As outlined in our Legislative Agenda, the Chamber supports access to a broad energy portfolio that provides the ability for our Region to thrive and grow. According to Statista, over the past 20 years, the United States has continuously had a high demand for energy, coming in second place after China among the world's main energy consumers. The growth of the Region will continue to require a wide range of energy sources, many of which have positive impacts on the environment. This urges a hyperfocus on energy-efficient solutions for our business communities. Energy policies that the Chamber supports include:
- Cost-effective, future-focused, and data-driven climate resiliency standards.
- Use of tax credits and design flexibility to make climate resiliency standards affordable.
- Continued and appropriate utilization of energy sources such as natural gas, nuclear power, renewable energy, and cost-effective green building construction.
- Usage of innovative energy technologies such as biofuels, hydrogen, solar, and wind.
- The use of innovative technologies in energy such as biofuels, hydrogen, solar, and wind in the Commonwealth.
Our members in the utility industry, including Washington Gas and Dominion Energy, are also taking steps to improve sustainability in the Region. Their efforts are centered around energy efficiency, educating the public on programs and energy initiatives in the Region, and clean, reliable energy solutions.
Washington Gas invests in infrastructure modernization, venting management, and integrating lower-carbon fuels into their energy portfolio, with over 1.2 million customers in D.C. They highlight building and transportation solutions that include natural gas vehicles (NGVs), a clean and reliable source of diesel and gasoline that doesn’t harm the earth, and combined heat and power (CHP), known as cogeneration, that uses natural gas for various energy outlets. They also support the PowerPath D.C. Initiative to help identify the best energy solutions to grow D.C.’s energy delivery systems. On December 4th, 2023, they applied to the Virginia State Corporation Commission for funding to construct a new interconnect and associated infrastructure, which will enable the company to receive and transfer renewable natural gas (RNG) from a biogas production facility at the Prince William County Landfill into the company's integrated natural gas distribution system. First deliveries are expected in late 2024 or early 2025.
Dominion Energy has made it a top priority to provide reliable and affordable energy systems to consumers. They heavily support and advocate for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In addition to contributing to the development of the biggest offshore wind farm in the United States, they have helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation by 47% since 2005 and methane emissions from natural gas operations by 38% since 2010.
Our utility members are active in the Chamber and business community, always seeking to learn more about business needs on a wide variety of energy-related issues. To read more, please click here to visit Washington Gas and Dominion Energy’s website.
