This month, Conservatives for Clean Energy — VA conducted and released a poll focussed on Virginians’ opinions on clean energy development across the Commonwealth. The results are eye opening: folks of all ideologies, ages, and folks from every region of the state identified key aspects of energy development that they support. Not surprisingly, individual property rights, the notion that YOU have the right to use YOUR land however YOU please, won the day. Property rights are sacred and core to the American dream–our Founders made their support for property rights explicit during the founding of our country. Protecting these rights are fundamental to conservative leadership in Virginia, and our Land & Liberty Coalition is proud to stand up for like minded Conservatives.
Virginian’s support the right of landowners to build solar projects by a 90% to 10% margin.
Virginians recognize that solar development is a safe, gentle use of land that is compatible with countless types of neighbors. Solar projects do not pollute, smell, make noise, or require intensive upkeep. They sit quietly in sunlight and power our homes and businesses. Whereas only 22% of people support a housing development being built in their locality and even fewer, 11% support an industrial use, a clear majority of Virginia (60%) support a solar project being built nearby.
An overwhelming 61% to 21% majority agree in an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that lowers dependence on fossil fuels over time.
An “all-of-the-above” strategy at the national level allowed the Trump Administration to achieve energy independence from foreign producers. Employed at the state level, the strategy can ensure clean air, clean water, and economic development in rural Virginia. To achieve this goal, 55% of Virginians support putting more emphasis on solar energy development, compared to 21% who would like to see less.
When Virginian’s know that solar projects can help provide income to farmers as well as revenue for schools, they are more likely to support solar by 62% to 11% margin.
Like energy development in fuel-rich states across the country, local production of energy powers schools and community services like first responders. Tax revenues from solar developments provide local governments with the flexibility to improve local infrastructure while also providing the option to lower taxes for all residents. The message is clear: Virginians are ready for clean energy development and the benefits it brings.
Take a closer look at the survey results below.
Conservatives for Clean Energy-VA (CCE-VA) announced the formation of the Land and Liberty Coalition in Virginia, tapping Skyler Zunk to lead the effort. The Land and Liberty Coalition (L&LC) is a state-based group of local citizens who support renewable energy developments. The coalition consists of farmers, land owners, and key stakeholders who are concerned about protecting their private property rights, developing their communities, and being good stewards of the land. L&LC empowers individuals and communities to take control of their energy future by providing objective, relevant information and helping citizens organize as effective advocates.
A lifelong Virginian, Skyler will work to shepherd clean energy innovation across the Commonwealth. “Skyler brings the skill and localized experience Virginia needs to reach the next level of energy development,” said CCE-VA Director Ron Butler. “The Land & Liberty Coalition will focus on preserving individual freedom and property rights across Virginia.”
Most recently, Skyler served as Director of Operations on Delegate Kirk Cox’s bid for Governor. Delegate Cox said, “Skyler is an excellent choice to lead the Land and Liberty Coalition in Virginia. I know Skyler appreciates the natural beauty and complexity of our Commonwealth, and he will be an effective advocate for property rights and renewable energy.”
Previously, Skyler was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt’s Special Assistant. At the Department of the Interior, Skyler witnessed large-scale energy projects in all phases of development on public land from the Hoover Dam to solar projects in the Mojave Desert to oil flats in south Florida. In this role, he saw first hand how an all-of-the-above energy strategy led the United States to energy independence, and clean energy development in Virginia will make the Commonwealth an energy leader in the Southeast.
Doug Domenech, a former Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources under Governor Bob McDonnell and a former Interior Assistant Secretary in the Trump Administration applauded Skyler’s selection: “Zunk is an excellent, hard-working addition to the team. I know the Secretary relied on him. Virginians want affordable and reliable energy produced in an environmentally responsible way.”
“During Skyler’s time as a student at Washington and Lee University, he volunteered for countless conservative causes to make our Commonwealth a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Delegate Ronnie Campbell (R-Rockbridge), “I know he will bring the same level of dedication to this conservative effort to bring responsible and effective energy development in the Valley.”
Skyler’s volunteer efforts placed him in leadership roles within the College Republicans and on the 6th Congressional District Republican Committee. An Eagle Scout, Skyler enjoys the outdoors by hiking, kayaking, and hunting.
We are successfully are fighting back
By Ron Butler
July 15th, 2021
Across Virginia there is a battle taking place between landowners and government officials. I’m not talking about government overreach we see from liberals at the federal or state level. This is coming from a faction of so-called conservatives in government at the local level. While conservatives typically are on the side of Constitutional rights, some are turning their backs on these fundamental principles by passing ordinances blocking landowners from creating solar or wind farms to generate electricity.
While it is appropriate for counties and cities to have reasonable ordinances that protect the common good of the community, they also must respect the freedom and rights of the individual, including property rights.
This week the Augusta County Planning Commission voted on a proposal that would have put severe restrictions on solar farms, even areas zone for future industrial uses. Conservatives for Clean Energy – Virginia sent letters to the planning commission urging them to oppose these restrictions. In a win for the Constitutional rights of property owners the planning commission voted 5-1 not to adopt this anti-solar, anti-property rights legislation.
Covering the Augusta meeting the News Virginian wrote, “Donna Miller, who together with her brother works a 700-acre farm in Grottoes, said farming is hard work and financially stressful. She and her brother are getting older and want to retire. With no immediate family member wanting to take over the farm operations, solar presents a viable alternative that allows them to retire and keep the land in the family.”
A hundred miles south in Pittsylvania County local leaders like Supervisor Ben Farmer have also stood up and defended the rights of property owners who want to use their land for solar. In the Star-Tribune Farmer said, “It helps everyone out. We collect more taxes compared to the land-use. I voted for this, and I still believe today that it is the right of a property owner to do what they want with their land. If something is built legally and per code, every property owner has the right to do so. That’s how I felt when I voted and I feel that same way today.”
The importance of private property rights is clear to anyone who studies the American founding documents. In the minds of the Framers, property rights were indispensable to the success of America and a fundamental role of government was to protect these property rights of individuals.
Founding father John Adams said of private property rights, “Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.” Likewise Virginian James Madison wrote in The Federalist, that government is instituted no less for the protection of property than people or individuals.
Conservatives for Clean Energy – Virginia serves as a voice for the many conservatives who want to protect their property rights while expanding the availability of clean energy sources in Virginia.