With just a little over a week left in the legislative session, FACS has seen even more progress on our legislative priorities.
- Electric Utilities and Energy Storage Facilities (HB 893) has passed the Senate and is heading straight to the governor for her signature! This bill would help streamline the process for building battery energy facilities and is essential as Virginia’s energy use continues to skyrocket.
- Data Center Transparency (HB 153) is now on the Senate floor after having been passed by the Senate Local Government committee.
When you consider how there are thousands of bills considered by the General Assembly every year and hundreds (if not thousands) of them never make it out of subcommittee in their initial chamber, it is huge that we are now one step away from seeing two of our top priorities pass the General Assembly so the governor can sign them into law.
However, just because we are so close to the finish line does not mean we can let up. I’m currently in Richmond for the week for in person meetings with legislators and FACS’ state-level partners. These meetings have already helped produce some movement on our priorities and put FACS in a position to help our partners on other climate legislation they are working on.
ACTION ALERT: Increase Data Center Transparency (HB 153)
We need some help pushing HB 153 across the finish line for an increase in transparency surrounding the data center industry, especially when it comes to the construction of new data centers and other high energy use facilities. HB 153 would help provide localities with the information they need to fully understand the impact new data centers would have on the surrounding community. Strongly encourage your legislators to vote for HB 153 and encourage your community members to join you in the effort!
Get Involved with FACS at the Local Level
FACS’ Fairfax County Advocacy Hub is meeting virtually on Thursday, March 19th, at 7 PM for a General Assembly recap and ways to get involved at the local level. While the local action portion of the event will be using Fairfax County as the focus, it will potentially provide ideas on how to remain involved for Virginians no matter what county you live in.
About the Author
As FACS’ Advocacy Director, Bryan Scrafford can answer all your questions about advocacy on the state and local levels along with legislation FACS is actively supporting. Contact Bryan at bryan@faithforclimate.org.