Beyond Solar Ordinances: Utility-Scale Solar Policy, Host Siting Agreements & Other Emerging Topics

Join Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley for “Beyond Solar Ordinances,” aimed at helping local planning officials stay abreast of best practices for the evolving land use of utility-scale solar. Program speakers will cover comprehensive plan and solar policy approaches, host siting agreements, mitigation regulations, and the emerging issues of data centers, battery storage, and transmission infrastructure.

Register: https://shenandoahalliance.org/beyond-solar-ordinances/

Featuring speakers from The Berkley Group, Eldon James & Associates, Advantus Strategies, Hefty Wiley & Gore, and regional conservation groups.

Agenda

10:30 Introduction                      

Welcome – Kate Wofford, Alliance

Recent Regional Efforts and Materials – Eldon James, Eldon James & Associates

10:45 Policy Ready: Putting the Pieces Together                        

Policy Approaches + Best Practices – Luke Peters and Michael Zehner, The Berkley Group

Demystifying Host Siting Agreements – Jeff Gore, Hefty Wiley & Gore

Panel Discussion & Q&A – Eldon James, Moderator

11: 25 Emerging Topics 

Farm and Forest land mitigation HB 206 – Kyle Shreve, Advantus Strategies

Related Infrastructure: Batteries, Data Centers, Transmission – Julie Bolthouse, PEC

Q&A

11:50 Closing: Thanks and follow-up materials – Kate Wofford

1.5 AICP planning credits available. Direct any questions to Kim Woodwell, Program Director at Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley/540.908.3914 or kwoodwell@shenandoahalliance.org.

Hosted by Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont Environmental Council in partnership with the three Planning District Commissions serving the Northern Piedmont and the Shenandoah Valley (Central Shenandoah PDC, Northern Shenandoah Regional Commission, and the Rappahannock Rapidan Regional Commission).