Democrats gain in Virginia legislature

Good morning! Here are updates on some key energy-related races from yesterday’s election, based on preliminary results. 

ENN’s regular newsletters will return tomorrow.

VIRGINIA: In the first election under a new electoral map, Democrats now control both houses of the legislature; advocates had raised concerns that Republican majorities would have imperiled the state’s clean energy standard and other policies. (E&E News)

TEXAS: Voters approved a state energy fund to provide low interest loans for new generation; language in the bill essentially restricts this to natural gas-fired power plants. (Texas Tribune)

KENTUCKY: Voters re-elected Democratic Gov. Andy Bashear, who while promoting an ​“all of the above” approach to energy helped land billions in clean energy manufacturing investments; Bashear’s opponent had pledged more aggressive support for fossil fuels. (E&E News)

POLITICS: While the 2024 election will be pivotal for U.S. action on climate change, it was largely reproductive rights that helped Democrats exceed expectations this year, including in Ohio where voters passed a constitutional amendment preserving abortion access by a significant margin. (Financial Times, New York Times)

ELSEWHERE:

• Maine voters rejected a measure that would have created a consumer-owned utility, after a campaign in which proponents were outspent 40 to 1. (Maine Morning Star)
• Inspired by controversy over a proposed power line to import Canadian hydropower, Maine voters approved a measure that prohibits foreign companies from spending money to influence referendums. (Maine Public)
• A related measure that requires a statewide referendum for utilities to take on more than $1 billion in debt also passed in Maine. (Fox23)
• In another state where ambitious clean energy policies were at risk, Democrats expanded control of the New Jersey legislature in an election in which all 120 seats were up for grabs. (New Jersey Monitor, E&E News)