RICHMOND, VA and WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Virginia House and Senate passed versions of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), a bill that would create a renewable portfolio standard in Virginia and require utilities and competitive suppliers to increase the percentage of electricity produced from clean energy annually, until they achieve 100 percent renewably-sourced energy by 2050.

Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the progress made by the Virginia Assembly:

“Senators and Delegates in the Virginia General Assembly made it clear that they’re ready to transform their energy economy with clean, reliable solar energy. Using a mandate, the Virginia Clean Economy Act would enable the Commonwealth to achieve 100% renewable energy. By 2030, the bill would create nearly 30,000 local solar jobs, add billions to the Virginia economy and expand solar access to all Virginians. Virginia now has the opportunity to be a national leader in responsible clean energy growth. We urge the Virginia Assembly to continue to advance this historic bill.”