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HB 1081

Working Lands Preservation, Office of; powers and duties, small renewable energy projects fees.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Webert

Establishes Office of Working Lands Preservation authority and sets fee requirements for small renewable energy projects on agricultural land in Virginia.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 810 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1081

Legislative bill overview

HB 1081 establishes or modifies the Office of Working Lands Preservation and defines its powers and duties, with specific provisions addressing fees related to small renewable energy projects. The bill appears designed to balance agricultural land preservation with renewable energy development on working lands.

Why is this important

Virginia faces competing pressures between preserving agricultural land and meeting renewable energy goals. This bill directly affects how small-scale renewable projects (likely solar or wind) can be implemented on working farmland, influencing both farmer income opportunities and the state's clean energy transition.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee structure and burden: The specific fees charged for small renewable projects could either incentivize or discourage farmer participation in renewable energy, affecting rural economic development
  • Land use priority: Unclear whether the bill prioritizes agricultural preservation over renewable development or seeks to enable both, which could satisfy or alienate environmental and farming constituencies
  • Definition of "small" projects: Without seeing exact thresholds, there's ambiguity about which projects are covered, potentially creating loopholes or unintended consequences for developers and landowners

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

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