Virginia Gov. Youngkin guts energy affordability measures passed by the General Assembly and plays politics with Virginia’s energy security
RICHMOND, VA – Last night, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin introduced poison pill amendments designed to gut several key pieces of legislation the General Assembly passed to bring down costs for Virginia families and businesses.
“Earlier this year, leaders in the General Assembly put forward impactful legislation to expand the role of homes and businesses in the clean energy transition and to allow these projects to help keep the lights on and lower energy bills. Virginia needs leaders who take the job of policymaking seriously and use the positions they have been entrusted with to address the challenges faced by their constituents and the Commonwealth as whole. Rather than taking the opportunity to lead by signing these bills into law, Governor Youngkin instead took the opportunity to engage in partisan politics,” said United Virginia Policy Lead and Legislative Director Jim Purekal.
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Topics:
Press Releases,
Jim Purekal,
Virtual Power Plants,
Solar,
Battery Storage
United's Trish Demeter spoke with Indy Politics about a report commissioned by United that demonstrated how expanded solar power generation in Indiana could bring hundreds of millions in tax revenue, create new jobs, and increase energy independence across the state.
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Topics:
United In The News,
Indiana,
Trish Demeter,
Solar
Inside Climate News reports that Virginia Governor Youngkin is currently reviewing critical advanced energy legislation aimed at enhancing the state's commitment to renewables by diversifying energy sources beyond large-scale utility projects. With concerns about energy affordability, United's Jim Purekal argued that rising electricity costs are primarily driven by escalating fuel prices and storm recovery expenses.
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Virginia,
United In The News,
Jim Purekal,
Solar
RTO Insider reports on Maryland's Crossover Day, covering bills that were passed, amended, and still waiting for a decision. United's Katie Mettle explained Maryland's unique crossover process, noting that bills that do not cross over can still move forward with a special vote in the rules committee of either house.
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Topics:
United In The News,
Maryland,
Solar,
Katie Mettle
The Boston Globe covers President Trump's recent executive order to pause federal funding for solar energy projects, causing significant implications for numerous solar initiatives in Massachusetts and the broader New England region. United's Jeremy McDiarmid expressed concern that the administration's funding freeze could hinder the region's progress toward clean energy goals, increase costs, and slow economic growth.
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Topics:
United In The News,
Massachusetts,
Jeremy McDiarmid,
Solar
Inside Climate News reports that Virginia is debating the establishment of the Virginia Energy Facility Review Board, a proposed body that would evaluate solar farm projects across the state. United's Jim Purekal spoke to the benefits of solar power and other renewable energy sources, stating that a diverse set of large-scale advanced energy projects is necessary for Virginia to meet its clean energy goals.
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Topics:
Virginia,
United In The News,
Jim Purekal,
Solar
CT Mirror discusses the potential challenges that Connecticut and the broader New England region may face in advancing their clean energy initiatives under the second Trump Administration. United's Jeremy McDiarmid spoke to the progress of offshore wind projects in Connecticut, highlighting that New England states will have to continue to lead to meet their energy goals, amidst shifts in political power.
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Topics:
United In The News,
Offshore Wind,
Transmission,
Jeremy McDiarmid,
Connecticut,
Solar
Virginia Commission on Electric Utility Regulation gives the green light to solar siting
RICHMOND, VA – The Commonwealth’s first energy legislation of the year successfully passed out of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation (CEUR)today.The proposed legislationrefinesthe approval process for solar and battery storage projects of at least 20 MW, or 2 MW if it’slocated on previously disturbed land,andlocated within three miles of an interconnection point.The draft proposalis designed to balance the needs of local communities with Virginia’s growing demand for renewable energy, ensuring a more efficient path to cleaner, more affordable power.
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Virginia,
Press Releases,
Permitting and Siting,
Solar,
Battery Storage
The Arizona Republic reports on Arizona's recent decline in rooftop solar installations over the past year, attributed to a combination of regulatory hurdles and financial barriers. United's Michael Barrio spoke to Arizona's potential as a leader in solar energy adoption, emphasizing the need for stable policies that support the solar industry's growth across the state.
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Topics:
United In The News,
Arizona,
Michael Barrio,
Solar
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoes into law SB 1374
SACRAMENTO, CA – California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 1374, which was designed to accelerate local solar adoption. SB 1374 would have expanded solar benefits by reversing a prior CPUC decision that prevents schools and apartment buildings from being able to use the solar energy they generate on their properties. This misguided veto will result in unnecessary energy costs for schools and apartment buildings.
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Topics:
State Policy,
Press Releases,
California,
Solar