Southeast conservative renewables advocacy group Energy Right has found that Virginia voters largely support solar development in the state. Energy Right issued a survey last month to 861 likely voters on the topic of energy affordability and solutions to stabilizing those prices, including solar PV.
Terrain-following solar trackers awaiting commissioning at the Bartonsville Energy Facility, a 170 MW solar farm near Winchester, Virginia. Nevados
In nearly every survey category, 50% of respondents or greater indicated that they would support solar development, especially when it benefited local agriculture, economy, infrastructure and energy pricing, as well as using American-made components.
“The results are clear, working with communities to site responsible energy projects has never been more important,” said Blake Cox, COO of Energy Right. “For Virginia to meet the moment of this historic energy demand we are facing we must invest in generating energy here in the Commonwealth. Virginians want an all of the above approach to energy to ensure our affordability and security are prioritized here at home.”
Survey participants were asked about solar development related to its potential for tax revenue generation, how it can be implemented on agricultural land and the ability to curb the cost of electricity. Ninety-three percent of participants claimed they were concerned about energy affordability, and 83% hope the United States makes energy security a priority.
“Clean energy development continues to be a driving force of economic growth in Virginia, and this survey confirms it works best when it works for local communities,” said Skyler Zunk, CEO of Energy Right. “Voters are more likely to support projects that keep land in production, provide new income for farmers, and generate funding for schools and first responders—that’s a win for property rights, rural economies, and Virginia families.”
Energy Right conducted this poll with national firm Co/efficient.
News item from Energy Right
