Toscano’s HB1686 (2011) Clears Path for SCC’s Approval of Pilot Solar Energy Generation Project
Charlottesville, VA

Responding to a 2011 Bill introduced by Delegate David Toscano, the State Corporation Commission on Wednesday approved Dominion Virginia Power’s request to initiate pilot solar-energy generation projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dominion proposes to construct up to 30 MW of solar distributed generation facilities, using approximately 30 – 50 installations that would be owned by Dominion but be placed on leased commercial, industrial and community locations, such as rooftops.

Cale Jaffe, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said that without the efforts of Delegate Toscano this project would not have been possible. “This is an essential first step towards the beginning of a solar energy boom in Virginia, and his bill was a key to the SCC approval”.

HB 1686, passed in the 2011 session, directed the SCC to consider for approval utility petitions for distributed solar energy generation facilities. Delegate Toscano, the patron of HB 1686 and the Democratic Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates, expressed pleasure at the SCC action.

“This effort shows that great things can be accomplished when environmental groups and utilities work together; this project could lead to a dramatic expansion of solar-energy generation in Virginia”

According to Dominion Virginia Power, the demonstration project should provide enough electricity to power about 6000 homes during peak daylight hours, and is estimated to add less than 20 cents to a typical residential electric bill. The initial phase of the project is expected by the end of 2013.

GLEN ALLEN, VA — Delegate David J. Toscano was unanimously elected new House Democratic Caucus Minority Leader by his Democratic peers in today’s Organizational Meeting held at the Wyndam Crossings in Glen Allen, Virginia.

“It has been an honor serving the Charlottesville-Albemarle community in the General Assembly for the last six years ” said Delegate Toscano. “As House Minority Leader, I look forward to continuing the work we have begun by building an effective House Caucus team that projects a positive vision for the Commonwealth and works to implement that vision for the benefit of her citizens over the next several years.”

Toscano was overwhelmingly re-elected to serve a fourth term to represent Virginia’s 57^th district in the House of Delegates earlier this month.  He was first elected to represent the 57^th district in 2005, upon the retirement of former Delegate Mitch Van Yahres.  Toscano previously served for twelve years on Charlottesville City Council (1990-2002), including one term as mayor (1992-1994).  Toscano and his wife, Nancy Tramontin, and their son Matthew reside in the City of Charlottesville.

Toscano officially took the reins as the new Minority Leader following the unanimous vote today.  He replaces former House Minority Leader, Delegate Ward Armstrong, who lost his re-election bid to the House of Delegates this year.