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Senate committee approves plan to standardize solar siting rules after months of negotiation
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Summary
SB347 would require localities to consider state standard criteria (setbacks, decommissioning, wetlands protections) for ground-mounted solar projects rather than allowing blanket bans. The committee amended the bill and reported it after testimony from renewable-energy advocates and concerns from farmers and conservation groups.
Senators voted to report legislation aimed at creating predictable, statewide guideline criteria for ground-mounted solar projects while preserving local decision-making. SB347, sponsored by Sen. Van Valkenburg, requires localities to "consider" a set of recommended ordinance standards for siting, decommissioning and land-management measures so projects are evaluated case-by-case rather than blocked by blanket bans.
Proponents — including the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, the American Clean Power Association and Chesapeake Bay Foundation — argued the standards would unlock clean energy needed to control rising electricity costs and accelerate deployment. "Solar is the least cost option and the fastest resource we have to meet that demand," said Evie Hobbs of the American Clean Power Association.
Opponents, including the Virginia Farm Bureau and some conservation groups, urged the committee to preserve stronger local flexibility and raise concerns about protections for forested setbacks, inspection timing and impacts on farmland. Brent Hunsinger of Friends of the Rappahannock said the draft lacked adequate protections for forest vegetation and pre-construction inspections.
The committee adopted two technical amendments to replace the word "permitted" with "considered" in key lines and reported SB347 (vote recorded as Eyes 8, No 5, 1 abstention). Sponsors said the bill preserves local authority to approve, deny or require variances for projects and includes suggested decommissioning language.
