Virginia passes historic commitment to 100 percent clean energy by 2045

Virginia is catapulting itself to a national leadership role on renewable energy by becoming the seventh state in the U.S. to pass a law that commits to providing 100 percent carbon-free electricity to its citizens by mid-century. The Virginia Senate passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act today, sending the bill to Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk for final approval. The act removes barriers to solar and wind and commits the commonwealth to ramping up renewable energy. Renewables currently make up 7 percent of Virginia’s electricity, and the new law will propel them to at least 30 percent in the coming decade. In addition, the new law retires fossil fuel plants and establishes a mandatory target for utilities to generate 100 percent clean electricity by 2045.