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VA SB497
VA SB497Transmission lines, certain; Department of Transportation to identify opportunities for siting.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Policy of the Commonwealth; siting of certain new electric transmission facilities; Department of Transportation work group; report. Provides that in the siting of new electric transmission facilities, it is the policy of the Commonwealth that existing linear infrastructure corridors shall be prioritized over new corridors. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to convene a work group to identify opportunities and develop recommendations to amend regulations and permitting processes to facilitate the expedient and efficient siting of new electrical transmission infrastructure in existing state highway rights-of-way.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a policy for the Commonwealth of Virginia prioritizing the placement of new electric transmission lines, specifically those of 138 kilovolts or more, by directing that existing utility corridors and highway corridors be considered before creating new ones, provided these choices are economically and technically feasible, ensure grid reliability, and protect cultural, historical, and environmental resources. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Transportation will assemble a work group, including representatives from the State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Utility Coordinating Committee, to find ways to improve regulations and permitting processes for building new electrical transmission infrastructure within existing state highway rights-of-way, with this group required to report their findings and suggestions to relevant legislative committees by November 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB497 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB497) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1168601.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB497/text/SB497S1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB497/text/SB497SC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB497) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1105418.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB497/text/SB497 |
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