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Committee rejects bill to roll back Virginia Clean Economy Act provisions

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources · January 21, 2026

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Summary

Senate Bill 69, which sought to repeal parts of the Virginia Clean Economy Act and to recognize nuclear generation in the definition of clean energy, failed in committee after testimony from environmental groups and a 7–8 roll call.

Senate Bill 69, introduced by Senator Mark Peake, sought to amend the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and to declare nuclear generation to be in the public interest. Peake argued nuclear should be included in energy definitions to help meet future demand and cited the Commonwealth’s existing nuclear industry.

Environmental organizations including the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation testified in opposition. They said the VCEA does not ban nuclear generation and that clean energy technologies such as solar and battery storage are the fastest, least‑polluting options to meet growing demand.

After debate the committee considered substitute motions and ultimately recorded a roll call of seven yes and eight no, and the bill failed in committee.

Outcome: SB 69 was defeated in committee (7–8).