Step-by-step, Virginia is moving closer to establishing a carbon trading market. That’s good news for advanced energy and the Commonwealth’s economy.

Earlier this month, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wrapped up a public comment period on its proposed CO₂ Budget Trading Program. Under this regulation, fossil-fired generators with a capacity equal to or greater than 25 megawatts (MW) would be issued permits and required to meet mitigation targets, either through reducing emissions or procuring additional permits. This regulation will help make Virginia’s energy more secure, clean, and affordable while reducing emissions and bolstering the state’s economy – central goals of Virginia AEE.

The 2018 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly ended Saturday, capping a two-month sprint that included breakthrough legislation that will accelerate renewable energy development and energy efficiency investment in the Commonwealth, with AEE engaged all the way. But the legislature left behind some unfinished business: while much ink has covered the Assembly’s inability to pass a budget, lawmakers also failed to reach consensus on appointing a new member of the State Corporation Commission (SCC), which has potential implications for Virginia’s advanced energy future.

Here is a look back at the progress we have made, and ahead to unfinished business, as we work to build a greater presence in the Commonwealth and expand the market for advanced energy companies.