Virginia takes aim at 100% renewable energy
Virginia is for renewable energy lovers.
Virginia is for renewable energy lovers.
On Sept. 17, Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order setting a goal of meeting all of Virginia’s electricity needs with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, with an interim target of 30 percent by 2030. The order directs state agencies to achieve that goal using solar and onshore wind energy, energy efficiency, offshore wind, energy storage and energy equity.
Environment America applauded the 2050 target, but called for a more ambitious 2030 benchmark:
“When we launched our national campaign last year with a goal of getting 10 states to adopt concrete 100 percent clean and renewable energy timelines, few people believed it was possible,” said Rob Sargent, senior director of our national network’s 100% Renewable Energy campaign. “We now have six state laws and one executive order setting seven states on a path to 100 percent clean and renewable. Virginia should be aiming higher for 2030, but it’s encouraging to see this progress.”
Photo: A solar photovoltaic array at Cooper Vineyards in Louisa, Va. Solar energy will be a key tool in Virginia’s planned transition to 100% renewable energy. Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)