Bryan sends bill to Legislature seeking approval of two St. Thomas solar project permits

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. transmitted proposed legislation to the 36th Legislature on Nov. 13, 2025, seeking approval of two major Coastal Zone Management permits for utility-scale solar facilities on St. Thomas.

According to Government House, the permits covered projects at Rem. 17 Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, and Parcel Nos. 3B and 2, Estate Fortuna.

The administration said the measure was submitted under Title 12, Section 910 of the Virgin Islands Code, asking the Legislature to act in place of the St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management Committee under extraordinary circumstances.

Government House said the Department of Planning and Natural Resources had reviewed project documentation, environmental assessments and site plans. It also said the St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management Committee was scheduled to meet with the applicant on Nov. 7, 2025, to confirm consistency with environmental policies in Title 12 V.I.C. Sections 903 and 906.

The administration said prompt action was needed to meet federal timelines cited in the applicant's filings, including a requirement that substantial construction begin by Dec. 31, 2025, for the projects to qualify for federal incentives under Internal Revenue Code Sections 48E and 45Y.

If approved, the legislation would allow site work and interconnection activities to move forward, with the projects targeted to enter service by summer 2026.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-sends-legislation-to-approve-two-major-czm-permits-for-st-thomas-solar-projects/