DEQ's renewable energy goals:

What is DEQ's role in the development of renewable energy?

In 2009, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation directing DEQ to develop regulations for the construction and operation of renewable energy projects of 100 megawatts and less. DEQ’s regulations must take the form of permits by rule. The first permit by rule – for wind projects – was developed in 2009-10 and went into effect on December 22, 2010. The solar and combustion permits by rule are currently undergoing Executive Review, which will be followed by a public comment period. The General Assembly required that all permits by rule become final by July 2012.

In addition to PBR's for wind, solar, and combustion based resources, the 2009 statute directed DEQ to develop a PBR for water related resources, that is falling water, wave motion, tides and geothermal recources, if considered by the Department to be necessary and appropriate. After careful consideration of the issues, the Water Related RAP recommended, and the DEQ director agreed, that it is not necessary or appropriate at this time and under current conditions, for DEQ to develop a PBR regulation for projects that generate electricity from falling water, wave motion, tides, or geothermal resources.The RAP further recommended that DEQ re-evaluate the potential need for a PBR regulation concerning these water related resources in 2014, or sooner if circumstances or public requests so indicate. For information regarding the Director's decision concerning water related resources, please see the Water Related Energy webpage.

Stay current

Please contact Carol Wampler at (804) 698-4579 or carol.wampler@deq.virginia.gov with any questions.

Updated 1.9.12