Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

The Virginia administration, led by Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond and Secretary of Commerce Carrie Chenery, is gathering public input on a new energy plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. A public meeting in Petersburg on August 3 and an online survey will inform the plan, which includes renewable energy, small modular reactors, and participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

The Spanberger administration is seeking public input on Virginia's new energy plan, which aims to establish a 10-year roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. A public meeting in Petersburg on August 3 will gather feedback alongside an online survey, with the final report due in October 2026. The plan includes renewable energy sources, small modular reactors, and maintaining fossil fuels when necessary, while addressing rising energy costs and grid reliability.

Virginia data centers are increasing on-site gas turbine power generation to bypass grid connection delays, raising concerns about air pollution and conflicting with the state's clean energy goals. These projects avoid oversight under the Virginia Clean Economy Act and bypass public interest approval processes for utility projects.

Virginia has rejoined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The state intends to allocate a portion of carbon market revenue to Virginia ratepayers.

The Virginia General Assembly approved Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s budget amendments, resolving a months-long impasse before the new fiscal year. The $207 billion biennial budget includes technical corrections and policy revisions, such as data center adjustments, utility rebates, and law enforcement rules, and becomes law without the governor’s signature.