independence.” I’d just point out a few things: 1) while progress is being made in Virginia on moving to clean energy, it’s FAR too slow, timid, etc. compared to what’s needed and what the economics (clean energy is increasingly less expensive and, of course, cleaner – plus faster/easier to build – than fossil fuels) would suggest; 2) I’m not sure why Spanberger’s so obsessed with things being “bipartisan” with the Trump/MAGA Republican Party (it’s supposed to be a GOOD thing to work with right-wing extremists?), but several of these bills, but at least one of them (Sen. Scott Surovell’s SB382, which is an excellent bill!) passed almost 100% along party lines; 3) SB598 (Senator Creigh Deeds) is not a good bill at all, certainly not for reducing high energy costs, as it allows the “largest energy customers to count nuclear and fusion towards clean energy goals” – note that new nuclear power is SUPER expensive, and fusion – which is probably decades away – is EXORBITANTLY espensive!
Governor Spanberger Signs Bipartisan Bills to Address High Energy Costs, Increase Energy Generation in Virginia
Spanberger: “By Diversifying Our Energy Usage, We Can Make Sure That Virginia Families Are Less Exposed to Volatility”
Energy Prices Increased by More Than 35 Percent in the Five Years Prior to Governor Spanberger Taking Office
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday signed a package of bipartisan legislation focused on addressing high energy costs for families, increasing energy generation in Virginia, and putting the Commonwealth on the path to greater energy independence.
In Charlottesville, Governor Spanberger joined bill patrons — Majority Leader Scott Surovell, Senator Creigh Deeds, and Delegate Paul Krizek — state and local leaders, and families to sign bipartisan bills encouraging greater investment in nuclear and fusion energy and streamlining permitting so homeowners can save money when installing rooftop solar panels. The Governor also signed legislation to permit balcony solar — part of her joint Affordable Virginia Agenda with General Assembly leaders, giving renters and condo owners a simple, affordable way to generate their own electricity.
“Virginians know energy costs have been skyrocketing in recent months. But even before the Trump Administration’s reckless war in Iran disrupted global markets, the truth is that monthly bills have been hard to manage for a long time,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “The legislation we’re signing today represents solutions we can provide at the state level to make a tangible difference.”
Spanberger continued, “By diversifying our energy usage, we can make sure that Virginia families are less exposed to volatility. That is what energy independence means in practice, and that is exactly what we are building toward. These bills will mean real money in people’s pockets. They are long-term investments to lower costs for Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
“These are true energy affordability bills. These are what voters are asking for and allows us to not only address high costs but also expand generation opportunities at a time where we know there is pressure on our grid,” said Majority Leader Scott Surovell. “Solar is the fastest energy source to deploy, and I am excited to be here with the Governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly to celebrate these new laws.”
Governor Spanberger signed the following bipartisan bills to address high energy costs for families and increase energy generation in the Commonwealth:
- SB382 (Senator Scott Surovell) — Streamlining permitting for rooftop solar to save Virginians money. Passed with bipartisan support.
- HB395 (Delegate Paul Krizek), SB250 (Senator Scott Surovell) — Facilitate the adoption of portable small solar systems to lower energy costs. Passed with bipartisan support.
- SB598 (Senator Creigh Deeds) — Encourages greater investment in next-generation energy technology by allowing largest energy customers to count nuclear and fusion towards clean energy goals. Passed with bipartisan support.
- SB254 and SB255 (Senator Scott Surovell) — Expanding shared solar programs. Passed with bipartisan support.
BACKGROUND
Since taking office in January, Governor Spanberger has remained laser-focused on building a stronger, safer, and more affordable Virginia.
In April, the Governor signed an executive order creating Virginia’s first Chief Energy Officer — a cabinet-level position focused on addressing rising energy costs for families and meeting the Commonwealth’s long-term energy needs. Governor Spanberger has also signed dozens of bipartisan bills focused on making healthcare, housing, and energy more affordable, accessible, and reliable for Virginians.
