A Fairer Future: Ensuring Clean Energy Benefits Rural Virginia

As a member of the Bedford Agricultural Economic Advisory Board, I've had the privilege of working alongside community members and the Bedford County Board of Supervisors representing all sides of the political spectrum. Together, we've successfully advocated for policies that protect Bedford County from predatory energy practices that threaten our rural communities—policies we've opposed regardless of whether they originated from Republicans or Democrats.

Energy is understandably a top priority for Virginia consumers and legislators alike. While I strongly support renewable energy, the current approach of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) disproportionately impacts rural counties like those in District 51. Farmland across communities in Southside are being rapidly converted for large-scale solar projects, threatening our agricultural economy, heritage, and local ecosystems. To address this, we need stronger land-use protections, such as preserving prime agricultural soils, enforcing minimum setbacks from residential areas, and requiring impact studies on local wildlife, water resources and local economies. Additionally, we should provide incentives to direct solar installations onto already developed areas, including rooftops, abandoned industrial sites (brownfields), parking lots, and other non-agricultural land.

Furthermore, we must address the immense energy demand created by Northern Virginia’s data centers and the proposed construction of new data centers in rural Virginia. These facilities significantly strain our energy grid, often relying on extensive solar farms placed on rural land to offset their energy consumption. I advocate for tailored regulations requiring data centers to utilize energy-efficient practices, invest directly in local renewable projects, and contribute fairly to grid infrastructure improvements. We need a robust plan for grid modernization, increased energy storage capabilities, and infrastructure investments to prevent blackouts, maintain reliability, and keep energy costs affordable for rural residents who frequently bear the brunt of rapid transitions in energy policy.

Just as I've advocated for years, I will continue to stress that local control is crucial. Too many solar projects advance without meaningful community input, offering minimal local employment and limited long-term economic benefits. I support legislation giving counties greater authority to shape solar development to align with community needs and requiring solar companies to contribute tangible benefits, such as investments in local schools, road maintenance, and community infrastructure.

I'm committed to a smarter, more balanced clean energy transition that safeguards our farmers, rural communities, and energy consumers. Let's continue working together to ensure that District 51 and rural Virginia thrive sustainably for generations to come. My priority will always be advocating for what's right for District 51. #PeopleOverPolitics