Notice of action: The Department of Environmental Quality is developing a regulation for energy storage. A regulation is a general rule governing people\\'s rights or conduct that is upheld by a state agency.

Regulation name: Small Energy Storage Facilities Permit by Rule (PBR)

Purpose of notice: The Department is seeking comments on 1) the proposal 2) the costs and benefits of the proposal 3) effects of the proposal on farm and forestland preservation and 4) impacts on small  businesses.

Public comment period: November 1, 2021 to December 2, 2021

Public comment stage: Notice of Public Comment

Description of proposed regulation: The Small Energy Storage PBR regulation establishes the specific criteria required for a complete application to construct and operate a small energy storage facility in Virginia. Key components of the regulation include: requirements for public notice and comment, analysis and impacts to natural, cultural and natural heritage resources, determining potential significant impact to those resources, and establishing an appropriate fee structure.

Federal  information: There are no federal requirements.

Locality particularly affected: There are no localities particularly affected by the proposed regulation amendments.

How to comment: The DEQ accepts written comments by hand-delivery, e-mail, fax and postal mail. Comments may also be submitted through the Public Forum feature of the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall web site at: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov . All written comments must include the full name, address and telephone number of the person commenting and be received by DEQ no later than on the last day of the comment period. All comments, exhibits and documents received are part of the public  record.

Availability of documents: The proposed text is available at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/permits-regulations/public-notices/renewable-energy

How a decision is made: After comments have been considered, the Department will make the final decision.