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SB 645

Air Pollution Control Board; regulations, small renewable energy projects, anaerobic tech., report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Surovell

Virginia bill requiring Air Pollution Control Board to establish regulations for small renewable energy and anaerobic digestion projects while reporting implementation barriers and recommendations.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 901 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 645

Legislative bill overview

SB 645 directs Virginia's Air Pollution Control Board to develop regulations for small renewable energy projects and anaerobic digestion technology, while requiring a comprehensive report on implementation barriers and recommendations. The bill passed its House subcommittee and Appropriations Committee with unanimous support and a substitute amendment.

Why is this important

Small renewable energy and anaerobic digestion projects can reduce emissions and create economic opportunities, but regulatory clarity is often lacking. By mandating specific regulations and a detailed report, this bill aims to remove barriers that prevent these technologies from being deployed across Virginia, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope and stringency: Stakeholders may disagree on how strict emissions or safety standards should be for small projects, with some viewing robust regulations as protective and others seeing them as burdensome to small operators
  • Definition ambiguity: "Small renewable energy projects" and implementation details could be interpreted differently, potentially creating gaps in coverage or unexpected compliance costs
  • Resource allocation: The Air Pollution Control Board may face budget or staffing constraints to develop comprehensive regulations and complete the report in a timely manner

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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