Subcommittee advances pilot allowing localities to help fund undergrounding of transmission lines HB 1487 would create a pilot allowing local governments to contribute to the incremental cost of undergrounding high-voltage lines; Dominion and local governments expressed support for a negotiated draft but data center stakeholders cautioned about costs; the subcommittee reported the substitute 7–1.

Virginia's new pilot program could revolutionize how localities fund underground transmission lines, but will it balance costs for data centers?

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Panel moves bill to apply Virginia prevailing-wage rules to underground utility work Del. Simons' HB260 would extend prevailing-wage requirements to underground utility infrastructure work on public or regulated projects to boost safety and workforce development; labor and trade groups supported it while questions were raised about cost effects; reported to Appropriations with amendments.

Virginia's new bill aims to elevate safety and wages for underground utility workers, with strong backing from labor groups amidst concerns over potential cost impacts.

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