The Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition (MAREC) Action shines a light on one of the most pressing barriers to Virginia’s clean energy future: inconsistent local solar siting regulations.

According to the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center Solar Database, currently more than half of Virginia’s counties have either banned or significantly restricted utility-scale solar development. From strict acreage caps to conflicting land-use rules, many local governments have created a regulatory framework that makes it nearly impossible to implement new solar projects effectively. In 2024, more utility-scale solar projects were denied or withdrawn than approved: a first in over ten years and a clear call to action.

Yet the opportunity for Virginia to lead in utility-scale solar development remains enormous. To meet Virginia’s 16,100 MW solar energy target under the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), developers would need just 2.1% of the state’s farmland. That’s a small footprint with a big return, as these developments would create thousands of megawatts of clean, affordable energy and new economic opportunities for rural communities across Virginia.

Some have suggested focusing on brownfields instead of farmland, but the data shows that brownfield development is at least 30% more expensive due to environmental remediation, regulatory hurdles, and long-term compliance costs. For Virginia to meet its clean energy goals affordably and on time, we need policy that enables smart, scalable siting rather than more red tape.