Background
Since Virginia has emerged as a state leading the way in utility-scale solar development, the issue of local solar has become increasingly prevalent. There are pre-existing, active statewide support and opposition groups that should be kept on Axton Solar’s radar.
Anti-Renewables Groups
Citizens for Responsible Solar: This opposition group is known for being vocal and persistent on Facebook, organizing in-person meetings, and attending community events to voice their opposition.
- They were the largest group to crop up in response to a failed sPower project in 2019. Ultimately, the project was cancelled in part to constraints imposed on the installation by nearby wetlands and cost issues. However, the Citizens for Responsible Solar views its failure as a victory for the opposition.
- In May of 2019, they successfully killed a 149 MW project in Culpeper County, Virginia by Maroon Solar. Their intense opposition caused County Commissioners and the Board of Supervisors to reject the project.
Essex County Conservation Alliance: This opposition group is focused on Virginia’s middle peninsula, but advocates for the protection of valuable farmland, which could apply to Henry and Pittsylvania Counties. They are vocal about their opposition to solar, making them worthy of flagging as they contribute to harmful misinformation.
Renewables Support Groups
Solar United Neighbors of Virginia: This supporter group is made up of advocates across the state including homeowners who have gone solar, Virginians interested in going solar, and people who work in the solar industry.
Chesapeake Climate Action Network: This group is primarily focused on stopping pipeline development. However, they advocate for utility-scale solar development as a way to build a better, more sustainable future for states like Virginia.
Virginia Land and Liberty Coalition: This coalition is a state-based group of local citizens who support renewable energy developments and promote educational information about solar energy.
