News Roundup: Dominion Abandons its Pipeline and Renewables on the Rise in Virginia

Energy companies cancel construction of Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Dominion Energy, along with Duke Energy out of North Carolina, have canceled construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Despite the recent win in the U.S. Supreme Court, the companies stated legal uncertainty threatened the economic viability of the plan. The project was six years in the making and already $3 billion over budget. It has faced criticism since its inception for being unnecessary, costly, and destructive. Dominion is now planning to sell its natural gas transmission and storage business to Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Read the full story here.

Virginia Solar Program On Track To Maintain Momentum Despite Pandemic

Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), a solar nonprofit based in Charlottesville, braced for a significant decrease in consumers due to the impacts of COVID-19. Accordingly, they pushed their group-buying program back two months in anticipation of the decline. However, the organization now expects a 30% increase in participants in 2020. The program’s strength is an indication that consumers are still interested in reaping the benefits of solar, even in an uncertain economy. Read the full story here.

Second US Offshore Wind Project Finishes Construction Off Virginia

Dominion Energy recently completed its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind pilot, situated 30 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. The project consists of two 6 megawatt (MW) turbines, which, when fully functional, will provide enough energy to power 3,000 homes. The turbines will undergo testing for the next few weeks before full operation can commence. Dominion has planned a 2,600 MW follow-up project at an adjacent site, utilizing newer 14 MW turbines, which will commence construction in 2024. Despite being hugely expensive, Dominion has taken the first step towards offshore wind infrastructure in Virginia. Read the full story here.

Virginia’s Blue Wave Climate, Pollution Laws Kick In Wednesday

Amongst the slew of new laws passed by Virginia’s new Democratic majority that kicked in last Wednesday, July 1st were historic energy and environmental reforms. One major change will make the Commonwealth a part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), making Virginia the first Southern state to join the coalition. In addition, a newly-minted 21-member Environmental Justice Council is now tasked with determining “how to better protect low-income communities of color from disproportionate impact of the health dangers of pollution.” Read more on Virginia’s new initiatives and legislation here.

Southwest Virginia Company Develops Technology To Recycle, Reuse Pollutants

A company based in Pulaski, a municipality in Southwest Virginia, is working on a new technology that would allow pollutants to be recycled. MOVA Technologies has been working alongside Virginia Tech to develop the new tool, which captures pollutants in a special filter and harnesses them to make products like cement, fertilizers, paper products, and paint. The project has the potential to revitalize an area of Virginia that has been largely dependent on coal for its economy. Read the full story here.