Written by Lindsay Watts, Virginia Beach, Virginia
What does climate action look like in Hampton Roads? From solar-powered schools and energy-efficient buildings to environmental justice legislation and community resilience planning, local leaders are working to turn climate goals into meaningful progress.
The Sierra Club's Coastal Virginia and York River Groups recently hosted the 5th Annual Hampton Roads Climate Solutions Roundtable for Southside Communities, bringing together elected officials, environmental advocates, regional planners, and representatives from local governments to discuss ongoing efforts to address climate change throughout our region. We were joined by Delegate Bonita Anthony from District 92, Whitney Katchmark from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Corrina Bell from the Sierra Club's Virginia Chapter, Lori Herrick Bordon from the City of Virginia Beach, Trevor McPhail-Vuono from Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Megan Hale from the City of Norfolk, Gerry Jones from the City of Suffolk, and Andi Kerley from the City of Chesapeake, for presentations that highlighted both the progress being made and the opportunities ahead as Hampton Roads works toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Advancing Environmental Justice and Clean Energy Legislation
Delegate Bonita Anthony, representing portions of Norfolk and Chesapeake in the Virginia House of Delegates, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of environmental justice in regional planning. She highlighted recent legislation aimed at ensuring that communities disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental hazards are considered in transportation, infrastructure, and resilience decisions.
Corrina Bell of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter shared several environmental legislative victories from Virginia's 2026 General Assembly session. Among the most exciting developments is legislation allowing small plug-in solar systems, sometimes called balcony solar, beginning January 1, 2027. These systems could make renewable energy more accessible to renters and homeowners who cannot install traditional rooftop solar panels. Bell also discussed legislation supporting responsible solar development and addressing PFAS contamination in biosolids.
Turning Regional Climate Plans into Action
Whitney Katchmark of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) provided an update on the region's Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, completed in November 2025. With the planning process complete, attention is shifting toward implementation. HRPDC is developing new public education initiatives, including energy-saving kits that residents will be able to borrow to identify opportunities to reduce household energy consumption.
These efforts reflect the importance of regional collaboration in addressing challenges that extend beyond individual city boundaries.
Solar Energy Is Making a Difference in Virginia Beach
Representatives from the City of Virginia Beach and Virginia Beach City Public Schools shared updates on efforts to expand renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.
Lori Herrick Bordon, Virginia Beach's Energy Management Administrator, discussed municipal solar projects, electric vehicle infrastructure, and initiatives to reduce energy consumption across city facilities.
Trevor McPhail-Vuono, Energy Manager for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, highlighted the school division's growing solar program, including a new installation at Newcastle Elementary School that began generating electricity in September 2026.
Perhaps most notably, the school division reported approximately $145,000 in savings through its solar energy purchasing program. With additional installations planned for 2027, these projects demonstrate how investments in clean energy can benefit both the environment and taxpayers while creating educational opportunities for students.
Norfolk Expands Sustainability Initiatives
Megan Hale, Environmental Manager for the City of Norfolk, shared updates on the city's renewable energy, energy conservation, and clean transportation initiatives.
Solar installations at two Norfolk fire stations have generated more than 580,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, while the city's electric vehicle charging infrastructure continues to expand. Norfolk has also introduced Energy Detective Kits that residents can borrow to identify opportunities to reduce energy waste at home.
These initiatives demonstrate how local governments can lead by example while providing residents with practical tools to participate in climate solutions.
Suffolk and Chesapeake Plan for a Sustainable Future
Gerry Jones, Deputy City Manager for the City of Suffolk, discussed the city's efforts to incorporate energy efficiency into municipal buildings and expand renewable energy development. Since 2020, Suffolk has approved 13 solar farms, highlighting the growing role of renewable energy in the region.
Andi Kerley, Senior Planner for the City of Chesapeake, presented highlights from the city's newly adopted Chesapeake 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The plan includes 51 policies focused on the environment and resilience, addressing issues such as recurrent flooding, sea-level rise, open-space preservation, and protection of sensitive natural habitats.
For a region as vulnerable to rising seas and recurrent flooding as Hampton Roads, incorporating conservation and climate resilience into long-term planning is essential.
Looking Ahead
One of the most encouraging themes of this year's roundtable was the shift from climate planning to tangible action. Across Hampton Roads, communities are expanding renewable energy, improving efficiency, strengthening environmental protections, and finding innovative ways to prepare for a changing climate.
While significant challenges remain, these efforts demonstrate what is possible when local governments, environmental organizations, and community members work together. The Coastal Virginia Sierra Club remains committed to advocating for clean energy, protecting our natural resources, and supporting climate solutions that benefit everyone in our region.
We thank our speakers, organizers, and everyone who participated in this year's roundtable for their dedication to building a more sustainable Hampton Roads.