Subcommittee narrows solar labor rules to construction work, sends SB758 to appropriations

On Feb. 26 a Virginia House subcommittee considered SB758, a bill tied to prevailing-wage and apprenticeship rules for solar energy construction. Delegate Helmer said the substitute narrows the bill so the MACRA clause applies solely to construction work on solar facilities of 5 megawatts or greater. "It only applies to construction work in the enactment clause," a committee member confirmed during discussion.

Trade-union witnesses told the panel prevailing-wage standards and registered apprenticeships would ensure higher-quality work and curb labor brokers. Charles Kelly, business manager for IBEW Local 666 in Richmond, said prevailing wage and apprenticeships will “ensure that contractors are paying a fair wage for the workers” and help build a reliable pipeline of trained labor for clean energy projects. Representatives from Advanced Energy United, the Mid Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association, and area trades councils all signaled support for the amended language.

Sponsor and stakeholders said narrowing the bill to larger facilities preserved the policy’s intent while addressing appropriations concerns. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill to appropriations by a 5-2 vote, with sponsors saying the change aimed to keep the House and Senate texts aligned and avoid a conference.