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Bill

HB 1356

Precipitation design standards; non-stationary precipitation, climate-adjusted rainfall.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Fowler

Virginia updates precipitation design standards to use climate-adjusted, non-stationary rainfall data instead of historical models to better account for changing weather patterns in infrastructure planning.

Continued to next session in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 1356

Legislative bill overview

HB 1356 updates Virginia's precipitation design standards to account for non-stationary precipitation patterns and climate-adjusted rainfall data, rather than relying on historical precipitation models. This modernizes engineering standards used for infrastructure like stormwater systems, drainage, and flood management projects across the state.

Why is this important

Current precipitation design standards assume historical rainfall patterns will remain stable—an assumption increasingly challenged by climate change and shifting weather patterns. Updating these standards affects how Virginia designs critical infrastructure, potentially reducing flood risk and infrastructure failures while ensuring public safety and property protection in communities statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Updating design standards for existing infrastructure projects and requiring engineers to adopt new modeling approaches could increase construction and engineering expenses
  • Scientific uncertainty: Non-stationary climate models involve predictive assumptions about future precipitation that experts may reasonably disagree on regarding accuracy and timing
  • Regulatory burden: Stricter or more complex precipitation standards may slow development approvals and increase compliance requirements for municipalities and private developers
  • Economic competitiveness: Higher infrastructure costs could affect Virginia's ability to attract development compared to neighboring states with less stringent standards

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

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