2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101731D

HOUSE BILL NO. 115

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 2, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 11.1 of Title 10.1 an article numbered 6, consisting of a section numbered 10.1-1197.12, relating to Waste to Energy Grant Program established; report.

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Patron—Ward

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 11.1 of Title 10.1 an article numbered 6, consisting of a section numbered 10.1-1197.12, as follows:

Article 6.

Waste to Energy Grant Program.

§ 10.1-1197.12. Waste to Energy Grant Program established; report.

A. As used in this section:

"Eligible locality" means a county, city, or town located in Planning District 23.

"Qualifying waste to energy plant" means a facility located in Planning District 23 that combusts waste for the purpose of generating steam or other forms of useful energy, including industrial process heat, mechanical power, or electricity.

B. The Department shall establish the Waste to Energy Grant Program (the Program) to incentivize eligible localities to dispose of their waste through use of a qualifying waste to energy plant.

C. Subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, the Department shall award eligible localities a grant of $30,000 on a first-come, first-served basis for costs incurred in disposing of their waste through use of a qualifying waste to energy plant. In order to apply for a grant, an eligible locality shall submit an application to the Department, which shall include (i) the qualifying waste to energy plant utilized by the eligible locality; (ii) the amount of waste disposed of at such plant; and (iii) a signed agreement, bill of sale, or invoice between the eligible locality and the qualifying waste to energy plant showing that such locality disposed of its waste at such plant. The Department shall administer the Program and issue guidelines for its administration.

D. No later than December 31 of any year in which grants are awarded pursuant to the Program, the Department shall submit a report, including information on the utilization of the Program and its impact on waste management and energy production in localities receiving grants pursuant to subsection C, to the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.