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House approves solar siting bill after debate over local control
Summary
House Bill 24 38, which sets state-level standards for siting certain solar facilities and special exceptions, passed the Virginia House by a 48-46 vote after floor debate that centered on local authority and property-owner protections.
The Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 24 38 on Jan. 30, 2025, by a recorded vote of 48-46 after an extended floor debate over whether the measure unduly restricts local land-use authority and property-owner flexibility.
Delegate Corner (Chesterfield) strongly opposed the bill on the floor, saying, "This bill is a bad bill" because it "takes away local authority" and prescribes detailed state-level requirements for decommissioning plans, transfer of ownership guarantees and planting requirements. Corner argued the measure removes flexibility for local governments and landowners, inserting numerous "shalls" and prescriptive requirements into state code that localities and property owners may not be able to meet.
Delegate Mundy King (Prince William) spoke in favor of the legislation, saying the text provides clear and consistent standards to facilitate large-scale solar projects while preserving zoning discretion. "The bill simply says that we know we have a shortage in energy, and we know that we need to do something about it to make it easier for businesses and property owners who choose to create large scale solar projects to use these clear and consistent standards," Mundy King said on the floor.
After further floor debate, the Clerk closed the roll; the result was 48 votes in favor and 46 opposed and the bill passed. The transcript excerpt includes detailed objections about prescribed planting and decommissioning requirements, claims that federal code references were embedded in state law, and arguments that local governments are better placed to make land-use decisions.
The bill text and any local-implementation guidance will be available in the enrolled bill. The transcript does not record any amendments offered on the floor during the excerpted debate, and it does not specify effective-date provisions.
