Two bills aimed at helping the renewable energy business in Virginia have advanced in the State Legislature.
This story from the Richmond Times-Dispatch says the measures are part of Gov. Timothy Kaine’s eco-friendly “Renew Virginia” and cleared the Virginia Senate:
Senate Bill 1146, carried by Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, D-Arlington, would require the government to purchase diesel fuel for its vehicle fleet that contains at least 2 percent biodiesel.
The requirement would not apply if the cost of the biodiesel fuel exceeds the cost of regular diesel by more than 5 percent. Whipple estimated the measure would cost the state a maximum of $1.25 million.
The original legislation would have required that diesel fuel sold to any consumer contain at least 2 percent biodiesel. It also would have set a 10 percent cap on the price difference.
By a vote of 38-1, senators also passed another Kaine priority Senate Bill 1141, which would allocate $2 million in renewable energy property tax credits for individuals and corporations.
The bill, carried by Sen. L. Louise Lucas, D-Norfolk, provides credits for the installation of solar electric generation, solar heating systems and wind-powered electrical generators.