One of the signature components of green-energy legislation pushed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine -- reducing electricity consumption in Virginia 19 percent by 2025 -- started out as a mandate.
Virginia lawmakers removed it when they unanimously passed Senate Bill 1248 last month.
Seeking compromise, Kaine has amended the legislation and reinstated the 19 percent reduction -- but only as a goal and not an order.
The reduction was the top recommendation of Kaine's Climate Change Commission.
Kaine's amended version of the bill includes power-rate incentives to utilities to meet the goal. The administration says the incentives could increase electric rates in the near term but eventually will lead to lower energy bills through reduced consumption.
Kaine announced he had amended or signed a dozen other green-energy bills as part of his "Renew Virginia" initiative.
For instance, Kaine signed Senate Bill 1212, sponsored by Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, that grants localities the authority to create a clean-energy financing program. He also signed three bills that authorize localities to grant incentives to promote the construction of green roofs on private homes and businesses.
The bills form the legislative component of the governor's "Renew Virginia" initiative to promote alternative energy and reduce carbon emissions in the state.
Lawmakers will consider Kaine's amendments to legislation when they reconvene in Richmond next Wednesday.
Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or jnolan@timesdispatch.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement