(SB1342)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 1342, that would require regulated Phase I and Phase II to take action to make efficiency improvements to at least 30% of qualifying households.

The SCC already has the authority to approve energy efficiency and demand side management programs. This bill specifically calls out the use of fuel oils and converting from those units to more electric equipment, potentially restricting consumer energy choice.

Finally, during the 2024 General Assembly Session, I signed HB746 and SB565 into law, stating that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to achieve the greatest energy consumption reductions that are in the public interest.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.