Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has submitted legislation to the 36th Legislature seeking approval of two major Coastal Zone Management permits that would allow construction of utility-scale solar energy facilities on St. Thomas, Government House announced in a press release.

The measure, sent with the consent of the St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management Committee, would authorize solar projects at Rem. 17 Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, and Parcels 3B and 2, Estate Fortuna. The facilities mirror the scale and design of the solar farms at Estates Petronella and Hogensborg on St. Croix, which have added clean power and stability to that island’s grid, according to the press release.

Citing extraordinary circumstances under Title 12 of the Virgin Islands Code, Section 910, the proposal calls on the Legislature to act in place of the CZM Committee to accelerate permit approval in the public interest, the press release stated.

“Every Virgin Islander deserves power that is steady and affordable,” Bryan said. “I know families and small businesses in the St. Thomas and St. John district are tired of rolling blackouts and the stress that comes with them. These projects are critical to provide real relief, bring new cost-effective generation online, and reduce our dependence on imported fuel. Moving these permits forward quickly is the right step for our people and our energy future.”

According to the administration, swift action is essential to meet federal deadlines established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Executive Order 14315, issued July 7. Those provisions require substantial construction of eligible solar projects by Dec. 31 to qualify for incentives under Sections 48E and 45Y of the Internal Revenue Code. Advancing the permits now would help the territory secure federal benefits, lower long-term energy costs, and improve grid resilience.

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has reviewed the projects’ documentation, environmental assessments, and site plans. The St. Thomas CZM Committee met with the applicant on Nov. 7, 2025, confirming the projects’ consistency with environmental policies in Title 12 V.I.C. Sections 903 and 906. The proposed legislation maintains all environmental safeguards and monitoring while allowing construction to begin in time to meet energy reliability needs for St. Thomas and St. John, the release stated.

“These solar farms are a practical, proven, and people first response to chronic energy challenges,” Bryan said. “They add clean megawatts, improve reliability and give families and businesses tangible relief on their bills. I appreciate the Legislature’s partnership and ask senators to act with urgency so we can capture federal incentives and deliver the stability our residents deserve.”

If passed, the measure would allow immediate site work and interconnection activities so the projects can be operational by summer 2026. Construction and commissioning will proceed in coordination with the CZM Committee, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and other agencies upon confirmation of environmental compliance, the release stated.