General Assembly

The Virginia General Assembly meets annually, beginning on the second Wednesday in January, for 60 days in even-numbered years and 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days. Because the General Assembly moves very fast, PEC tracks a number of bills and provides comments throughout each session. Please sign up for our email alerts and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for the most recent updates.

Not sure who your state delegate and senator are? Visit Who’s My Legislator? to find out.

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Tracked Bills

Framework for Data Center Reform

More than 25 organizations across Virginia, including PEC, have formed the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition to urge state lawmakers to study the cumulative effects of data center development across Virginia, and to institute several reforms for the industry. If the Virginia General Assembly fails to take action, unchecked data center expansion will have a disastrous impact on ratepayers, our communities and the environment.

Four pillars make up the framework of the Coalition’s advocacy for responsible action and robust reform. In 2025, several bills were introduced to the Virginia General Assembly thanks to direct legislative and community mobilization action from organizations like PEC and our partners. Read more about the Four Pillars and related data center legislation this General Assembly session in our post.

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Legislative Updates

a large solar canopy on a parking lot on a college campus with blue sky above

In the Driver’s Seat on Parking Lot Solar

Since Virginia is still at the beginning of its energy transition, now is the perfect time to rebuild our energy system in a way that is just and fair to all Virginia residents and ratepayers …
Bills and Budget Amendments Post-Crossover

Bills and Budget Amendments Post-Crossover

Now at crossover, some notable progress has been made on a few key priorities of the environmental community …
| | General Assembly
Data Center Legislation in the 2024 Virginia General Assembly

Data Center Legislation in the 2024 Virginia General Assembly

Numerous pieces of legislation related to data center reform were introduced as part of the 2024 Virginia General Assembly Session. Unfortunately, the majority of the bills were defeated or carried over to the 2025 Virginia …
Three Advocacy Priorities That Need Your Attention

Three Advocacy Priorities That Need Your Attention

Since the General Assembly began its 2024 session, the newly-opened General Assembly office building and the Capitol have seen frenetic activity, day in and day out. Many bills that were introduced in January have now …
Representatives from several groups joined together at PEC’s o  ce on July 27 to kick o  a statewide data center reform coalition. Photo by Hugh Kenny

Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition

This growing coalition is made up of more than 25 environmental, conservation, historic preservation, and climate advocacy groups, as well as representatives of communities and neighborhoods across the state of Virginia. Together, we are urging …
| | Data Centers, General Assembly
aerial view of a General Assembly chamber

2024 General Assembly Begins

As you’ve probably noticed from an uptick in news out of Richmond, the Virginia General Assembly kicked off this Wednesday, Jan. 10.  …
aerial view of a General Assembly chamber

Conservation Community Priorities for the 2024 General Assembly

With the many issues facing Virginia throughout the upcoming session, PEC staff will work with VCN and other allies to testify before the legislature, speak about budget priorities and amendments, and help lead with our …