Bill of the Day: Defending the Virginia Clean Economy Act

Updated on May 12th, 2025.

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. In the first three years (2021-2023) of VCEA implementation, while we were simultaneously in RGGI, emissions dropped 22%. The programs work hand in hand, and both are necessary to meet our climate goals.

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:

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 1875

(Delegate Robert Bloxom)  Adds nuclear, hydrogen, and fossil fuels to Virginia’s RPS.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2185

(Delegate Nick Freitas) Repeals VCEA targets to build out more renewable energy and instead promotes continued use of dirty power plants.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2197

(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.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2200

(Delegate Terry Kilgore) Eliminates utility’s financial incentives to comply with the RPS. Companion to SB 902.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2365

(Delegate Tony Wilt) Adds nuclear, hydrogen, and fossil fuels to Virginia’s RPS.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2552

 (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.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2676

(Delegate Terry Kilgore) Defines fuel cells, most of which rely on natural gas, as renewable.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2693

(Delegate Tim Griffin) Repeals VCEA targets to build out more renewable energy and instead promotes continued use of dirty power plants.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE HB 2780

(Delegate Israel O’Quinn) Removes fossil fuel power plants from retirement requirement date in the VCEA.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE SB 902

(Senator Bill Stanley) Eliminates utility’s financial incentives to comply with the RPS. Companion to HB 2200.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE SB 1077

(Senator Mark Peake) Repeals VCEA targets to build out more renewable energy and instead promotes continued use of dirty power plants.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE SB 1091

(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.

DEFEATED: OPPOSE SB 1160

(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

The Governor amended, rejected, or vetoed bills by midnight on Monday, March 24th. Legislators reconvened on Wednesday, April 2nd to vote on all of the governor’s amendments.

Keep updated with our Climate & Energy issue page for the latest news in our Commonwealth.

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.”

Jennifer McClellan, U.S. House of Representatives

“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.”

Schuyler VanValkenburg, Virginia State Senator

“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.”

Aaron Rouse, Virginia State Senator

“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.”

Adam Ebbin, Virginia State Senator

“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.”

Ghazala Hashmi, Virginia State Senator

“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!”

Jeremy McPike, Virginia State Senator

“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!”

Dave Marsden, Virginia State Senator

Photos by Dave Parrish Photography