Bill of the Day: Defending the Virginia Clean Economy Act
VCEA Rally in Richmond, VA – Feb 3rd. Image Credit: Dave Parrish
What Benefits Has the Virginia Clean Economy Act Delivered?
The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), passed in 2020, paved the way for Virginia to power its future with 100% clean energy by advancing renewable energy, cutting energy waste, and requiring our big utilities to transition away from harmful fossil fuels.
Since the VCEA passed in 2020, we know that:
- VCEA saves money for Virginia ratepayers – businesses and households. Dominion Energy’s latest Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) plan projects saving $118.5 billion in fuel costs savings over the lifespan of these renewable energy projects investments.
- VCEA helps Virginia’s economy grow and creates new jobs. Under the VCEA, Virginia’s GDP increased by about 11%, and clean energy jobs in Virginia grew more than 3.5 times faster than overall employment in Virginia.
- VCEA delivers cleaner air and healthier communities. Carbon pollution from power plants dropped 22%, improving air quality and reducing burdens on our healthcare system.
You can take a deeper dive into advancing clean energy and protecting the VCEA in Our Common Agenda. To learn more, read our “Achieving 100% Clean Energy” policy paper.
All Attacks on Virginia’s Clean Energy Future Have Been Defeated!
13 bills were introduced this General Assembly that attempted to directly undermine or repeal this landmark law significantly, many by weakening the Act’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), an important component of the VCEA that drives the utility sector’s transition to renewable energy.
A big win for clean energy! VCN and our Network Partners defeated 13 bill attempting to undermine the VCEA:
(Delegate Robert Bloxom) Adds nuclear, hydrogen, and fossil fuels to Virginia’s RPS.
(Delegate Nick Freitas) Repeals VCEA targets to build out more renewable energy and instead promotes continued use of dirty power plants.
(Delegate Terry Kilgore) Adds existing and future nuclear power plants to Virginia’s RPS, stalling utility’s incentives to acquire more wind and solar in the coming years. Companion to SB 1091.
(Delegate Terry Kilgore) Eliminates utility’s financial incentives to comply with the RPS. Companion to SB 902.
(Delegate Tony Wilt) Adds nuclear, hydrogen, and fossil fuels to Virginia’s RPS.
(Delegate Rob Bloxom, Jr) Repeals VCEA targets and replaces them with an “emissions intensity program” that does not ensure emission reductions are achieved on a timely basis or reach zero emissions by mid-century. Companion to SB 1160.
(Delegate Terry Kilgore) Defines fuel cells, most of which rely on natural gas, as renewable.
(Delegate Tim Griffin) Repeals VCEA targets to build out more renewable energy and instead promotes continued use of dirty power plants.
(Delegate Israel O’Quinn) Removes fossil fuel power plants from retirement requirement date in the VCEA.
(Senator Bill Stanley) Eliminates utility’s financial incentives to comply with the RPS. Companion to HB 2200.
(Senator Mark Peake) Repeals VCEA targets to build out more renewable energy and instead promotes continued use of dirty power plants.
(Senator Travis Hackworth) Adds existing and future nuclear power plants to Virginia’s RPS, stalling utility’s incentives to acquire more wind and solar in the coming years. Companion to HB 2197.
(Senator Mark Obenshain) Repeals VCEA targets and replaces them with an “emissions intensity program” that does not ensure emission reductions are achieved on a timely basis or reach zero emissions by mid-century. Companion to HB 2552.
Take Action
We must continue advocating for the VCEA to ensure a healthy future for all Virginians. Clean energy advocates joined our clean energy legislative champions on February 3rd to stand up for our clean energy future.
Thank you to our legislators who are protecting the VCEA!
Thank you to the following legislators for attending the VCEA rally and for their continued commitment to protecting the VCEA:
- U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan
- Virginia Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg
- Virginia Senator Aaron Rouse
- Virginia Senator Adam Ebbin
- Virginia Senator Ghazala Hashmi
- Virginia Senator Jeremy McPike
- Virginia Senator Dave Marsden
“It’s created hundreds of thousands of jobs and making sure that we are reducing our emissions. That helps everything from lowering energy costs to helping our national security. We’re going to defend that bill from attacks both here in the state and the national level.”
“The Virginia Clean Economy Act is common sense. It creates a more dynamic economy and good paying jobs, will lead to lower energy bills, and is the right thing to do for our children and grandchildren.”
“The Virginia Clean Economy Act is crucial for a sustainable future, creating thousands of clean energy jobs, lowering utility costs and fighting the climate crisis.”
“Glad to stand in continued support of the Virginia Clean Economy Act. It is vital that we continue to back this critical piece of legislation.”
“I spoke in my capacity as Chair of the Education & Health Committee, highlighting the critical intersectionality between a clean environment & human health. Together, we are working to support & defend the VCEA—for our communities & for our planet.”
“I was proud to stand with the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, and passionate activists to defend the Virginia Clean Economy Act! Protecting our clean energy future is not just good policy—it’s essential for our communities, jobs, and environment. We must keep moving forward!”
“I was proud to be Chief Co-Patron of the VCEA and we will continue to fight for clean energy and a sustainable future for the Commonwealth!”
Photos by Dave Parrish Photography