Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 8 | Virginia General Assembly Update – Legislation on Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar

Joe Lerch and VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch provide an update on the status of legislation relating to Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

• JLARC "Data Centers in Virginia" Report
  
  
• HB 1601/SB 1449 – Siting of Data Centers; Site Assessment
  
  
• House Budget Amendment – Extends the sunset date for sales tax exemption for data centers from 2035 to 2050
  
  
• Senate Budget Amendment – Requires data center operators to meet energy efficiency standards to qualify for sales tax exemption
  
  
• Capitol Contact ALERT: VACo Opposes Bill Mandating Targets for Utility-Scale Solar in Comprehensive Plans (January 29, 2025)
  
  
• Bills to Mandate Counties put State Targets for Utility-Scale Solar in Comprehensive Plans Fail (February 4, 2025)
  
  
• Action Item: Oppose Bill to Mandate Statewide Standards for Solar Facilities (February 13, 2025)