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Virginia's Clean Energy Jobs Surge Amid GOP Budget Threat

7/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Virginia Clean Economy Act has sparked a surge of 118,100 clean energy jobs and cut carbon pollution by 22%. Yet, critics lament its sluggish pace and lack of boldness. Compounding the issue, a new GOP budget bill threatens to roll back clean energy incentives, prioritizing fossil fuels and risking higher utility bills for everyday Americans.

History

Historical Context

The Virginia Clean Economy Act, enacted in 2020, mandates that Dominion Energy and Appalachian Electric Power achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2045 and 2050, respectively. This legislation follows the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which invested heavily in clean energy. By 2021, the act had created over 118,000 clean energy jobs, but recent GOP budget proposals threaten to roll back these advancements.

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Story summary

The Virginia Clean Economy Act has sparked a surge of 118,100 clean energy jobs and cut carbon pollution by 22%. Yet, critics lament its sluggish pace and lack of boldness. Compounding the issue, a new GOP budget bill threatens to roll back clean energy incentives, prioritizing fossil fuels and risking higher utility bills for everyday Americans.

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