Politics

One bill would establish a new program for Appalachian Power customers to buy energy from solar developers, while another would expand Dominion Energy’s existing program.

In what appears to be a deliberate political maneuver, the 12 Democrats on the House Rules Committee voted to send Griffin’s bill to the floor as a way to get Republicans on record.

The bills were sponsored by Del. Phillip Scott, R-Spotsylvania County, and Del. Tim Griffin, R-Bedford County.

The bill’s sponsor said he intended to start a conversation on the challenge of resolving a state-versus-local tension when it comes to meeting Virginia’s clean-energy goals.

The proposed legislation would create a shared solar program for Appalachian Power customers and expand an existing program for Dominion Energy customers. Shared solar allows a customer to buy electricity from a solar company and receive credit for it on their electric bill.

The board would have the power to review the cost of certain drugs annually.

The bill was carried by Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke. A similar measure has already passed the state Senate.

A judge declined to issue a permanent protective order that council critic Gary Taylor had sought against councilman Marty Misjuns. Taylor will be in court Tuesday, accused of violating a protective order that Misjuns has against him.

The resort wants an emergency access road to connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Rep. Bob Good has introduced a bill to make this happen.

The General Assembly is considering bills intended to boost the state’s ability to lure more film productions. Virginia ranks 32nd out of 40 states and territories that use tax credits and grants available to the film industry, and 10th out of 11 states in the South and Mid-Atlantic regions.