The Virginia Supreme Court convened on January 1, 2025, to hear arguments in the case of 240315 West Virginia & Appalachian Laborers’ District Council v. State Corporation Commission, et al., focusing on the commission's decision regarding local hiring conditions for the Sycamore Cross Solar Project.

The primary contention arose from the commission's failure to impose a local hiring requirement despite a study indicating that the project could lead to significant local employment. The laborers' representatives argued that the commission should have mandated a plan for local hiring to align with the Commonwealth's Clean Energy Policy, which aims to create green jobs. They criticized the commission for not including conditions that would ensure local workers benefited from the project, despite evidence suggesting that many construction jobs in Virginia are filled by out-of-state workers.

The commission defended its decision, stating that it acted within its discretion as the statute does not explicitly require local hiring conditions. They emphasized that the absence of such a requirement does not invalidate their orders, asserting that they considered the evidence presented, including testimony about the economic benefits of the project.

The discussion also highlighted the need for the commission to provide clear reasoning for its decisions, especially when it chooses not to impose conditions that could benefit local economies. The laborers' counsel pointed out that the commission's orders seemed to contradict legislative goals aimed at supporting local employment and economic development.

As the court deliberates, the outcome could have significant implications for future renewable energy projects in Virginia, particularly regarding local hiring practices and the balance between rapid energy deployment and community benefits. The case underscores ongoing tensions between economic development and the need for equitable job opportunities in the region.