On June 12, 2025, Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed two companion bills that aimed to reserve at least 600 MW (roughly 3% of the state’s 2035 solar target) for development on previously used land—such as brownfields or parking lots—rather than on farmland.

These measures, championed in the House by Delegate Katrina Callsen (D‑Charlottesville) and in the Senate as SB 1040 by Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D‑Richmond), were designed to help fulfill the mandates of the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). The VCEA directs utilities to produce 16,100 MW of solar or offshore wind by 2035 and transition to fully carbon-free electricity by 2045. The legislators sought to reduce pressure on prime farmland, where counties like Isle of Wight and Surry have already capped solar coverage at 2% and 7% of developable land, respectively.

In his veto message, Youngkin criticized the proposed legislation as band-aid fixes to what he called “the discredited Virginia Clean Economy Act,” accusing Democratic leaders of failing to protect ratepayers and businesses from its consequences.

The veto followed closely on the heels of legislative defeats for amendments the Governor submitted to the bills. Despite bipartisan support—evidenced by 67–29 votes in the House and 21–19 in the Senate—the proposals were ultimately blocked.

Under the Clean Economy Act, utilities are required to procure renewable energy credits (RECs) from in-region sources. The vetoed bills would have postponed certain REC requirements to 2028 and established annual goals for developing solar on non-agricultural sites.

Youngkin defended his vetoes by pointing to potential cost increases for consumers, citing Dominion Energy’s anticipated $5.5 billion in REC costs over a decade, which he argued would translate to a $2.99 monthly rate hike per customer.

Supporters of the bills, including VanValkenburg, underscored the importance of directing solar projects to urban and suburban brownfields, reducing the conversion of rural farmland. They also warned that the Governor’s vetoes could perpetuate pressure on agricultural counties, cost local jobs, and increase costs for energy users