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HB 1089

Va. Brownfield & Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund; increases kilowatt of nameplate capacity.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Kilgore and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1089 expands Virginia's grant fund for renewable energy projects on brownfields and former coal mines by increasing eligible kilowatt capacity thresholds.

Assigned HAPP sub: Commerce Agriculture & Natural Resources
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Bill Summary · HB 1089

Legislative bill overview

HB 1089 establishes or expands a grant fund in Virginia designed to support renewable energy projects developed on brownfield sites and former coal mining lands. The bill increases the kilowatt nameplate capacity threshold or funding allocation for these renewable energy installations, making it easier or more attractive for developers to convert degraded industrial sites into clean energy facilities.

Why is this important

This bill addresses two significant policy goals simultaneously: remediating contaminated industrial land and transitioning away from coal-dependent energy infrastructure. By incentivizing renewable energy development on already-disturbed sites, the legislation avoids converting pristine land while economically revitalizing communities historically dependent on coal mining.

Potential points of contention

  • Coal industry transition concerns: While framed as economic development, coal-dependent communities may view this as accelerating the decline of traditional energy sources without guaranteed job replacement programs
  • Funding adequacy: The fiscal impact statement suggests appropriations will be required; lawmakers may debate whether proposed funding levels are sufficient to meaningfully attract renewable developers
  • Nameplate capacity standards: The specific kilowatt thresholds affect which projects qualify; disagreement may arise over whether limits are too restrictive or too permissive for intended outcomes

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

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