The Virginia legislature has passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act, establishing the Commonwealth as a national leader in the fight against climate change.

Introduced by Sen. McClellan and Del. Sullivan, the landmark legislation puts Virginia on a path to a 100% carbon-free electricity grid and eliminates pollution by Virginia’s utilities by 2045. This will create tens of thousands of new clean energy jobs and give us cleaner air while tackling the Commonwealth’s contribution to climate change – all while making our energy economy more just and equitable for all Virginians.

The Virginia Clean Economy Act takes the following four steps to get us to 100% carbon-free electricity with zero utility emissions:

1. Fully decarbonizing Virginia’s electricity grid by 2045, while shuttering our most polluting plants by 2030;
2. Establishing aggressive efficiency standards for electricity use in the state while protecting low-income households;
3. Incentivizing a broad expansion of rooftop solar generation across the state; and,
4. Kickstarting a massive offshore wind industry with firm ratepayer protections.

The conservation community issued the following statements:

“Passing the Virginia Clean Economy Act is an historic moment, establishing the Commonwealth as a national leader in the fight against climate change. An unprecedented effort has been put forward by VCN’s Network Partners – in cooperation with major wind, solar, and technology companies across the Commonwealth – to put Virginia on a path to zero carbon emissions from the utility sector by 2045. This is a momentous day and the first major step in climate action in the Commonwealth. The conservation community will continue to work tirelessly to ensure it is not the last. We want to thank the patrons, legislators from both chambers, and the Northam administration for their tireless effort to pass this bill.”

-Mary Rafferty, Executive Director

“This is what a ‘Conservation Majority’ looks like. Today, the Virginia Senate finalized what would have been impossible just a year ago: comprehensive legislation that gets us to 100 percent clean electricity and zero carbon emissions. Voters demanded climate action in November and the legislature just delivered in a big way. This is a true turning point in the climate fight here in Virginia, as we take our place among the top states in the nation working to cut emissions and move away from dirty fossil fuels. This victory couldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Delegate Rip Sullivan and Senator Jennifer McClellan, whose tireless efforts have culminated in a huge win for our economy, our health, and our future.”

-Michael Town, Executive Director

“We commend the General Assembly for creating a path to end our dependence on fossil fuels and moving the state significantly closer to a clean energy future. The Clean Economy Act will enable Virginia to be a top state on climate policy and could not have been achieved without the influence of a powerful grassroots movement. This victory is proof of what we can accomplish when environmental advocates, activists and clean energy businesses band together. We look forward to continuing to work with a broad coalition of partners to ensure our state protects our environment for future generations and ensures every community can benefit from a clean energy transition.”

-Kate Addleson, Chapter Director

“Today is a huge win for birds and people that gives us hope in the face of increasingly dire climate threats. The pragmatic, market-based approach of the Virginia Clean Economy Act demonstrates that commonsense climate leadership is taking root in the Southeast and strengthening throughout the U.S. The leadership shown in Virginia gives climate-vulnerable birds like the Cerulean Warbler and the Saltmarsh Sparrow – and people – that depend on clean air and water in Virginia a fighting chance against climate change.”

-Gary Moody, Director of State and Local Climate Strategy

Keep checking back for more statements from the community.