summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
High load facilities; impact assessments. Prohibits a governing body or board of zoning appeals from issuing final approval for any special exception, special use permit, variance, rezoning application, or other land disturbing permit, including building permits and erosion and sediment control permits, for a high load facility, defined in the bill, until the applicant submits a finding of no impact or minimal impact issued by the State Corporation Commission. The bill provides that upon request by the owner or operator of a high load facility, the Commission will assess whether the high load facility will have a material adverse impact upon the incumbent electric utility's ability to (i) to maintain electric grid reliability, (ii) avoid exceeding available generation or transmission capacity constraints, or (iii) meet certain statutory requirements.
AI Summary
This bill requires that before a local government or zoning board can give final approval for permits or land use changes for a "high load facility"—defined as a facility or group of facilities expected to use over 90 megawatts of electricity—the applicant must first obtain a "finding of no impact or minimal impact" from the State Corporation Commission (SCC). The SCC, upon request from the facility owner or operator, will evaluate whether the facility would negatively affect the existing electric utility's ability to keep the power grid reliable, avoid exceeding the capacity of power generation or transmission lines, or meet specific legal obligations. The SCC has 120 days to complete this assessment, though it can extend this period if necessary, and facility operators can request a new assessment if significant changes occur.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Continued to next session in Commerce and Labor (11-Y 4-N) (on 02/09/2026)
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/SB467 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB467) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134354.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB467/text/SB467 |
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