Clean Energy Is In Virginia’s Best Interest
An overwhelming 62% of Virginians support the Virginia Clean Economy Act.
Virginia’s clean energy policies are attractive to major employers, support tens of thousands of jobs, and help Virginians save money on electric bills.
Clean energy has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past — the new General Assembly and Governor-elect should continue to implement clean energy policies to uplift all Virginians.
Thanks to legislation passed on a bipartisan basis by the General Assembly in recent years, Virginia is in the midst of a clean energy revolution. There have been several major developments along the way. Because of action by the General Assembly under the control of both Republicans and Democrats, Virginia became the first state in the South to set goals for achieving a carbon-free electric grid, removed restrictions on solar to allow farmers to harvest the power of the sun, and set aside funds to help low- and middle-income households afford energy efficiency upgrades.
Earlier this month, Virginians went to the polls to elect a new governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Virginians also voted for House of Delegates candidates. In the end, voters elected Republicans to statewide office for the first time in over a decade, and shifted control of the House of Delegates from Democrats to Republicans. While nobody knows for certain what impact this election will have on the future of Virginia’s clean energy revolution, one thing is for sure: clean energy is popular in Virginia because it attracts business and investment, supports high paying jobs, and helps Virginians save money.
Simply put, clean energy policy is good for business and the economy, and it’s in the Commonwealth’s best interest for the General Assembly and the incoming governor to continue implementing policy that supports clean energy.
Virginia’s commitment to clean energy is attractive to business. Major employers, including Microsoft, Walmart, and Ikea, have called on state legislators and regulators to expand access to renewable energy in Virginia. Many companies have committed to eliminating their carbon emissions, making states with clean energy options available an attractive place to set up shop. That’s part of the reason why Amazon decided to locate their new headquarters in Alexandria. And a burgeoning offshore wind turbine manufacturing industry is expected to bring over 5,000 to the Hampton Roads region.
Clean energy is a big business in Virginia, providing tens of thousands of high-paying jobs that support Virginia’s families. The advanced energy industry — which includes energy efficiency, energy storage, electric vehicles, wind, and solar — employs over 93,000 in Virginia alone. A report released in 2020 found that clean energy workers earn a median hourly wage higher than the national average and enjoy better healthcare and retirement benefits. Implementing clean energy policy is an investment in Virginia’s workers.
Finally, clean energy helps Virginians save money. Through participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Virginia is setting aside funds to finance energy efficiency upgrades in low- and middle-income households. These appliances will use less energy, and this becomes particularly evident through cheaper monthly electric bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy efficiency upgrades can actually save households 25% on utility bills.
Clean energy delivers economic development, jobs, and savings. Virginians are taking notice. In fact, 62% of Virginians support the Virginia Clean Economy Act, as indicated by a poll conducted by Conservatives for Clean Energy this summer. The new General Assembly and Governor-elect Youngkin should continue to uplift Virginians by supporting clean energy policy.